Alumni

We recently welcomed former student Dr Louis Woollven MBChB to school and he delivered an engaging talk to students from Year 10 and 12 about his route to becoming a Doctor. He gave a special thankyou to our fantastic Careers Department for all the support they gave him during his time at St. Aidan’s.

Louis, who has recently graduated from the University of Sheffield started his first job as a qualified Doctor this summer and we wish him all the best with his future career.

We were thrilled to hear from former student Annabel Proud who has filled us in on the exciting life she has had since leaving St. Aidan's. She wrote the following:

As a child my hobby was dancing - I grew up with regular classes. I stuck out from the rest - being 10 foot taller than everybody else made me feel insecure. However in efforts to diminish my insecurity, my ballet teacher always told me that I could be a Bluebell Girl - a showgirl part of a famous dancing troupe founded by Margaret Kelly which found residence in Paris.

After GCSEs at the age of 16 I moved away from home to train full-time at Northern Ballet School.

In 2017 I flew out to Spain for my first professional contract where I remained two years, shortly followed by a contract in Germany. 

After 3 auditions (third time lucky) I finally landed my dream job at the prestigious Lido de Paris, as a Bluebell Girl. I developed within the lines, receiving promotions. We had opportunities to film for French TV for New Year etc, and even dancing in a Bollywood film. We even met some stars who came to support us - Johnny Depp, Dave Bautista, Neymar.. the list goes on!

Unfortunately my life temporarily turned upside down  - Lido de Paris closed its doors to the Bluebell girls in 2022 after 75 years of legacy - I do however have the privilege to say that I was the very last line of Bluebells.

The lack of control on my situation forced me to find new avenues and new opportunities.

I signed to two Model agencies in Paris (thanks to my height which I once hated). I have worked within the showrooms at Paris Fashion Week, I have filmed commercials for 'Hermès', 'Galeries La Fayette', ‘La Mer’, Givenchy, etc. 

I took a one year cruise contract, spending 2 months in Miami for rehearsals, and travelling all around South-East Asia performing each night. 

My latest work was filming for a scene in Emily in Paris.

I would encourage people to learn about the history of Showgirls and to understand the art form to help keep our industry alive - which hopefully Taylor Swift’s new album will bring to light!

I now reside in Paris, fully immersed in the culture and the language, I find myself more Parisian than English at times - but I’m always reminded of my roots and how Aidans shaped me. At times my adolescent life wasn’t so secure - but St Aidans provided me with a secure place and great friends. 

Memories from St. Aidan’s:

-Shout to Mrs. Leonard - I did GCSE music and I loved the lessons. Once, my best friend and I were singing our own song covers in the practise rooms instead of working on compositions - so our punishment was to attend Chapel Choir because she knew we could sing. We both loved it and had some great memories from Chapel Choir days, so thank you Mrs. Leonard (and sorry for not always working!). 

- Big love to Miss Miller, dance teacher. She gave me many great opportunities and I got the chance to film on 'Comic Relief does Glee club’ with her excellent choreography and song.  

- I appreciate all the wonderful overseas school trips St. Aidans provided us - which enriched our cultural outlook. I realise it was a great privilege.

Tips:

- Life can throw hurdles your way - we can’t control external forces, but we can control how we react to them. Turbulent times help us to grow and gain more experience.

- If you struggle with language in school - it doesn’t mean you’re bad at language, you may just need a different form of learning (i.e immerse yourself with travel and opportunity - and don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself)

- Have hobbies - You never know where it may take you! If anything, you make new friends, new environments and find what really means something to you.

-Any tall girls out there shy about your height - stand taller! I promise you your height is an asset - embrace it and walk with confidence.

Former St. Aidan's student Lottie McGuiness has had an extraordinary life since leaving St. Aidan's. We have welcomed her back to school on a few occasions recently to support with celebratory events and inspire our students. Most recently this was for the Lower School Sports Awards, where Lottie delivering an engaing talk on her route to competing in Powerlifting in the Paris Paralympics. She aknowledged her journey was not a straight-forward one, quoting Miley Cyrus;

“Life is a climb, but the view is great!”

Alyssa leads a team of over 70 undergraduate and postgraduate engineers. In June 2025, she travelled to the Mojave Desert in California with her team to launch a two-stage rocket.  

“Project Sunride has set me up for my dream career in the launch industry, however I was only accepted into the team because of the project management experience I gained by being a part of Zawadi during my later years at St. Aidan’s. Without that opportunity to develop skills outside of a classroom setting, I wouldn’t be where I am now!” 

Both Nina and Dot graduated with first-class honours from their respective universities in the summer of 2025. Having studied together in the same French and Spanish classes throughout school, they reflect fondly on their time at St. Aidan's and as part of the Associated Sixth Form. Their passion for languages was consolidated during Year 8 and continued to develop each subsequent year. They are now both looking to continue using their language skills in their careers. This year, Nina is studying for a master's degree in Conference Interpreting and Professional Translation to support her aim of working for an international institution in the future, while Dot is undertaking a PGCE in Secondary Education to become a teacher of Modern Languages and inspire the next generation of language students. 

Dot Sanders - Spanish and Linguistics, University of Edinburgh 

Nina Richmond - Modern Languages and Cultures, Durham University 

George Claydon graduated with an Engineering Masters from Liverpool University and is now an Engineering Officer.  

“I was really fortunate to visit RAF Linton-on-Ouse with the Science faculty, which originally sparked my interest for a career in the RAF. This visit, alongside several extra-curricular STEM events provided by the Association, such as the Royal Aeronautical Society's Falcon Initiative, inspired me to pursue engineering at university. I was supported by so many amazing staff at every step to ensure that I pushed myself academically in order to achieve my goals. The guidance I received from the Careers Department ensured that I also focused on developing beyond the classroom, by engaging with schemes such as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, to give myself a well-rounded CV and prepare me for later life. Many of the skills I learnt during my time at the Association helped me throughout university, and I still apply them in the challenges that I face in my career today.” 

“I had always aspired to work in the motor industry, so I was thrilled when my school arranged a one week placement for me at MINI. That experience opened the door to further opportunities and shortly afterwards, I was contacted by BMW and offered a weekend position, which later led to a full sales apprenticeship. I’m incredibly grateful to the school’s careers department for all their support in helping me take my first steps into the industry.”