Alumni

Alumni

When students leave Rossall, they automatically become lifetime members of The Rossallian Club. The Rossallian Club is a great way to keep in touch with news from School, as well as staying connected to the worldwide network of Old Rossallians.

The Rossallian Club runs a number of events each year and offers a variety of ways to network with Old Rossallians. We keep in regular contact with our Alumni and are always happy to hear about their memories of Rossall and the amazing experiences that they had here.

Ariel Qi (R 2003-2005)

My time at Rossall has been a unique journey shared among the closest people in my life. I’ve met my friends for life there. With the support of the school teachers and the community under the influence of being a Rossallian, it really helped my transition from China.

Anastasia Guledani (Dn 2019-2021)

My time at Rossall was unforgettable. Rossall showed me the beauty of diversity and unity. During my 2 years at Rossall I chaired the international society where we celebrated diversity, because diversity is what makes Rossall, Rossall. Meeting people all around the world and getting to know their cultures helped me to grow as an individual. Rossall taught me to never give up, and always strive to become the best version of myself.

Rossallians Online

You can join the Rossallians Online today to find and network with friends, colleagues and receive the latest news, events and updates.

This is a site where our former students can post a question for the community, see upcoming Old Rossallian events, browse pictures from previous events and book a tour of Rossall to revisit the school.

It also has news updates on how the Rossall Foundation is supporting the school and offers the opportunity to make a donation. Former students can also connect with their old classmates or post a request for professional support such as a career question or mentor.

It is a great way to stay connected and utilise the network and resources still available to former students.

Case Studies

Rossall has many fantastic alumni, here we present some case studies showing how much life at Rossall contributed to their progress and future lives.

Sam Ayoma

(MF 2008-2022)

Lex Bilby

(Pe 2014-2020)

Marie Melsheimer

(R 2021-22)

Lauren Stephens

(D 2009-2016)

My biggest achievement thus far, and I hope there will be many more, is founding my own company. After working freelance for a few years I founded “Musical Theater Society Berlin” in January 2019 (Age 21). MTS is an English-speaking amateur musical theatre society based in the centre of Berlin. Every year MTS gets stronger, the problems change and I am learning to fight new fires every day. 

Despite academically preparing me, the biggest things I learnt at Rossall could not have been taught in a classroom. Being a part of too many activities to even count, especially the CCF, taught me immense time management skills. Working full time and running my own company definitely requires precise planning. I was also involved in a variety of activities such as Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, CCF, CCF Band, Orchestra, Hockey, Drama (Acting & Musical Theatre), Dance Club & Farrell Society. 

I started working with the OR committee during lockdown by producing and editing the first virtual OR carol service. Being part of this very special community doesn’t just mean getting a fancy badge or tie (although these two things are definitely worn with pride). I find it really interesting and exciting to be part of this OR network. Even after having left school, I meet people with whom I have something in common, but may have not necessarily known in my time at school. I also really appreciate the connections I made at school with the teachers. It is really nice to use what I learnt at school and then discuss this with my former teachers at OR events or just keep in touch with them via email.

The first few events for the Rossallian Club when you are a student are reduced in price and will give you so many opportunities to interact with ORs of all ages. It’s also a really good step-stone into the real world and can be a really helpful guide. The German dinner was the first OR event I attended just after having moved to Germany, and it gave me a sense of comfort somewhere abroad; it also made me feel like I’m never too far away from someone I know. I have been to three in total; two in Munich and one in Hamburg. It is great to meet up with some former teachers, like Dr Dohmen, as well as some of the OR committee and school representatives. I have quite a few friends in Berlin who I either met at school or at the German dinners. 

In terms of my advice to anyone considering studying at Rossall, take every opportunity by the hand. Dr. Winkley said to us on our first day “Rossall will be what you make of it”. If you take every opportunity possible and immerse yourself fully in the “Rossall Culture” it will be the best time of your life, whether your passions lie in academia, the arts or sports. 

Rebecca Wang

(Pn 2010-2015)

Rebecca is a postgraduate student studying at the University of the Arts London. Her major is Design for Art Direction and she is in her final year and has chosen to feature Rossall as her subject matter for her final piece of work. 

On her visit back to school, we took the opportunity to interview her about her Rossall experience as we visited the areas that hold a lot of memories for Rebecca. There was one particularly proud moment where Rebecca spotted the pictures she had taken were still proudly displayed near the Art classrooms.

Dylan Tran

(Pe 2018- 2020)

What are you studying at University?

I am currently studying for an Economics BSc degree in university.

What have you learnt from Rossall that you have taken forward into your further studies?

I learnt how to write and structure essays in my History and English Literature for A Levels, it has paved the way for me to achieve First Class marks in my modules.

What difference did coming to Rossall make to your education and your University studies?

By coming to Rossall, I have managed to learn how to be focused and disciplined in any task I am doing, educational or otherwise. 

What is the most important thing that Rossall taught you?

The most important thing I have learned has to be the importance of interpersonal relationships and maintaining connections with friends or even making new connections with other people.

 What were your first impressions of the school?

My first thought was this school looks like fun and would help me learn more about who I wanted to be.

Outside of the classroom, did you take part in any other activities?

I took part in Football, Fives, Chess Club, and helped out in Anchor House. I was also House Captain and School Monitor.

How did Rossall help prepare you for University?

Rossall has helped me to become more disciplined and helped me to be more confident in myself. 

How would you sum up your time at Rossall in one word?

Enjoyable.

Olivia Gregory

(Rose 2011-2018)

What did you study at University?

BSc Neuroscience at The University of Manchester

Can you tell us a bit about your job role now and your career progression please?

I am a Medical Writer at Havas Lynx Group, a creative healthcare communications agency based in Manchester. I joined their graduate scheme in August 2021 after searching for a role that would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with a creative flair, and so far it has been the perfect fit!

We can see you were an Activities Leader & Pastoral Support Staff at Rossall, what was involved in this?

During the COVID-19 pandemic many international students were unable to fly home for the school holidays, so Rossall developed a program of activities over the Christmas and Easter breaks. Here I took on the role of activities leader and pastoral support staff member – working alongside a team of activities staff members, we put on events to bring the school holiday fun to students during a difficult time.

You seem to have a strong connection to Rossall in terms of supporting the school fundraising and the support roles that you have held since leaving, what is it that encourages you to continue to cultivate that relationship with the school?

I have felt a strong connection to the school since leaving, through spending time working there in between my University studies and now having family members who attend the school. Going back to visit now feels like home and like I never left!

What is the most important thing that Rossall taught you?

The greatest things happen outside of your comfort zone.

What were your first impressions of the school?

As a small 11-year-old… Big!

What would you say to any student who is considering studying at Rossall?

Rossall provides far more than a typical school experience – you will leave with a network of friends from all over the World and an endless list of stories that you’ll be telling your grandchildren!

Tell us about your experience as Deputy School Captain.

It was an honour to be Deputy School Captain during my final year at Rossall – I had the opportunity to connect with Old Rossallians, attend events and finish my time as a student there with the highly anticipated prize day speech.

Outside of the classroom, did you take part in any other activities?

I was part of the girls hockey first team amongst being involved in other sports, including netball and athletics. Despite having never picked up a hockey stick until my first day at Rossall, the memories I made both on and off the astroturf taught me life-long lessons that couldn’t be learned in a classroom.

How did Rossall help prepare you for University?

Having a dedicated University and careers advisor to speak to was invaluable in the process of applying and preparing for University – I was incredibly uncertain when it came to planning the road I wanted to go down after Rossall, but the patience and guidance of teachers and Sixth Form staff was very reassuring (even when I had a completely new career plan every other week!).

You also participated in the telephone appeal for the Rossall Foundation, can you tell us a bit about your experience with that?

It was great to reach out to other Old Rossallians on the telephone campaign in 2018 – many of them shared fond memories of their time at Rossall and it was lovely to hear them reminisce.

How would you sum up your time at Rossall in one word?

Unforgettable.

Gillian King

(Dn 85-92), President of the Rossallian Club

Looking at your job title, Global Head of Cybersecurity Programme, that sounds like a varied and interesting role, can you tell us more about your career path?
I’d like to say that it was all planned, but that would be a lie! I started off in accountancy post-university, where I studied Economics at Durham. I soon realised, however, that whilst I enjoyed the academics of accounting, a repetitive job was never going to suit me, so I took time out to do my MBA and moved into change management. Given my background, I specialised in Financial Services and worked on some pretty big programmes, Lloyds – HBOS merger, Abbey Santander merger and then eventually ending up at HSBC. I started working on the Cyber programme in 2017 and was hooked – it’s fast moving, so I don’t get bored!

Did Rossall influence your career choices in any way?
It influenced my university choices and it all went from there…

What skills did you learn at school that have helped you in your career and life post Rossall?
Time management. I am frequently asked how I fit in a career, 4 children, 2 dogs, as well as my hobbies and I always answer that Rossall did that for me.

What is your role and responsibilities in the OR Club?
I am the President of the Rossallian Club. I am very proud to be the first ever female president. It is my responsibility to chair the Committee and be the face of the Club. In reality, it is a massive team effort. We have lots of events being planned and we are hoping to start to offer more in terms of networking, career support, help and advice to the younger members too.

What does being an OR mean to you?
So many things. Primarily it is friendship. I have a whole range of friends of so many different ages – many of whom I never knew before. We are all members of an alumni that we can use to support us, but which also provides us with the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and generally have a lovely time!

Upon leaving Rossall, students automatically become a part of the OR Club. What would you say to Alumni that are new to the OR Club?
Use us! We hold events in different areas of the country which is a great way to catch up, socialise and network. We have thousands of members in many different professions. Want some advice on choosing a profession? Ask an OR who does it. Want some interview tips or introductions for your chosen area? Ask an OR who works in that field. Feeling lonely when you are embarking on your first post-Rossall era? Come to an event. If you need your CV enhancing, send me a message!

Which OR Event stood out to you as being the best and why?
Either the OR’s Carol Service or the OR weekend for the same reason. The atmosphere is always incredible. There are always so many different people there, celebrating being part of something wonderful.

What would you say to any student who is considering studying at Rossall?
Live every moment. Rossall has many opportunities. Make the most of the opportunities, work hard, but enjoy your time too.

Outside of the classroom, did you take part in any other activities whilst at Rossall?
Yes! Music and drama filled most of my curriculum. I was in the choir, the band (made Captain in my final year) and the orchestra. I studied piano, clarinet and singing. I did all of the LAMDA exams and won so many trophies, that there wasn’t enough room for them all on my Mum’s fireplace. I also took part in most of the plays and musicals in some form or other.

Seb Cave

(MC 20-22)

Alumni Seb Cave (MC 20-22) has been named in this year’s England Golf Men’s Squad for season 2022-23. Here is what he had to say about his time at Rossall: 

My experience at Rossall really supported me in what I have achieved in my career so far. Being able to practice golf every day on site, whilst still being able to keep up with my work has given me the opportunity to go and play golf and study in America. Without Rossall, this wouldn’t have been possible. My aspirations are to become the number one player in the world one day and have a very successful career on tour.

My greatest achievement is representing my country at both boys’ and men’s level. It’s a great experience and one that I am very proud of. I loved my time at Rossall.

My best Rossall memory would be winning national champs in my last year. Playing the way that we did and winning it for Rossall was a great feeling. 

I would definitely recommend Rossall, not just to golfers, but to anyone looking for a great education and a great experience.

Revd. Canon Deborah Parsons

(neé Hills J & Dn 1977-1984)

I`ve recently been installed as Canon Chancellor of Exeter Cathedral, a role which compliments my  parochial ministry in Totnes and weaves together my love of pastoral care, my passion for nurturing  people who would describe themselves as spiritual but not religious and my love of alternative and creative worship. 

I`ve known since I was a teenager that I was called to spiritual life. It was never a case of if but  when and perhaps that call into leadership was discerned by my appointment as a Rossall Award Leader, Head Chapel Warden and School Monitor. 

A pioneer at Rossall School, I was one of the first eleven girls to be admitted to the school at the age  of eleven: Bells, chapel, study, music, sport and prep punctuated my life for seven years. The daily  rhythm of corporate prayer was to be formative. It  taught me to go to work from a place of rest and enabled me to discover from the inside out what  gives me life. 

As a Newell Scholar, I benefited greatly from an all-round education and it instilled in me a curiosity  and commitment to being a life-long learner and to break glass ceilings. I was taught by some  inspirational teachers, amongst them Tony Reeves, Geoffrey Lee, Tim Roper and Graham Canham, who instilled in me a love of English and Divinity, fostered my creativity and encouraged me to enter  the Baker Memorial Prize for Public Speaking. 

As a timid eleven-year old, I was selected, in my first term, to read a lesson at the Carol Service. Little  did I appreciate what an important skill it would be in my adult life. I don’t know who was more nervous, me or my parents, particularly as I didn’t walk around the lectern to read the lesson but  squeezed through the gap between the lectern and a pedestal which housed a very large floral display. Apparently, the large floral display wobbled but didn`t topple! 

My calling to ordination wasn’t possible for women in the Church of England, initially, so for twenty  years, I taught English at Epsom College and served on the Senior Leadership Team. My experience  as a pioneer at Rossall proved invaluable when I was invited to bring in co-education at 13+ and  became Epsom College`s first Housemistress. 

I am fortunate to love my work but the downside of my vocations is that I`ve always worked on weekends, which makes it more difficult, though not impossible, to nurture friendships and to join  O.R. events. The different pace of work during the pandemic, gave me the opportunity to reconnect  with school friends and to discover that the friendships forged many years ago still stand the test of  time. 

What did I enjoy most at Rossall? Playing rounders after prep on balmy summer evenings; cross  country runs along the prom; camping & cooking with Rossall Award; choral comp; chats over coffee in Rev Canham`s house after Thursday evening communion; theatre trips. And if I had one piece of  advice to offer my younger self, I`d say: “Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future. Therefore, you can trust this indirect, oblique side of yourself. If you do, it will take you where you need to go, but more importantly, it will teach you a kindness of rhythm in your journey.” (John O`Donohue – Anam Cara – A Book of Celtic Wisdom)