Alumni Profiles

(Class of 2021)

My transformative journey as a chef and business owner owes a debt of gratitude to Our Lady of Sion School, a nurturing environment that sculpted my passion for culinary arts into a remarkable career. The small class sizes and the presence of world class teachers provided the ideal platform for honing my skills, all under the guiding hand of our esteemed Head Teacher, Mr. Jeffery, who prioritised both our education and personal growth.

At Sion, I found more than just academic excellence; it was a vibrant hub fostering connections with like-minded individuals. These connections have transcended into a network of individuals who continually contribute to the greater community. It’s within these walls that I first discovered my love for business and culinary arts.

The invaluable lessons and support I received at Sion laid the groundwork for my journey. Today, as the recipient of the Best Asian Chef award in the UK and having reached over 150 million social media views last year, I attribute much of my success to the foundational teachings and encouragement received at Sion.

The nurturing environment and the ethos of placing pupils at the forefront have been pivotal in shaping not just my career but also my outlook towards the wider community. Sion has been more than a school; it’s a place that fosters dreams and encourages their realisation.

My achievements stand as a testament to the incredible environment Sion cultivates.  This is an environment that not only educates but also empowers individuals to make a significant impact beyond the school walls. For me and my three siblings, Sion isn’t just a school; it’s the beginning of an extraordinary journey, shaping my culinary and business aspirations and enabling me to contribute positively to society.

(Class of 2020)

Having attended Our Lady of Sion School throughout my schooling, from the start of primary school to sixth form, I consider my experience there a driving factor for my growth and development. Since leaving Sion, I have pursued my interest in mathematics through completing a degree at Cambridge. After achieving first-class honours, I am continuing my journey through the master’s program, where I am taking a particular focus on particle physics.

Sion provided an excellent launchpad through their strong teaching, with staff bringing a level of expertise and enthusiasm. Additionally, the small class sizes provided individual attention and a tailored experience to best match each student’s skills and abilities. This is coupled with the close-knit and supportive community, which promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, I found Sion geared students towards their future after school, with excellent career and university admission consultation. For instance, I had the opportunity to take a mock university admissions interview.

Outside of outstanding teaching, I am grateful for the leadership opportunities, particularly during my time at sixth form. Within our final year of sixth form, we were able to take a variety of roles depending on our interests ranging from house captains to social media representatives. I found my time on the charity team was not only an enjoyable experience where we developed fundraising strategies, but also gave me invaluable experience in refining my public speaking and presentation skills.

(Class of 2013)

From Year 5 (2004) until Year 13 (2013) I had the privilege of being part of this supportive, nurturing and empowering school community and I look back on my time at the school incredibly fondly and I am proud to share my journey as an alumna of Sion.

During my time at Sion, I was surrounded by dedicated teachers who believed in my potential, encouraged me to pursue my aspirations and supported me in doing so. At a time when decisions about which subjects to choose for GCSE, A-Level and University can feel incredibly daunting, the teachers ensured that students were equipped with the right information about their options and what would suit that individual best. This support empowered me to push forward with my desire to pursue a career in law.

In addition, sports was and remains such a big part of my life and this is something I was able to cultivate whilst I was at school. Being able to dance and play netball with students outside of my class propelled me to improve and challenge my abilities in both which permitted me to have the confidence and drive to trial, and later captain, my university netball team.

Outside of the curriculum, community service and social responsibility was encouraged and so being able to volunteer during my studies opened my eyes to the impact the legal profession can have on people’s lives and allowed me to connect and learn from professionals within the industry.

Today, as a solicitor working for a global company that manufactures radiotherapy solutions used to improve, prolong, and save the lives of people with cancer, I am incredibly grateful to have started my educational journey at a place that not only provided me with an exceptional education but also shaped my character and career path.