Advice from our community

Bronagh Sumner

We have recently been sharing the wonderful stories of those who have been a part of Villiers Park over the years.

The stories shared showcase the ambition and resilience of those in our community with lawyers and teachers to consultants, students and councillors, reminding us why supporting young people to reach their potential matters so much 


To close, we asked our alumni, staff, partners and supporters a simple question: 

“What advice would you give a young person starting out on career their journey?” 

And the answers that came back reflect exactly what Villiers Park is all about – empowering young people to succeed and feel confident in their chosen pathways. Take a look at the collective wisdom shared. 


You don’t need to have it all figured out right away 

"You do not have to have all of the answers now but you do have to give everything a go and be brave, you will find your way."
"Don't worry too much about the end journey, just focus on the steps you need to take today to move closer towards them." 

“You don’t need to know what you want to become — just what you like and what you are good at.” 


Say yes to opportunities  

“Say yes to learning opportunities whenever they present themselves.”
"Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new."
“Take every opportunity possible, one conversation can be the difference with getting you to another level in life.” 


Failing is an opportunity to learn 

“Always take the opportunity to learn.”
“So long as you are learning, you are not failing. You will win.”
“Ask questions, listen to other perspectives, and collaborate well.” 


Follow pathways that spark your interest, but don’t be afraid to change course  

“Follow your dream - find a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
“If you don't know what you want to do: explore; slowly fine-tune your ideas until you know what subject you like, what topic you want to work in, and don't feel too anxious about not knowing what you want to do.”


And finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their story, offered their advice, or supported our work. 


Are you am alum of one of our programmes? Share your story or tell us where your journey has taken you.

Get in touch View all community stories
Offshore wind turbines with a construction platform in the ocean under a clear blue sky.
By Bronagh Sumner December 12, 2025
" [Villiers Park] offered me the tools that helped me settle into university life quicker, something that many young students lack and struggle with throughout their time at uni. "
Exterior view of a large, ornate building with a clock tower and a green lawn in front.
By Bronagh Sumner December 11, 2025
Villiers Park is delighted to continue its collaboration with Trinity College Cambridge, a partnership which supports hundreds of young people from under-represented backgrounds every year, breaking down barriers into higher education.
By Bronagh Sumner December 8, 2025
" I remember most the residentials, with the opportunity to experience stretching and enriching lectures, activities and tasks in a friendly and warmly academic environment. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 26, 2025
"It’s incredible to come full circle. Villiers Park supported me when I needed it most, and now I have the privilege of helping to make those same opportunities available to others.”
By Bronagh Sumner November 24, 2025
"Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge"
By Bronagh Sumner November 21, 2025
"T he Charity Commission reported in 2017 that 92% of trustees are white, two-thirds are male and the average age is between 55-64 years old, so I’m very pleased to be moving the needle on that. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of Future Leaders achieves. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 18, 2025
" Villiers Park had a monumental role in helping me discover and refine my own capabilities that in turn enabled me to succeed in my professional career. I can't think of any other thing that had such an impact on my life, for which I am forever grateful. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 4, 2025
" At secondary school, mentoring was really important to me. It helped to talk about my academic aspirations and worries with a professional, but someone unconnected to school. It was also comforting to hear that my worries weren’t unique! "
By Bronagh Sumner November 4, 2025
"At the moment I'm working as a trainee GP [...] and simply without Villiers Park I don't think I probably would have got there."
By Bronagh Sumner October 29, 2025
We’re delighted to welcome Melody Brooker to Villiers Park Educational Trust as our new Head of Fundraising !