Brilliant Futures

Abigail Akinyemi

Student of Law at Durham University

"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."

Abigail, a second-year student at Durham University, was part of the Future Leaders Programme since Year 10. Through coaching, university trips and work experience at the House of Commons, she built confidence, developed key skills and discovered new academic and career possibilities.

How did coaching change your mindset?

I used to be very concerned about getting everything perfect and being in control. If things didn’t go to plan it would upset and frustrate me, especially around tests and exams. I would have negative self-talk rather than telling myself I can do better next time.

Now, because of a coaching session on skills, I identified that I wanted to be more reflective, I use things going wrong, not as a failure, but a chance to improve. If everything always geos well, there is no chance to improve and grow. 

Hannah Barnicoat-Hill

Student of Mathematics at Cambridge University

"Realising I don’t have to change myself, that I’m good enough, was such a huge thing. Because, at the end of the day, you’re a lot more than just exam results."

Hannah, a former Future Leader and now a student at the University of Cambridge, joined Villiers Park in Year 10 and went on to lead her own Maths Club for younger girls inspired by Trinity College’s Women in Maths programme. Through Villiers Park, she discovered confidence, purpose and the belief that, for her, self-belief was the key to success.

Dr Desmond Bermingham

Chair of Trustees at Villiers Park

"I had the great good fortune to attend a Villiers Park residential course when I was 16 years old. It opened my mind to a whole new world of learning possibilities."

Desmond has over 25 years of experience in education and international development and has held education leadership positions with the World Bank, Save the Children, the Department for International Development (DFID) and, most recently, as Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) in the UK.

Sam Coleman

English Teacher and Local Councillor

"Without the broad horizon I developed through Villiers Park, I am not sure that I would have pushed or pursued opportunities in quite the same way."

Sam Coleman, an English teacher at Ark Alexandra and local District Councillor, joined the Villiers Park Scholars Programme over a decade ago. Through mentoring, residentials, and university visits, he discovered how to embrace opportunities and chart his own path, with lessons from Villiers Park that continue to guide his diverse career across acting, politics, and education.

What advice would you give to young people as they start on their career journey?

You don’t need to know what you want to become, just what you like and what you are good at. Learn to sell that well, with confidence, and you will find doors opening for you.

The gaps and weaknesses can be ironed out as you go, and the autonomous self development skills and embracing of academic rigour that Villiers Park fosters is going to help you a great deal with that.

Joshua Drinkwater

Trainee GP

"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."

Joshua, now a GP Trainee and alum of Villiers Park’s Scholars Programme, credits the experience with helping him develop vital communication and public speaking skills. The mentorship, guidance and confidence he gained continue to shape his professional life and passion for supporting others in healthcare.

Can you tell us about your interaction with Villiers Park and how it impacted you at the time?  

Villiers Park allowed me to develop interpersonal skills, especially communication which is valuable for my area of practice. I feel I learnt many techniques that I still apply now.

Villiers Park also allowed me to develop my public speaking skills, something I didn’t feel confident with until Villiers Park gave me the route and avenues to deliver presentations and give public speeches. 

Joanna Finlay

Programme Coordinator, Villiers Park

"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.”

Joanna Finlay is the Inclusive Transformation Lead for Sopra Steria, our principal partner. She attended a 2002 Psychology Inspiring Excellence residential and described the experience as a 'game-changing moment' in her life. She now supports Villiers Park through direction on accessibility and inclusion.

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

It was a game-changing moment in my life. It was like someone had opened a door to a parallel universe where being smart was cool, and I felt like I belonged. I’d always been aware that some people have connections that open doors for them. Villiers Park helped me realise I could open doors for myself — and that there are people out there who can help.

Anusha Nirmalananthan

 Product Coach and Psychotherapist at Avowance

Villiers Park Trustee

"Keep your options open and make the most of every opportunity you're fortunate enough to get."

Anusha has been a technology leader at start-ups and for global tech companies including eBay, Microsoft and JustEat for over 15 years. She’s an advisor and coach for individuals and SMEs and is an experienced people manager developing cross-functional teams, across complex organisations to drive delivery, commercial impact and innovation from within.

Lewis Ransome

Graduate Engineer at JDR Cable Systems

"The Villiers Park programme provided me with many new skills, which helped me transition from a young sixth form student, into a mature student, with independence and responsibility."

Lewis Ransome, now a Graduate Engineer, credits the Villiers Park programme with shaping his independence, confidence, and adaptability. Through mentoring and reflection, he discovered leadership skills and a clear path into a rewarding STEM career.

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

The Villiers Park programme has significantly supported me at university. It 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 university.

From the get go I have felt confident with studying independently as a result of Villiers Park.

Clara Smith

Progression Coach at Villiers Park

"Having been part of the Villiers Park programme as a young person, I understand first-hand the impact it can have. It is a rewarding opportunity to now contribute to it."

Clara Smith, Progression Coach for Villiers Park, is an alum of the 2018 Scholars Programme cohort. During her time on the programme she attended various residentials, including a 2017 Law Inspiring Excellence Residential, which expanded her worldview and improved confidence and communication skills through working with a diverse group of peers.

Benita Udegbe

Crown Prosecutor

Villiers Park Trustee

"I have first-hand experience of the amazing work done by Villiers Park, having been on the Scholars Programme myself."

Benita Udegbe is a Crown Prosecutor, Villiers Park Trustee and an alum of the Scholars Programme. She joined the programme following participation in an INVOLVE project and fully immersed herself in all presented opportunities. Benita brings her unique perspective as a previous Scholar to the Board of Trustees and advocates for greater alumni involvement. 

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

My most memorable experience was the residential, which cemented my desire to study law at university. I bring a different perspective to the board as a person who has gone through the Villiers Park experience and I advocate for voices of young people, being a recent graduate myself.

I believe that education is important, but more importantly I believe everyone should have the equal opportunity to choose their own future.

Isma'il Usman

Entrepreneur

"Don't worry too much about the end journey, just focus on the steps you need to take today to move closer towards them."

Isma’il, a lawyer and proud Villiers Park alumnus, joined the Scholars Programme while studying at Churchfields Academy. The mentoring, residentials, and supportive environment built his confidence and self-belief, empowering him to find his voice, pursue law at university, and achieve his professional ambitions.

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now? 

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. 

Nathan Adamson

Chartered Accountant at Ashdown Hurrey

"Keep your options open and make the most of every opportunity you're fortunate enough to get."

Nathan Adamson is a Chartered Accountant and alum of the 2017 Scholars Programme cohort. He described the mentoring sessions alike to having a 'personal careers advisor' that supported him throughout his education and led him to consider alternative experiences and pathways.     

Can you tell us about your interaction with Villiers Park and how it impacted you at the time?  

The mentor sessions were a valuable sounding board to discuss pathways during my academic studies, and the programme as a whole gave me some great experiences and insight into other options which I may not otherwise have considered.

Access to knowledgeable and experienced mentors who genuinely care for your success; having a personal 'careers advisor' who's a consistent presence through such a transformative period of your education.

Megan Broughton

Programme Coordinator at Villiers Park

"I absolutely love seeing how transformative our initiatives are, particularly the residentials, where you can see the students' develop their skills, friendships and confidence."

Megan Broughton joined Villiers Park as Programme Coordinator for the East of England in 2024, having previously worked as a Progression Coach here until 2017. She discovered her passion for helping others through extracurricular activities, such as netball coaching and ambassador work, and continues to apply this passion to her coordination of local programmes and in developing new initiatives.

What advice would you give to young people as they start on their career journey?

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new - you never know what this could lead to!

I studied Biology at University and didn't have a set career pathway in mind following graduation. For me, it was the 'extracurricular' passions I had that shaped my career journey. Opportunities such as coaching netball to young girls whilst I was at school and working as a Student Ambassador whilst I was at university gave me the chance to 'help people' and this is what helped me realise that my passion was working with young people.

It wasn't until I really stepped out of my comfort zone at university, by spontaneously signing up to a charity trek to the top of Kilimanjaro, that gave me an insight into careers and opportunities in the outreach and charity sector.

I fundraised and volunteered for an international educational charity. Seeing first hand in Tanzania how the charity money I had helped raised, had supported the children in local schools in Moshi with their education was really inspiring and gave me a desire to work in the charity sector in the future.

Joe Burton

Head of Programmes at Arts Emergency

"We can often feel like something isn't for us, or that we wouldn't fit in or be good enough, but we can surprise ourselves and our potential is unlimited!"

Joe Burton, Head of Programmes at Arts Emergency, attended the 2009 Forensic Science Inspiring Excellence Residential. His experience on the residential of working collaboratively with the other students to find solutions is a skill that he has utilised  throughout his career by finding communities of like-minded people and solving problems together. 

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

I attended a Forensic Science residential in 2009 for a few days. My parents drove me from Bolton to Cambridge and I remember being fearful entering the building for the weekend. The fear quickly dissipated as I was introduced to other people on the residential and given the schedule. The residential was interactive and exciting, and gave room for socialising and getting to know the other people too.

I learned lots of key skills and knowledge about forensic science in practice and the available career pathways. I think I gained confidence in talking about the subject and my interests in general, and definitely confidence in pushing myself out of my comfort zone and interacting with my peers.

Katie Byford

Fundraising and Communications Executive at Villiers Park

"Every experience is an experience worth holding onto, whether that be university or otherwise. The skills you learn along the way will always be valuable no matter where your journey may take you."

Katie Byford joined Villiers Park in 2023 as a Fundraising and Communications Assistant and has since been promoted to the Executive for the department. Her background in education and childcare coupled with interest and skills in fundraising make her the perfect candidate to create new avenues for opportunities for the young people that we support. 

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Villiers Park for you?

Being able to see, first-hand, the impact Villiers Park is having on young people and seeing how the experiences we offer have an affect on their mindset and future choices.

Villiers Park are giving young people the opportunity to experience new things that they may not have otherwise been able to. Without our work, these young people may not have ever realised the potential available out there to them.

Kay Cameron

Foundation and Social Purpose Manager at UPP Foundation

"We can often feel like something isn't for us, or that we wouldn't fit in or be good enough, but we can surprise ourselves and our potential is unlimited!"

Kay Cameron is the Foundation and Social Purpose Manager for the UPP Foundation, one of our partners since 2022. She has an extensive background of working in the non-profit sector as well as working in partnership with corporates. We began working with the foundation after transition from Key Stage 4 and 5 to university was identified by their Student Futures Commission as a signification challenge affecting student success.

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

Villiers Park has shared its deep knowledge, insights, and continuing curiosity about transition support to offer real value to the wider sector. 

Sophie C

Future Leader

"I also went on the Bath University Residential, that was probably the absolute highlight of my time with Villiers Park."

Sophie Carder is a current Year 12 student and Future Leader. Discussing her highlights of the programme, she enjoyed the new experiences and freedoms offered to her during the Year 10 Bath residential.

Tell us about your experience on the Future Leaders Programme

I really enjoyed the Villiers Park experience. I've been in it for a good two years now. The coaching was just really incredible, I had the amazing coach Karen, and it was really nice to have that dedicated time. It was what, an hour every few months to sit down and just really discuss my future and what I wanted to do and my aspirations.

I also went on the Bath University Residential, that was probably the absolute highlight of my time with Villiers Park. It was really nice to see what university life was like, It was a good example of what all uni's are kind of like; even if Bath wasn't the one I was particularly interested in. The projects were so good and so fun, my team won of course. And it was really nice to meet with loads of other people in the programme, even as far away as Newcastle, and I'm still in contact with them regularly. It's really good fun and we've made loads of friends. 

Josie Crisp

Progression Coach at Villiers Park

"I gained the confidence to go to university meaning I was able to achieve my first class Human Biology BSc."

Josie Crisp joined Villiers Park as a Progression Coach for the Cambridgeshire hub in 2024. Previously she had interacted with the organisation as an alum of the 2018 Biology Inspiring Excellence Residential. Through the residential, Josie gained the confidence to attend university and went on to gain a first class Human Biology BSc and a Distinction in her Molecular Biology MSc. 

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

I was unsure about attending university due to worries about academic difficulties and financial constraints. VP allowed me to gain the confidence to attend university, and to not worry too much.

The residential I attended was Biology specific, so I remember the experiments the most. Particularly dissecting a sheep's brain!

Carys Crow

Programme Coordinator at Villiers Park

"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."

Carys Crow joined Villiers Park in December 2023 as a Schools Partnership Coordinator, driven by a passion to close the gaps she witnessed in youth work and education. Inspired by Villiers Park’s mission, she’s part of a dedicated team creating opportunities, amplifying young voices, and ensuring every student feels supported to find their path.

What made you want to work for Villiers Park? 

When I first found the job, I researched about Villiers Park and had a look at the website. Everything that Villiers Park believes in encouraged me to apply for the job.

Being a youth worker previously, I saw the gaps missing in education for students who meet our criteria. Given that Villiers Park aim to bridge these gaps I put my all into my application and interviews and really hoped I would get it!

Elisha Coen

Student of Medicine at University of Exeter

"The forensic psychiatry lectures dissected real-life cases and themes such as addiction, which I remember listening to with fascination, with the lecturer embodying a true passion for the content."

Elisha Coen is a current Medical student at the University of Exeter, and attended an  Inspiring Excellence Residential in 2020. The residential assured her that higher education was the right path for her future as it exposed her to university level thinking and study, stating 'you can't be what you can't see'. 

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now? 

The lectures inspired an interest in forensic psychiatry, which I ultimately trace back to how I 'came across' medicine. It wasn't a degree that I was particularly aware of, and prior, I didn't know how people became doctors nor had an interest in becoming myself until during sixth form.

Caitlin Flaherty

Student at Northumbria University

"I think my mentoring and coaching sessions throughout my A levels were so valuable."

Caitlin Flaherty concluded her four years on the Future Leaders Programme in 2024, and is currently a student at Northumbria University. The supportive space of her coaching sessions provided reassurance on her future and helped her to develop academic and time management skills. 

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

Having a Mentor and Coach during my time at sixth form was helpful in boosting my confidence, it provided reassurance, it helped me learn to use my time more resourcefully.

Sometimes it was just nice to chat about what was going on in my life and in school when there wasn’t really another space for me to talk about these things.

My coaching sessions definitely helped me prepare for university. My coach helped me through writing my personal statement, gave me advice on ways to improve and also helped through anything I was struggling with in that area and throughout my A levels.

Richard Gould

Author and Trustee at Feeding Britain

"Treating young people as adults, gives them scope for independent learning, observing as success brings further success."

Richard Gould, former Chief Executive of Villiers Park until 2018, had a huge impact on improving the opportunities available for young people from less advantaged backgrounds. This included devising innovative ideas to enhancing learning and campaigning for schools and universities to change their approach and policies concerning widening participation. Currently a trustee of Feeding Britain, Richard retains a strong interest in social mobility.        

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Villiers Park for you?

Far too many able sixth form students attending Villiers Park residential courses were dissatisfied with their school provision. Meanwhile, we were devising innovative ideas to enhance learning.

The launch of the Gifted & Talented policy in 2000 placed Villiers Park at the centre of the debate about good provision and we sat on the National Academy board chaired by the then Schools Minister.

At the same time, universities were being told that they needed to widen participation, and again, we were well placed to support universities in their journey. There was plenty of evidence of the need for action. Our informal research indicated that those from a middle class background might be bored at school but understood the end game - the need to get the grades. Those from less advantaged backgrounds, if bored, frequently didn't bother. The end result was massive underachievement by the most able from the most deprived backgrounds.

Most rewarding was getting those youngsters to seek and gain success and getting schools and universities to change their approach to addressing the problem.

Arun H

Future Leader

"I’ve done a lot of brilliant things on the programme. Our coaches have always really taken the time to understand what we want in our future lives, and they’ve helped in the best way they can to get us on that path and towards our goals."

Arun is currently in Year 13, his final year of the Future Leaders Programme. He has valued the one-to-one coaching sessions delivered throughout the programme and the support provided toward his goal of completing a RAF apprenticeship.

Julian Hall

Reader in Mathematics, University of Edinburgh

"The social trip to Stratford was also tremendously memorable, to see a relatively young Helen Mirren playing a lead role in at that time and we also had an outing to Blenheim Palace."

Julian Hall, a Reader in Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, attended a Mathematics Inspiring Excellence Residential in 1983. He valued the exposure to new areas of Mathematics, highlighting creating graphs from observations in a practical lab, and the social element of the residential.

Claire Ingham

Freelance Executive Producer

"One of the things that I loved about Villiers Park is that they say to you that you can do anything or you can go anywhere, you can study anywhere and it’s one of the things that I’ve tried to take with me into my career."

Claire, Freelance Executive Producer, attended a 1987 Inspiring Excellence Residential focused on Jacobean Drama and Shakespeare. Her experiences on the residential taught her what a pleasure 'learning for learning's sake' could be, and exposed her to a broader range of drama. 

How did you interaction with Villiers Park impact you?

It exposed me to the idea of everybody working together and coming up with ideas together. The idea of studying and having tutorials as a form of collaboration where we can push ideas further forward or test out new ideas, you have to learn to collaborate with people. That was fantastic.

Marcus Jones

Analyst, Civil Servant

"The residentials - they were wholly unique experiences which allowed us to practice skills in novel and interesting scenarios, whilst learning about topics we wouldn't cover in normal education."

Marcus Jones is an Analyst for the Civil Service and an alum of the 2016 Scholars Programme cohort. The mentorship he received helped him to decide his academic future and through workshops and residentials he practiced and developed key skills such as presenting and confidence. 

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now? 

Over the course of the scheme I had many opportunities to work on my presentation skills, in workshops, residentials, and even talking to the next cohort of students. This practice and the guidance provided helped me gain confidence when going for interviews and presenting to colleagues and customers in my day job.

Julie Kiddier

Assistant Director at Villiers Park

"Always take the opportunity to learn."

Julie Kiddier joined Villiers Park in 2014 as a Progression Coach, later becoming the Assistant Director for Swindon and East of England. Her extensive background in education outreach and commitment to supporting young people with accomplishing their future goals ensures that our programmes are kept relevant and responsive to need.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Villiers Park for you?

I have a long career in supporting people to make positive steps towards the future they wish to have. A continuation of this was offered via Villiers Park.

Karen Kingston

Programme Coordinator, Villiers Park

"I'm the granddaughter of a coal miner who started work at 14, I understand the value of education and aspiring to succeed in a career you enjoy."

Karen Kingston, Programme Coordinator for Swindon and Wiltshire, has been part of Villiers Park since 2017. Passionate about helping young people uncover their ambitions, she creates supportive spaces where they can build confidence, explore careers, and develop the skills to thrive in whatever path they choose.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Villiers Park for you?

Seeing the young people discover what they really enjoy and finding the right course or job for them.

Tom L

Future Leader

"I absolutely loved doing the trip around the city. It’s the thing I’ve been most excited for when I first heard about the trip because I love seeing historical sights and mostly going through and experiencing where it would be."

Tom attended the Year 10 Bath residential, an element of the Future Leaders Programme. He enjoyed experiencing a new city and the historical sights it had to offer, as well as the lectures and activities throughout the week. 

Kate Moores

Research Communications Manager at University of York

"Ask questions, listen to others perspectives, collaborate well, and have courage in your instincts."

Kate Moors attended an English Literature Inspiring Excellence Residential. She valued the opportunity to study a wide range of poetry with a diverse group of peers and perspectives, and the impact of being critically challenged within a supportive environment. 

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now? 

Now I look back I think that the social skills and broadened experience of other students and their perspectives were so valuable, and I still think about it a lot.

Uzziel M

Future Leader

"I got a laptop from the Sopra Steria fund and I think that has really helped me, especially with past papers. The past papers have really helped me with my GCSEs going forward. I think that has really impacted my time.."

Uzziel, a student in Swindon, says their Villiers Park experience was both fun and transformative. With new friends, valuable study resources like a laptop from the Sopra Steria Opportunities Fund, and guidance for GCSE preparation, Uzziel feels more confident and supported on their academic journey.

Monique O

Future Leader

"I was already thinking about going to university but the residential definitely helped me, like helped open my eyes to not only the options outside of university, but how much I enjoyed being at university."

Monique attended the Bath residential in Year 10, where she enjoyed the taster of university life and alternative pathways such as apprenticeships. The social side of the residential also had a large impact, as she worked with new people and established friendships which continued beyond the trip.

Jenny Parr

Strategic Projects Manager, Villiers Park

"Having someone who believes in you and your potential, often when no-one else does, can make all the difference in the world."

Jenny Parr joined the organisation in 2010 and has a breadth of experience from the diverse roles she has held in her tenure. From working one-to-one with students to implementing new strategy to enhance the effectiveness of our programmes, Jenny has been instrumental in helping young people to realise their potential.             

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Villiers Park for you?

Giving young people opportunities that they would never otherwise have had, which can be so pivotal and change their lives and careers for the better.

Connie Roach

Humanities Lecturer and High Flyers Co-ordinator at New College Swindon

"As a student, it helped me to further develop my subject knowledge, and changed which degree I wanted to do, spurring on my passion for Ancient History and Classics."

Connie is an alum of the first Swindon Scholars Programme cohort and continues to interact with Villiers Park in her role as Humanities Lecturer and High Flyers co-ordinator at New College Swindon. Her experience on the programme improved public speaking skills and confidence, and inspired her to apply to Teach First. 

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now? 

Absolutely, I now teach Politics and History, and as well as enhancing my love of my subject, it also gave me a great start on public speaking and presentations, which I do every day.  As well as this, the ethos of the Villiers Park Scholars programme, and its aims to broaden educational opportunity helped inspire my choice to apply for Teach First, which is how I trained to teach.

Will S

Future Leader

"I've been encouraged to take on as many opportunities as I can for my personal statement, all of which are exciting and have pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I feel more open minded to taking on opportunities and as to where my path might lead in the future."

Will at current Year 13 Future Leader, found the coaching sessions instrumental in deciding his future pathway. Recognised for his commitment to the programme and his personal development, William won the Mike Baker Future Leader of the Year award in 2023.

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

Receiving the Mike Baker Future Leader of the Year award for 2022-23 was the highlight of my journey. It showed a culmination of a fantastic Year 10 on the course, including going on the Bath Residential. I'm grateful that I was recognised for my hard work on the programme and the developments I had made with my progression coach. 

Matthew Scott

Founder and CEO at Playhuman

"The tutors were excellent and the academic confidence it give me certainly helped me on to a new level."

Matthew is an alum of the 1994 English Literature Inspiring Excellence Residential. The experience helped him to aim higher and improved his academic confidence, and he still uses skills from the residential in his everyday work. 

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

The overall experience is what i carry to this day. The beautiful setting, the feeling of community, the intensity of academic work, it felt like a different world where the peer group was supported, supportive and i remember feeling very sad to leave the residential. I did stay in touch for some time with course mates.

Mahnoor S

Student of Medicine at the University of Bristol

"Treating young people as adults, gives them scope for independent learning, observing as success brings further success."

Mahnoor is a Medical student at the University of Bristol and former Future Leader from the Swindon hub. After confirming her future pathway choices through coaching, she joined the Early Entry Programme in Year 12 which offered course specific advice and admissions guidance to support his Medicine application.

Tell us a little bit about your experience on the Future Leaders Programme

I was on the Villiers Park programme for two years now. I was guided by the brilliant Julie and I had one to one and group coaching sessions. When I started the programme, I knew very little about university, where I wanted to go and how I wanted to go. I had a goal and the team at Villiers Park helped me. 

I think often at school there’s not much time to think about anything other than tests, exams, GCSEs, and that’s where Villiers came in. I started to look at different university options, what I would need to do to get in the course I wanted, how to make myself stand out, understand what I could offer to the university and what the university could offer to me. 

There was a range of trips and funding opportunities given to me by Villiers and in year 12 I joined what is known as the Early Entry Programme which gave me course specific advice and sessions. I wrote my own presentation, listened to groups of like-minded individuals, completed different leadership programmes and worked on myself, gaining confidence and becoming the person I wanted to be and began my journey to reach the goal that I wanted to reach. 

So, I for one can say that I’ve gained something really special from Villiers Park and I hope other students can too.  

Gaby Sumner

Chief Executive, Villiers Park

"As the first person in my family to go to university, I know the challenges that I faced from feeling that I wasn't smart enough to be there to worrying about money."

Gaby Sumner is Chief Executive of Villiers Park, after previously being appointed as the Director of Fundraising in 2022. With a strong background in directing and fundraising for charities and outreach programmes, Gaby has demonstrated her passion for social innovation and mobility. Through leading and building the team at Villiers Park, she ensures that we continue to make a difference to the young people that we support every day.   

What advice would you give to young people as they start on their career journey?

That it's OK not to know what you want to do yet. To be open to opportunities and ask questions - I learned so much from my first Managers and wish I'd asked them even more!

Elana T

Future Leader

"There is no pressure on your future being mapped out as your interest and values change!"

Elana Thompson, former Future Leader, had been working with Villiers Park since she joined the programme in Year 9. The residential and the university and employer insight days she has attended meant stepping out of her comfort zone, leading to increased confidence, communication skills and adaptability.

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

The opportunities that I have been given as a result of Villiers Park programme, I believe, have helped to shape me as an individual. This may be a big statement, however, the residential trips and employer insight days have encouraged me to talk to new people and ask questions; where I was very much out of my comfort zone, but this was purely by choice.

In doing so, I am much more confident as an individual, adapting to challenges, unfamiliar situations and talking to others. Many of the trips have been insightful because it helps to rule careers in or out as there are many options (which can also be daunting when you are indecisive).

Although talking through my interests during coaching sessions has led me to feel more decisive in my chosen career path, which resulted in choosing my A-Level options and looking at potential university courses, which I was previously apprehensive of the idea.

James T

Future Leader

"As the first person in my family to go to university, I know the challenges that I faced from feeling that I wasn't smart enough to be there to worrying about money."

James is currently in Year 13 and starting his fourth year on the Future Leaders Programme. While he developed independence and gained confidence in his decisions through coaching, his most valued experience on the programme was the Bath residential, through which he experienced a university environment for the first time. 

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

I have developed independence through my coaching sessions. This is because I have had questions that couldn't be answered during those times so I had to research independently. But it was never a chore as these were my own questions that I wanted answers for in order to gain further knowledge in that area.

My teamwork skills have also improved as well as my communication skills. We each had different roles to fulfil but we needed to use other research to progress, so this means constant communication between the team.

The residential trip to Bath University confirmed that University was less daunting than initially expected. I thought that it was all independent and expensive, but that was wrong. You will always have someone to help you and guide you and costs are evenly split and won't become burdensome.

David Vasse

College Principal and Chief Executive at Sir George Monoux College

"Always read literature and always talk about books. Be disciplined in this."

David Vasse, attended a 1987 Villiers Park Inspiring Excellence Residential. Thie helped him 'understand how to push yourself', and he went on to study a Modern Languages BA and a People and Organisational Development MSc. 

What is the most memorable thing about your interaction with Villiers Park? 

It felt like a taster of university. Quite a challenge!

I also remember that groups would choose and donate an LP to the residence collection. I remember that ours was Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. Wow! We had good taste!

Lily-Mai

 Student of Forensic Science at the University of Lincoln

"The most valuable skills I believe I have developed during my events with Villiers Park  have been my adaptability, organisation skills and my motivation to do well."

Lily-Mai joined the Future Leaders Programme in Year 12, and is an alum of the 2025 cohort. Through activities and trips organised by Villiers Park, she developed skills from our Skills for Success framework including organisation, motivation and teamwork, which she applied to the after school forensics club she ran.

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

I have developed skills such as my confidence, leadership and public speaking by participating in activities like hosting an after school forensics club where I led a group session after school on some techniques used  in the forensics industry.

When I went on the chemistry based residential to Sheffield Hallam University I improved my teamwork and practical skill when doing experiments at the university and it has aided me back at my school with understanding chemistry lessons.

Lewis Jones

Student at Cardiff Metropolitan University

"It has made me become more independent in my learning and it gave me the confidence to be invested in topics that I found interesting."

Lewis Jones is an alum of the Swindon Future Leaders Programme. He credits the one-to-one coaching sessions he received through Villiers Park for improving his academic confidence and independence, skills that he now applies in his university studies.

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

The most impactful part would be the 1 on 1 sessions. This is because it allows you to be able to speak to an external person who can help you to realise how to improve your academic skills to suit your own style of studying.

Jonathan Patterson

Founder at Cherwell Languages

"Villiers Park convinced me that I wanted to apply to read French at university."

Jonathan Patterson, Founder of Cherwell Languages, attended a 2001 Inspiring Excellence Residential, and credits this experience with stimulating his love of French literature and culture. This continued throughout his career, as he went on to become a Lecturer in French at the University of Oxford and an Associate Teacher in Modern Foreign Languages. 

What advice would you give to young people as they start on their career journey?

Languages are good for your career! Persevere with job applications.

Jenson P

Life Sciences Student at University of Sussex

"Spending time at a university before I went was impactful, so I could get a feel of what life would be like before I got there."

Jenson is a former Future Leader and current Life Sciences student at the University of Sussex. Through the programme, he had the opportunity to visit and spend time at universities which allowed him to make an informed decision on the best suited pathway for his future.

Ashley Piper

Data Science Manager

"My career mentor’s advice still remains with me now and has propelled me to the managerial role I’m now in."

Ashley received crucial support while preparing for university and later benefited from dedicated career mentoring that shaped his professional journey. The guidance, experiences, and opportunities — from residentials to speaking at the annual Garden Party — helped propel him into a successful managerial role and continue to inspire his career today.

Can you tell us about your interaction with Villiers Park and how it impacted you at the time?  

The support during the years I was preparing for and applying to universities was invaluable. Following this, being connected with career mentors has made such a difference to me. I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had to date without their support.