I joined St John Lloyd in September 2011, and left in July 2016. I look back on my five years there with immense warmth and fondness.

The best thing about being part of #teamSJL is the sense of community. The school is an incredibly supportive environment in which to learn and develop. While there, I forged friendships that, I am sure, will last for the rest of my life.

The quality of teaching was excellent, and instrumental in enabling me to achieve a strong set of GCSE results that continue to stand me in good stead. My teachers took a great deal of interest in my goals and ambitions, and did whatever they could to help me achieve them. For example, when preparing for my GCSE exams or assessments, a number of them took the time to mark additional work that I completed.

I was also given a huge number of extra-curricular opportunities. In Year 10, I travelled to the Château de Warsy in France, developing my French language skills and visiting impressive local landmarks. Additionally, my participation in the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition was uniquely valuable in developing my public speaking skills. I further improved these skills during my time as head boy.

I am currently in my third year of a Law degree at Queen Mary University of London. I have been able to draw on the considerable public speaking experience I obtained at SJL to become president of the Mooting Society (a moot is a mock court case). In January 2020, I competed before the Rt Hon Lord Carnwath JSC at the Royal Courts of Justice in the final of the Landmark Chambers Judicial Review Moot.

My time at SJL gave me a really strong grounding for success. I am incredibly proud to be part of #teamSJL.

Joseph Toft

I attended St John Lloyd from 1996 to 2001. (Yes, that does make me very old now!)

I remember arguing with my Mum and Dad that I didn’t want to go as the majority of my friends were going to a different local school. So, I managed to strike a deal with them, and they agreed that if I wasn’t enjoying myself by the Christmas holidays I could move. Result.

However, very quickly after starting at SJL I came to realise that this would be my home for the next 5 years. From day one I loved it and immediately felt like I was part of a community. Everyone was so friendly, warm and welcoming. I loved that the year groups were small as it meant you would get to know pupils from all year groups, not just your own. I also made friends for life: 25 years on and some of them are still my very best friends and we still reminisce about our time at SJL.

The teachers were excellent. If there was a problem there was always someone on hand to talk things through. They constantly pushed you academically whilst being brilliantly supportive, and occasionally funny!

In fact, it was Dr Bevan, the Chemistry teacher, who told me he thought I could have a successful career in media. (I think he knew Science wasn’t for me!)

I think the biggest shock of all came when I was made Deputy Head Girl in year 11. Everyone was surprised by this (including my parents!) but I was absolutely thrilled and I still talk about this achievement today. I loved the opportunity to be able to represent SJL by participating in events at the school and speaking at various community events, all of which hugely helped build my confidence and communication skills which have been invaluable in my job today.

Since leaving SJL, I went on to do my A-Levels at Coleg Syr Gar and then studied a Media Arts Degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.

I now live in London and I’m an Executive Producer in TV. I mainly make observational documentaries, such as 24 Hours in A&E, One Born Every Minute and Hospital for BBC2. Just recently I made a series for Channel 4 called Losing It: Our Mental Health Emergency exploring our mental health.

My time at SJL gave me the foundations for my future. I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of SJL; it truly is a special place that will stay with you long after you’ve left and will give you memories and friends that will last a lifetime.