Alumni Spotlight: Abigail

Bronagh Sumner

"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"

How has your experience with Villiers Park influenced your personal or academic growth so far? 

Villiers Park influenced both my academic and personal growth through the group and one-to-one coaching sessions which helped me to reflect on my current life, what I could improve on and what I was going to do/change in the future. Additionally, during my application to Cambridge University, Villiers Park gave me multiple opportunities for mock interviews and support from former Oxbridge graduates. 


How did Villiers Park help you transition into the next stage of your education or career? 

Villiers Park did help me with my education. On their online portal there was an opportunity to learn revision and study techniques. Moreover, in the coaching sessions I received great support with mock results and being happy with them and comprehending how to improve. I also liked the fact I was able to tour universities when thinking about next steps. 


What skills or insights have you gained through Villiers Park that you find most valuable? 

During coaching sessions Villiers Park gave me several skills and I had to rank the ones I was best at. Then I looked at the ones I was not as good at and wrote down steps to ameliorate myself in them. I also appreciated the ability to do public speaking at the Villiers Park celebrations.   


Reflecting on your time with Villiers Park, what stands out as the most impactful part of your experience? 

The most impactful experience I had was the opportunity to do work experience in the House of Commons Vote Office. That participation was useful in building up my interest in the public sector. I also found it exciting feeling like part of the team and seeing what happens in government. Furthermore, seeing all the wonderful Westminster architecture was a bonus! 

More community stories

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    Future Leader speech at the Tyneside Celebration Event 2023

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    Meeting the Speaker of the House at the House of Commons Residential

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    Change Leader Award

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    House of Commons Residential

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Staff Spotlight: Sarah Chick

By Bronagh Sumner • February 18, 2026
This month we’re spotlighting Sarah, who re-joined Villiers Park in September 2025 after previously working as Programme Director and Director of Education.  With over 20 years’ experience in education and a strong commitment to widening opportunity, she now leads our programmes, helping ensure our work continues to make a real difference for young people from under-represented backgrounds.
Students in a construction workshop observing a bricklaying demonstration.

National Apprenticeship Week

By Bronagh Sumner • February 10, 2026
National Apprenticeships Week is an opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and the wider economy – and their vital role in improving social mobility.
Hand holding

Working at Villiers Park: Josie and Clara on Becoming Progression Coaches After the Programme

By Bronagh Sumner • January 14, 2026
Discover how Villiers Park alumni Josie and Clara came full circle, returning as Progression Coaches to support students through the programme that shaped them.

Staff Spotlight: Jenny Parr

By Bronagh Sumner • December 22, 2025
Jenny joined our team 15 years ago and has worked in various roles from Progression Coach to Programmes Manager and now Strategic Projects Manager. Jenny is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of others and supporting young people to reach their fullest potential.
A lecture hall presentation with presenters on the stage and an audience in curved rows.

University Insights at Canterbury Christ Church University

By Clara Smith • December 17, 2025
In November we visited Canterbury Christ Church for a University Insight Day giving Future Leaders the chance to explore campus life first-hand.

Advice from our community

By Bronagh Sumner • December 17, 2025
We have recently been sharing the wonderful stories of those who have been a part of Villiers Park over the years.
Offshore wind turbines with a construction platform in the ocean under a clear blue sky.

Alumni Spotlight: Lewis

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.

Opening Doors: How Villiers Park and Trinity College, Cambridge Are Tackling Barriers to Higher Education

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.

Alumni Spotlight: Sam

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. "
A group of people sitting at a table having a discussion in a bright room. One person is in a wheelchair.

A trip to Sopra Steria in Edinburgh

December 5, 2025
In November, 18 Year 12 students from our Tyneside hub attended an Employer Insight Day at Sopra Steria’s Edinburgh office. As our principal partner, we work closely with Sopra Steria and were delighted to offer these students the opportunity to explore the variety of career paths available within the Edinburgh office and beyond.