Alumni | Gillingham School, Dorset

Celebrating our former students

We value the lifelong connections they share with the School. Whether you’re at university, starting out, or established in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Our alumni network offers opportunities to reconnect, inspire current students, and build valuable professional connections.

Many alumni return to speak at events such as Speech Day, Founder’s Day, and our Annual Alumni Afternoon, sharing insights from their personal and professional journeys with the next generation.

Stay in touch

Through shared experiences and professional support, members enjoy access to exclusive events, resources, and opportunities to stay engaged with their alma mater while guiding and inspiring current students. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your story with the wider school community.

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Alumni Spotlight

Featuring inspiring stories of journey’s reflecting the values, creativity, and excellence nurtured during their time here.

James Antell

Gillingham School to Government Adviser

James left Gillingham School in 2013, but his path since has been far from a straight line. He studied at Cambridge, before spending a year as a Rotary Scholar in America. Rather than following a rigid career plan, James followed his curiosity working as a lifeguard, a gym instructor, in superyacht brokerage, and business consulting. This varied experience eventually led him to the heart of Westminster, where he has held various roles, including working as Chief of Staff to a Dorset MP, before being appointed as Special Adviser to the Leader of the House of Lords, managing legislation and writing speeches for senior ministers. Today, James is an Associate Director at Henham Strategy, advising on policy and public affairs, specialising in the South West region.

Guidance

It is okay not to have a ‘grand plan’. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do by age 18. James has held over 15 different jobs, and counting… Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t be afraid to try things, fail, and pivot.
If you aren’t sure what to do next, don’t stand still and wait for inspiration to strike. You don’t ‘find’ yourself (like a lost remote down the back of the sofa), you ‘build’ yourself through trial and error. By getting out there, you will stumble across opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
Success doesn’t have a postcode. It is a myth that you must move to a big city to have a ‘big’ career, there are plenty of opportunities in Dorset if you look hard enough. By all means travel or move away, but if you want to stay in rural Dorset, you needn’t let that stunt your ambitions.

Ben Cochrane

Gillingham School to HSBC Innovation Banking

I left Gillingham School in 2021 with a diverse mix of A-levels, guided by curiosity and a growing interest in finance. At Exeter University, I self-advocated for my place, focusing my statement on my passion over grades, a quality that stood out to the admissions office. I explored a range of modules, letting my interests shape my journey, and discovered a real enthusiasm for banking. Determined to break through, I applied to over 100 internships before securing one in London with HSBC, where I proved myself among a group of peers from privileged backgrounds and private education. Although I initially felt out of place, I relied on self-advocacy and personability, staying true to myself. After graduation, I re-joined the bank, continuing to follow my curiosity and uphold my values. Today, I lead global gender equity initiatives within the bank and manage a portfolio of innovative tech clients, showing that self-belief and curiosity can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Guidance

Let curiosity lead your decisions; choose subjects and opportunities that excite you, even if they’re not the obvious route.
Back yourself and speak up for what matters to you; self-belief and self-advocacy will open doors you didn’t know existed.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; sometimes, a single question can spark connections or opportunities that change your path.

Francesca Hallett

Gillingham School to a Criminal Barrister

Passionate about sport, she captained North Dorset Girls Rugby in her teens and dreamed of becoming a barrister, despite being told it was impossible because she didn’t attend a private school, wasn’t at a top university, and had no family connections in law. Her path to success proves that determination beats doubt every time.

Francesca refused to let those voices define her and built experience through persistence and creativity. She qualified as a solicitor in 2016, later transitioning to criminal defence. After facing setbacks that could have ended her dream, she used them to fuel her resilience. Fast forward to today: Francesca is a criminal barrister who has led major trials at the Old Bailey and earned Tenancy at Chambers. Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about perfection, it’s about perseverance, authenticity, and kindness

Guidance

Kindness builds lasting relationships and support networks, vital for both personal and professional success.
Stay true to yourself; confidence and humility open doors far more than ego or pretence.
Life and careers can be overwhelming, be loyal, honest and supportive which will make the journey manageable and meaningful.

Beth Weaver

Gillingham School to Commercial Officer, UK Ministry of Defence

Beth left Gillingham School in 2018 with a clear vision, she wanted a career without the traditional university route. Choosing subjects she loved in Sixth Form; Textiles, Art, Geography, and Philosophy. Beth embraced her passions rather than following a formula. After school, she began an apprenticeship with Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) as a Commercial Officer, gaining practical skills, professional qualifications, and valuable experience while earning a salary. Over five years, Beth worked across Air, Helicopters, and Ships, progressing quickly and earning promotions. Today, she is a Commercial Officer with the UK Ministry of Defence and winner of the Defence Commercial Awards 2024 Emerging Talent Award. Her journey shows that success comes in many forms and that apprenticeships can open doors to incredible careers.

Guidance

You don’t need all the answers right now, it’s okay not to know your exact path after leaving school, take time to figure it out.
Be yourself and seize opportunities, say yes to experiences. Stay open to continued learning, especially if considering apprenticeships.
Employers value behaviours and willingness to learn over expertise. Highlight skills from school, clubs, or jobs in your CV and always proofread and seek feedback.

Natasha Cooper

Gillingham School to Executive Operations Manager

Natasha story proves that success isn’t about a perfect plan, it’s about resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Natasha spent a decade at Bboxx, helping bring renewable energy to millions across Africa, here she rose from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff. Today, she is Executive Operations Manager at Notpla, a climate tech company creating seaweed-based packaging to fight plastic pollution, following their win at The Earthshot Prize, launched by HRH Prince William.

To every student at Gillingham School: Your journey may not be straight, but it can be extraordinary. Dream big, embrace challenges, and trust the skills you’re building here.

Guidance

Follow your passions and values they’ll guide you into meaningful work.
Be scared, and do it anyway. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Say yes to opportunities, even small steps can lead to big adventures.

Major George Harrison

Gillingham School to the British Army

George once walked the same corridors as you. After leaving Gillingham School at 16, he joined the British Army, became a Rifleman at 17, and served two tours in Afghanistan. Determined to grow, he passed officer selection, trained at Sandhurst, and earned the Sovereign’s Medal. His career has included peacekeeping and work with the Ministry of Defence. Now a husband, father, Parish Councillor, and soon-to-be University of Reading graduate, George shows that ambition and resilience can take you far. He believes leadership means serving others. Whether in uniform, in class, or in your community, lead with kindness, respect, and approachability.

Guidance

Worrying about the future is normal, but George believes the key is showing up as your best self. Focus on who you are now, confidence and clarity will follow. By your mid-twenties, you’ll likely find yourself on equal footing with others, ready to move forward with purpose.
Transferable skills are everywhere. Teamwork, communication, and problem solving opened the doors from GCSEs to military service. Build these skills and they’ll support you in any chosen path.
Be kind and community minded. Real change starts close to home. Lead with respect, stay grounded in kindness, and let integrity guide you, whether in school, sport, or your neighbourhood.