Past pupils return to give advice

Past pupils returned to Ripon Grammar School to offer sixth form students words of wisdom, advice and reassurance

AROUND 30 former pupils returned to Ripon Grammar School to talk to current students about careers, university and life after leaving school.

From volunteering and working in hospitality to travelling in Europe, Japan and South-East Asia, many students were keen to share their experiences of taking a gap year.

Others were able to give advice on a wide range of university courses.

Topics covered included everything from interview and application skills, living away from home, adjusting to city life, budgeting, adapting to life at university, what to do if you don’t get the results you expect, and entering the world of work.

One of the key messages to those students struggling to decide what they want to do following A-levels was to be flexible and open to change.

Head of sixth form Terry Fell said he was delighted to welcome so many wonderful past pupils back to school to catch up on their news and experiences.

“They all had something useful to tell our current sixth formers about the process of making post-school decisions, changing your mind, living away from home and getting work experience, as well as handy hints about life at university and in the world of work or employment. We are very grateful for all their advice.”