Wendy Wang (Colvin, 2023) joined the programme during her gap year, preparing to study Material Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Unsure whether to study AI or materials, she wanted guidance on navigating both her degree and her future career. Wendy was matched with Vanessa Viney, Innovations Manager at Airbus and parent of a current pupil.

From their first meeting at the Leaders mentoring reception, Wendy and Vanessa formed a partnership that mixed scheduled catch ups with spontaneous opportunities. Vanessa introduced Wendy to her aerospace and engineering network, shaping the mentoring journey so Wendy could gain hands-on experience, exposure to networking opportunities, and tailored insight into the space sector.

Wendy’s Perspective 

WW: “I initially joined as I was on my gap year and whilst I roughly knew where I was going, I didn’t really have any connections within STEM. I thought it would be interesting to have someone talk me through their experience and how they got to where they are in their career so I could understand what opportunities I should grasp. However, what I got out of the mentorship was way beyond that. Vanessa didn’t just discuss her experiences, she got me into conferences and helped me connect with people in her network.

Networking has been a really helpful aspect of the mentoring programme. I just didn’t know what networking meant – when you come out of school I think it’s a really abstract concept. Seeing Vanessa interact within the industry taught me the skills to do it on my own.

During the programme, Vanessa gave Wendy valuable exposure to the wider space industry alongside practical opportunities. Wendy visited Airbus to spend a day with the AI team and then the materials facility to discover which area she was most interested in. Following this, she joined an SME accelerator (small and medium enterprise), meeting business leaders and entrepreneurs while learning how to market herself. She attended Space-Comm Expo, a free event connecting people in the sector, which gave her a thorough introduction to the industry. Now, a year later, she has returned as an intern exhibitor for a space startup!

WW: The programme and meeting Vanessa have been so beneficial. I went to university with a real understanding of the industry and what I find interesting. This meant I’ve been able to tailor my experience and harness all of the resources that Imperial has on offer. 

Even after the mentorship officially ended, we’re still in contact and Vanessa shares with me opportunities she thinks I’d be interested in.

Vanessa’s Perspective 

Vanessa got involved with the programme to share her own experience and empower more young people, especially girls, to join STEM fields. 

VV: For girls in particular, they often don’t have the confidence to get involved so it’s great to give them a sounding board and demonstrate the gateways to achieve success. I didn’t really have that kind of mentorship when I was starting out, so I want to show those at the beginning of their journey that space is accessible – there are so many ways you can get involved! 

When we started meeting, I really wanted to understand where Wendy was, what kind of decisions she wanted to make. I wanted to encourage her to get the most of her gap year to put things on her CV as that’s really beneficial to demonstrate to employers. There really is no ‘one size fits all’ when you’re approaching mentoring, so it’s important to adapt the partnership in a way that works for you both. 

For me, it’s been so rewarding following Wendy’s journey and I feel really proud of her. Business is all about people, especially in the small space community. I loved being able to introduce Wendy to some of my network – and it’s so rewarding to hear that the network keeps growing as she shares her insights with others. 

Top tips for mentoring success

Wendy advised future mentees to come with the right attitude. 

WW: Mentoring isn’t just someone helping you solve a problem. Go in with an idea of what you want, be proactive with opportunities given and reflect on what you’ve learned. 

You don’t have to be the perfect mentee, the whole point is for you to grow. Be open minded – when I first met Vanessa, I thought Airbus was all about planes, but this opportunity taught me how wide engineering really is. 

Vanessa encouraged mentees to be ambitious and mentors to adapt. 

VV: I would say to any mentee: think big and make the most of every opportunity. Where you start may not be where you end up. Have confidence, ask questions and don’t limit yourself. 

For mentors: you don’t need to know everything – ask questions, obtain information and pass it along. Mentoring is an iterative process, it won’t have a big bang moment. Sometimes you don’t even realise the effect you have had until later on! 

Why get involved? 

WW: There is absolutely nothing to lose, only things to gain.  At Haileybury you’re part of this great community which provides a fantastic resource.  This is a great opportunity to connect and build lifelong relationships with others, which is especially important at the beginning of your career.   

VV:  This isn’t an exclusive club. This programme is for everyone at Haileybury and is a resource to help you be the best that you can be. It’s also important for both potential mentees and mentors to realise it’s an adaptable programme to ensure it works for both of you. It’s so rewarding seeing the next generation taking opportunities and seeing your advice open doors for them. Being part of their journey is incredible. 

Interested in seeing what the Haileybury Leaders Programme could do for you?

Mentees can apply to get involved here.

If you’re interested in giving back and mentoring, please contact the team on development@haileybury.com

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Recently, our School marked Giving Week, which proved to be a testament to our pupils’ dedication and the generosity of our extended community. With the goal of raising £62,000 for Haileybury Youth Trust (HYT) and Hearts & Wings Holidays, our houses went above and beyond, ultimately collecting an impressive £64,280. This feat was made possible by the kindness of anonymous donors who matched every contribution made during the week. In order to reach this impressive target, pupils spearheaded in a variety of creative and energetic events, including runs, triathlons, bingo nights, raffles, photo booths and selling sweet treats across the week.

In late November, our pupils also demonstrated their community spirit by collecting 240 toys for the Hertford Pantry. This initiative will undoubtedly brighten Christmas morning for many children in our local community. Haileybury’s Community Action Volunteering (CAV) programme, available to Sixth Form pupils, further exemplifies our commitment to service. Through partnerships with organisations like Mudlarks Charity Cafe, Humanitas, and Drinkable Rivers, our pupils engage in activities that align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such as promoting healthy lives, clean water, and quality education.

Service is also about raising awareness for social causes. Initiatives like RedKite’s Red Bench campaign, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence by placing red-painted benches in public locations—including our quad— serve as powerful examples. Such campaigns encourage conversations and advocate for systemic change.

Our pupil-led Charity Committee, which meets weekly, organises a range of fundraising events, from charity balls and doughnut sales to non-uniform days and teacher vs pupil competitions. These initiatives not only raise vital funds but also instil a sense of civic duty and empathy among our pupils. Haileybury’s commitment to service and community action is a shining example of the power of collective effort and generosity.

As we enter the season of giving, it is a timely reminder that, indeed, it is better to give than to receive. By nurturing a culture of service and volunteering, we are not only transforming the lives of others but also enriching our own.

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While completing a doctorate at Cambridge University, OH Folakunmi Pinheiro (Batten 2014) looked to expand his experience and pave his way to a job at a corporate law firm in London. To guide his next steps, Fola applied to the Haileybury Leaders Mentoring programme and was matched with lawyer and senior manager Kirsty Berryman to help support him to achieve his goals.

We caught up with Fola and Kirsty halfway through their mentoring partnership to find out what difference the programme is making to each of them. 

Tell me a bit about your legal career so far including your training.

FP: I graduated in Law from the University of Hull in 2017 and went back to Nigeria to qualify as a lawyer. I then completed a Masters in Law and Economics at UCL and returned again to Nigeria to gain experience at a corporate law firm as a trainee. I was able to work in a range of different areas including litigation, arbitration and some competition law. My interest in competition law grew but I wanted to keep my options open and try other things as well. Ultimately I realised that competition law was my passion. I was delighted to then work for the Nigerian Government in the Competition Authority. It was a great experience reviewing mergers and sitting in on investigative meetings. I even got to cross-examine a witness. This inspired me to focus on competition law for my PhD. My studies started with a theoretical focus and then included a detailed study of cases in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically South Africa and Mauritius. My PhD has led me on an incredible journey. 

Why should people consider a career in law? 

FP: I didn’t actually want to go into law to begin with. My parents are both lawyers so I had an awareness of law and was subtly coerced! Originally I wanted to go into politics or history. I decided on law because it is a practice and gives you a profession to fall back on whatever else you do in life. When I did start studying law, it was so much more interesting than I thought it would be! I valued having a sense of the legal framework within a country. Knowing the boundaries of the law allows you to advise people. You get a sense of the underlying values that underpin a society and the ethical decisions that are made to structure laws. It’s fascinating. 

Your interest in competition law comes across. Why does this area of law mean so much to you? 

FP: I first discovered my interest in competition law when reading an article online about how Google was fined by the European Commission for abusing its dominant position. I realised that it’s about the role of consumers and the welfare of those consumers. When you determine whether a practice is anti-competitive you’re thinking about consumer welfare and that means a lot to me. 

Why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

FP: I have done a lot of travelling and realised that I wanted the next stage of my career to involve working in a law firm in the UK. I was feeling a bit out of the loop and wasn’t sure what the demand would be for someone of my skill set. I was hoping to find someone to guide me through the process and potentially assist me with my job applications.

Was the experience what you expected?

FP: Yes absolutely! It has been better than I expected in fact. The structure of the Leaders programme is incredibly useful. Previous mentoring arrangements I’ve been involved with have not been so formalised and so the boundaries were not very clear, which was sometimes difficult. The structure of the Leaders programme is excellent. It is great knowing that my mentor relationship will run for a full year and I know what the plan is for the remainder of our time together. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Kirsty as a mentor?

FP: I think the most significant thing for me has been developing my confidence as I approach applications to law firms. Having worked in academia for a while, I wasn’t sure how that would come across in my job applications. Kirsty has reassured me that someone of my skill set will be in demand. We’ve also worked on public speaking, including how to deal with anxiety, from supplements to breathing techniques. Kirsty shared openly some of her most difficult challenges with public speaking, which has really helped. She has also helped me to navigate relationships and communications with senior figures at law firms and academics in professional contexts.

Why do you think having a mentor is important?

FP: It’s important to gain insights from someone who is a bit further ahead in their career and can draw on a wealth of knowledge to advise you. Previously I felt I had to discover everything for myself. It felt like reinventing the wheel. If you can consult with someone before you make decisions and get helpful advice it saves you so much time. 

What’s the best piece of advice you have received as a mentee?

FP: ‘Get rid of the self-criticism!’ This has been a useful learning. Particularly in preparation for public speaking, when I have sometimes wondered whether to use bullet notes or full written notes. I’ve learnt from Kirsty that it’s absolutely fine to have written notes to hand when speaking to an audience. Sometimes you just need to know the notes are there and that if you get a bit lost you can always refer to them. 

What difference has the Leaders Mentoring programme made for you?

FP: The Leaders Mentoring programme has given me confidence – I feel much more self-assured. I have valued talking to Kirsty regularly, once a month. When my PhD is 80% complete I will start applying for jobs. Kirsty has already spoken to friends and contacts who have worked in competition law. They have all responded favourably about my job prospects. This has made me feel much stronger at presenting myself at interviews and I have developed the confidence to put myself out there.

“The Leaders Mentoring programme has given me confidence – I feel much more self-assured.”

What is your next career goal?

FP: I aim to apply to a law firm in London in the area of competition litigation. I find the contentious side of things really interesting. I also enjoy academia so I would like to carry on teaching too. It helps me to think on my feet and makes me a better lawyer. So, a part-time teaching role and a job at a London law firm by the end of next year are the goal! 

What advice would you give to OHs considering applying to the programme?

FP: I would say ‘just go for it!’ You can look forward to having the structure of the programme to help you and not always having to reinvent the wheel! Also, keep an open mind. When I first found out that Kirsty would be my mentor, I was a bit unsure because she had primarily worked in restructuring and insolvency, but not specifically in competition law. But I have learnt so much more from Kirsty than I could ever have expected. I’m really grateful. So, always keep an open mind. 

Kirsty, why did you decide to become a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme?

KB: It was a case of great timing! Earlier in my legal career, working in private practice, I was responsible for the development of my team’s trainee lawyers and I really enjoyed providing this support and guidance to young people. Last year I became involved with a mentoring programme at NatWest, supporting young people who are not in full-time education or employment. That experience was challenging but I found it hugely rewarding. When Haileybury contacted me about mentoring, I saw it as a great opportunity to give something back, while also continuing to develop my skills and interests further. 

What have you enjoyed most about mentoring?

KB: The key thing is making a difference in people’s lives. It became apparent quite quickly that I was able to make a difference to my mentees and I could see the benefit of our discussions immediately. 

I appreciate the importance of creating a safe space for discussion and building relationships based on mutual trust and I am grateful that my mentees have been very open and honest from the start about the challenges they face as well as their successes. 

I learnt that I didn’t always have to have the answers. Sometimes I’ve needed to take questions away and do some research and I’ve often needed to reflect. Sometimes mentees have practical questions about their next steps and I’ve been pleased to help devise a road map with them. At other times help might be needed dealing with a more challenging matter like a working relationship, which has required reflection and empathy. 

I’ve enjoyed being able to share my own experience. If a mentee is dealing with a stressful situation, I’ve been able to say; “I totally get that,” because I’ve actually been there. Working in any law firm, particularly as a junior can be extremely challenging. Navigating the commercial pressures, processes, firm culture, relationships with multiple colleagues as well as the technicalities of the actual work can be really difficult. I have really enjoyed being able to offer guidance and support to my mentees through my own understanding to help them navigate challenging situations and build confidence. 

What do you feel mentoring has given you, personally?

KB: It has given me time to reflect on my own career experience and has brought the realisation that sharing your experience can be really powerful. The programme has helped me fine-tune my communication skills and has also helped me further develop my leadership skills as I’ve been guiding my mentees. I don’t think I realised how much I would get out of it when I signed up, in fact, my concern initially was that I wouldn’t have anything to offer the mentees I was assigned. It’s amazing how much help and support you can provide just through listening, empathising and sharing your own experiences and thoughts. 

Why do you think mentoring is important?

KB: It is becoming a tool that lots of successful companies are engaging with and developing. It allows organisations to really harness the skills of their staff. I think it gives confidence to both mentors and mentees. We are all guilty of overthinking things at times and it can be helpful to unpack our thoughts with a mentor who has been there themselves and can help you reflect. As a mentor you are not a teacher or a parent, you are independent which is key. 

A mentoring programme is a great way to accelerate your career growth and allows you to set goals and overcome obstacles. As a mentor, you are really a sounding board. In the end, you hope your input will help your mentees make the best choices for themselves. Your role is not to tell them what to do but simply to guide and give them the opportunity to reflect so they can make the right choice themselves.

Tell me about an aspect of your earlier career or professional experience that has influenced your mentoring approach.

KB: As a trainee solicitor, I recall being regularly under a lot of pressure. I can remember not wanting to show any weakness or lack of understanding as you are constantly being assessed and how hard that feels. These early days were stressful and there were a lot of late nights. Tapping into these memories has helped me to empathise and therefore create a safe space for my mentees, encouraging them to talk about anything including their fears and anxieties. They know there will be no judgement.

You have broad experience in the legal sector having worked in private practice, in-house and as a consultant in the Restructuring and Insolvency arena. Which aspects of legal work have you found most fulfilling? 

KB: Wherever I have been working I have always enjoyed the constant challenge of the work. There is always something new to learn. The legal and regulatory landscape is constantly changing, so you have to really keep on top of that. I have never reached a point in my career where I thought “I now know it all!”. The challenges keep coming and I’m always learning, that’s what keeps things interesting.

I have also been extremely lucky throughout my career to work with amazing people. Being part of a supportive team where people can grow and develop is so important. Camaraderie and a solid team ethic are essential, especially when the pressure of the work is mounting. 

“The benefits of mentoring are huge. I’ve found the programme an amazing way to give back.”

Tell me about your partnership with your mentee Fola. Do you think it has been a good match?

KB: It has been a brilliant match. He is an extremely talented young man and has already achieved so much in terms of his qualifications and experience. Becoming UK qualified will be the final string to Fola’s bow. I have been pleased to offer guidance on his next steps towards getting that qualification and helping him to navigate challenges. I will be able to share with Fola some of my contacts within the legal world who will be able to offer him further guidance on his specific area of law, which I hope will help him make important choices in the future. 

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme as mentors?

KB: Just do it! The benefits of mentoring are huge. I’ve found the programme an amazing way to give back. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on your own career, what you’ve achieved and where you might want to go with it. 

What do you think are the most important qualities to have as a mentor?

KB: You need to be able to support, guide and inspire your mentee. Empathy is key because it allows you to connect on a deeper level. Offering compassionate support and being a good listener is important. I’ve become a better listener through the programme. Having experience and relevant knowledge is of course important too as without this you can’t give insights. You need to be open-minded as there could be really different perspectives between mentor and mentee. Sometimes you may need to take a step back if you’re surprised by the way things go. Ultimately, you need to want to make a difference in someone’s life. 

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the Haileybury Leaders Programme have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in taking part as a mentee in the 2026 programme please see below.

If you would like to learn more about the Haileybury Leaders programme and how you can get involved, please email mentoring@haileybury.com.

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The captain and vice captain of the boys’ 1st XI Cricket, Eden and Charlie, shared a record stand of 277 for the 2nd wicket v New Hall last week. This is certainly the highest in most people’s living memory and having scoured the record books back to 1863 (as well as having sought primary source testimony from the 1940s, which was a particularly fruitful decade for those wielding a Haileybury bat), we believe that this is Haileybury Cricket all time record.

It is a magnificent achievement and a great illustration of the fabulous work of our Director of Cricket, Rupes Kitzinger over recent years. Cricket, for both boys and girls, is flourishing both in terms of participation and quality—Long may (and will) that continue!

Both boys’ hundreds were chanceless, and fantastic. An additional strand to the boys’ success was their preseason preparation, having spent their Spring Term in Cape Town: Eden and Charlie spent the second term of their Lower Sixth year in Somerset College and SACS respectively. Such exchange opportunities are a fabulous element of the Haileybury Cricket programme. The boys’ experience of the South African culture (cricketing and otherwise) has been an influential dimension of the boys’ overall education both on and off the field of play. Both have matured impressively from the experience and it is illustrated in the way that they are going about their business at the crease!

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The launch events for Haileybury’s SciTech Centre were not only marked by ceremonial proceedings but also by engaging activities that brought special guests and supporters closer to its purpose. Pupils took the lead in conducting experiments and guiding tours, showcasing the facility’s capabilities and fostering a hands-on learning experience for all attendees. Additionally, cocktail-style events provided a relaxed atmosphere for networking and celebration, allowing donors, Governors and guests to mingle and share in the excitement of the occasion. The personalised touch of seeing supporters’ names represented on signage throughout the building added a sense of pride and recognition, acknowledging their contributions to the project.

Our SciTech building represents a major advancement in science and technology education, featuring cutting-edge laboratories for natural sciences, computer science, robotics, VR, AI and design technology. The modern facility aims to enhance pupil learning by providing access to the latest technology and fostering a culture of scientific exploration. The building also hosts world class provision through our Stan-X programme, focusing on genetics research using fruit flies to combat diseases like diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the construction of these innovative spaces prioritises sustainability, with features such as solar panels, green roofs, and eco-friendly materials like cross-laminated timber.

The launch of Haileybury’s SciTech Centre heralds a new era of innovation for current and future Haileyburians. We express our sincere gratitude to all donors, special guests, and contributors who made this vision a reality. Whose support will help foster curiosity and drive discovery at Haileybury.

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Christopher Nolan, known for his groundbreaking work in directing and producing, added another feather to his cap by winning the Academy Award for Best Director for his latest blockbuster, Oppenheimer. With a career spanning decades, Nolan has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects in cinema. His unique style and visionary approach have earned him a dedicated global following and critical acclaim. In addition to Oppenheimer’s impressive 13 nominations and seven wins last evening, Nolan’s film has enjoyed an incredibly successful 2024 awards season, earning seven BAFTAs, five Golden Globes, three SAG Awards and a People’s Choice Award.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected moments from last evening’s Oscars happened at the press conference. Nolan was caught off guard when he fielded a question from fellow alumni and journalist Alison Boshoff nee Fleming (Allenby & Colvin, 1988). In their brief interaction, the OHs reminisced about their Haileybury history class.

There was another Haileyburian at the star-studded event. Alumna Suzi Battersby, a standout talent in the world of cinematic prosthetics design and makeup, transformed Dame Helen Mirren for the critically acclaimed film Golda, about the ‘Iron Lady of Israel’, Golda Meir. Suzi’s attention to detail and ability to bring characters to life through special-effects makeup is what earned her top recognition and the Oscar nod. Suzi is no newcomer, however. As the founder of RedGirl FX, she has worked on hits such as Killing Eve, Dr Who, Ted Lasso, Sex Education and Silo, to name a few. Receiving an Oscar nomination is a testament to her skill and passion for her craft.

“As my peers will perhaps remember, I wore my love of Drama on my sleeve trying to be involved with as many plays as possible in the lovely old Ayckbourn Theatre, taking LAMDA exams up to Gold Medal and even mucking around doing performances in our rooms at Allenby,” Suzi recently told The Haileybury Society.

The entire Haileybury community joins in celebrating Christopher Nolan and Suzi Battersby. Their success not only brings pride to their alma mater but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of pupils looking to make their mark in the world of film and entertainment. We cannot wait to see what the pair achieve next.

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We caught up with Prabhakar and Vittoria to learn about their experiences in the programme. 

Why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

MVB: When I got the email about the programme I was just starting a new job and wanted to improve as a professional, gaining a clearer sense of direction and identifying and achieving career goals. I immediately thought that the Haileybury Leaders programme would be the perfect solution to this!

Was the experience what you expected?

MVB: This has been my first mentoring experience so I did not have a benchmark, but my experience definitely exceeded expectations. Before starting the programme, I thought that this might develop into regular calls and questions on my progress, with the mentor doing all the work in the relationship. What I soon realised, is that mentorship is a give-and-take journey, a supportive relationship that has challenged me into new stages of development. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Prabhakar as a mentor? Was it a good match?

MVB: I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have started my mentorship journey with Prabhakar. During the application process, I specified I wanted to be matched with a mentor from a different industry than mine to learn from different experiences. I particularly appreciated the diversity Prabhakar brought to the table. Coming from a different industry, his unique perspective added a fresh dimension to our discussions. Moreover, his global experience, having lived and worked internationally, enriched my understanding and broadened my horizons.

Do you feel the programme has helped you progress towards your career goals?

MVB: I am thrilled to share that my mentoring journey with Prabhakar has been incredibly rewarding. With his guidance and support, I not only achieved all my set goals but also secured a promotion at work. This new position aligns with my aspirations and also includes an exciting international opportunity, fulfilling a long-held ambition. The mentorship experience has undeniably played a turning point in my professional growth.

“Mentorship is a give-and-take journey, a supportive relationship that challenged me into new stages of development”

– Maria Vittoria Busani (Allenby, 2016)

What has been the best piece of advice you received from Prabhakar? 

MVB: It is very hard to just narrow it down to one, as each piece of advice has been truly eye-opening. One of the first things I remember comes from a phrase Prabhakar told me: “Doing things right vs doing the right things”. This prompted me to consider not only how tasks are accomplished but also whether those tasks align with broader objectives and contribute to overall success. This helped me change my mindset and shifted my attention to focus more on strategic thinking, decision-making, and goal alignment to ensure that my efforts contribute to the overall success of my organisation. 

Why do you think having a mentor is important?

MVB: Having a mentor is important as they provide invaluable guidance, share expertise, and offer constructive feedback. Their support helps you to grow professionally and personally, to build confidence, and to inspire continuous learning. In my case, I sometimes felt that the many complexities and dynamics of the workplace could cloud my perspective. Prabhakar offered me a clear and experienced viewpoint, helping untangle challenges, providing insights that may not be apparent, and offering a steady hand to overcome difficulties. 

What advice would you give to OH’s considering applying to the programme? 

MVB: If you’re considering the programme, go for it as it will be an invaluable journey! My keywords for you are: open-mindedness, curiosity, energy, enthusiasm and honesty. 

What made you decide to volunteer as a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme? 

PR: There were two things. I was quite taken by the outreach programme and liked the idea of increased connectivity among the Haileybury community, providing OHs with wisdom and advice to guide them in their careers. Secondly, I truly enjoy the opportunity to be connected with the young leaders of tomorrow. I think it gives me a better insight into what is going on in the world around me.

Why do you think mentoring is so important?

PR: I believe we are constantly learning and developing. Mentoring is something that helps to clarify your aspirations and goals. It also gives you a sounding board and a safe environment where you can feel confident speaking openly about your doubts and fears. Of course, a mentor also provides the mentee with a voice of experience that can give you both suggestions and advice, as well as asking the right questions enabling you to get the best out of yourself.

Tell me a bit more about your partnership with Vittoria. Do you think it’s been a good match? 

PR: I think it was a brilliant match. I feel what really made it work is that we invested the time to get to know each other before jumping into what she wanted to get out of the programme. This created a rich foundation for developing plans for Vittoria to be able to achieve her goals. Most importantly, it created a sense of trust, which meant we could both be open and ask good questions. I think it is that initial investment that I think ended up paying dividends later.

Did you see any specific changes in your mentee’s performance? 

PR: I was very impressed by Vittoria’s self-awareness and energy from the very beginning. I feel she had a real ability to embrace her fears and face challenges head on. I think she grew enormously during the course of the programme. Her progress was also recognised by her own company, with a promotion and increased global responsibility. I was able to help her connect with other marketers around the world as well as other women in senior roles, which broadened her perspective. She really grew as a leader but her own self-awareness was a key part of that journey and success. 

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme?

PR: It’s a free gift right on your doorstep! Having a strong network and good partnerships is so important for building the infrastructure for your life and career. Mentors are just part of the scaffolding helping you build out some capabilities and confidence at a specific point in time.

What do you think are some of the most important qualities that a mentor should have?

PR: A mentor should be a good listener with a strong sense of empathy. They need to be able to create a safe space for the mentee, one where both parties can be open and honest. The other important thing is being able to listen to the mentee as a whole person. You may be doing a certain job at a certain time but you also have a personal life, you have other interests, there’s a whole person on the table. So, respect that whole person and mutual trust will follow.

 “Mentors are just part of the scaffolding helping you build out some capabilities and confidence at a specific point in time”

– Prabhakar Rajagopal 
(Haileybury parent)

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience or mentoring?

PR: I want to give credit to Haileybury for the organisation of the programme. I am glad that the School didn’t sit back passively and launch a mentoring programme. The tools and resources provided were fantastic. Of course all mentors and mentees are at different stages in their own journeys, so to be able to give them some assets, touch points as well as personalised communications, has been excellent and I would encourage that this to continue. Mentoring is such a great way to build connections within the community and enrich the experience of pupils, OHs and parents alike. 

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the Haileybury Leaders Programme have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in taking part as a mentee in the 2026 programme please see below.

If you would like to learn more about the Haileybury Leaders programme and how you can get involved, please email mentoring@haileybury.com.

The post Mentoring at Haileybury: Cross-sector match leads to career advancement appeared first on Haileybury.

We caught up with both mentee and mentor towards the end of their year-long partnership. Read on to hear their perspectives on their mentorship experiences.

Why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

GA: I was just starting my placement and feeling a bit lost when I got the email about the Haileybury Leaders programme. It sounded like something that might be useful. I had been quite narrowly focused on what I was doing and was keen to get a different perspective on the defence and engineering sector. I wanted to see more broadly where my career could progress. 

Was the experience what you expected?

GA: I think what ended up happening was quite different to what I had expected. It enabled me to really make the most of my placement and approach my final year at university with a clear progression track into the industry that I want to work in. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Markos as a mentor?

GA: Broadly speaking, Markos has given me more confidence in the choices I have made up to this point and has given me additional insights into academic opportunities within industry. For example, there are possibilities to conduct academic research within the defence industry that can potentially lead to sponsored PhDs.

Why do you think having a mentor is important?

GA: I think, particularly for OHs who are coming out of university, you are very much coming off the end of an education conveyor belt. Whilst you’re at school, you choose your GCSEs from a list and then you pick your A-Levels, which determine which university courses you can apply for.  However, once you come out of university, things become a lot less fixed, with so many career paths available, many of which you may not even be aware of. You’re not going to find these opportunities just by browsing LinkedIn or Indeed. Having a mentor, someone who’s built a career, knows their industry and has their own network, is incredibly useful. Based on their feedback and guidance, you can start to see through the fog and form a clearer pathway to a career that suits you.

“[The Haileybury Leaders Programme] enabled me to really make the most of my placement and approach my final year at university with a clear progression track into the industry that I want to work in.”

What advice would you give to alumni considering applying to the programme?

GA: I would say, don’t always seek out a mentor who works in the area that you think you’re going to be working in. Try to learn as much new information as you can from your mentor and use this as an opportunity to speak to someone with a breadth of experience in areas that you may not have previously considered. Don’t pigeonhole yourself!

Markos, what made you decide to become a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme? 

MT: I saw it as an excellent opportunity to be part and support the fantastic Haileybury community by sharing my personal experience and knowledge in assisting young Haileyburians. Being involved and helping the success and the continuation of the programme meant that I would be part of a Haileybury legacy that could significantly benefit future alumni.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring?

MT: Interacting with my mentee George, I was able to appreciate first hand the excellent values, work ethic and confidence that Haileybury instilled into him. This filled me with pride being part of our school. Working with such a bright and mature young person helped me gain new perspectives and fresh ideas that are valuable both as an employer but also as a parent.

Why do you think mentoring is important?

MT: Mentoring brings significant value to both mentors and mentees. It helps mentors with the chance to further develop their people skills, helps you get a better grasp of the issues young people face hence helps you understand and develop better young people at your own working environment. And finally it helps you grow as a person and be more open to new perspectives.

Mentoring helps mentees have a vision and a plan on how to achieve it, become more confident, ask the right questions, be honest with themselves and their employers, be open to provide and receive feedback and use it to their benefit.

Tell me about your partnership with your mentee. Do you think it has been a good match?

MT: My partnership with George was in one word, ‘perfect’. And this was made possible by the fantastic work that Marika and [the Development Department] did in partnering us together.

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme as mentors?

MT: I would strongly encourage people to participate in this programme. Be part of this great community and help guide young Haileyburians through the beginning of their career paths by sharing your extensive knowledge, experience and success. This is a programme that will support future generations of alumni. 

What do you think are the most important qualities to have as a mentor?

MT: Have empathy, be open minded, be enthusiastic, actively listen to your mentee and be honest with them.

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the Haileybury Leaders Programme have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in taking part as a mentee in the 2026 programme please see below.

If you would like to learn more about the Haileybury Leaders programme and how you can get involved, please email mentoring@haileybury.com.

The post Mentoring at Haileybury: Budding Engineer Propelled by Aerospace Mentor appeared first on Haileybury.

The first film in the series features OH Alex Blakesley, a mechanical design engineer working for University College London (UCL). Throughout the pandemic, Alex has been working with a small team of engineers to re-design CPAP machines for critically ill Covid patients around the world. Their pioneering work has now transformed the care for many of those suffering from Covid-19.

In the feature, Alex discusses the process of re-designing the machine and how he and his colleagues then brought it to market, so that it could be transported to countries all over the world. The designs have been made open source to allow others to replicate their designs, allowing thousands of people to receive the critical care they need.

“When the Coronavirus outbreak occurred, we needed a fast way to treat these patients who were struggling to breathe. And although ventilators that are currently used in the NHS are a good solution, they are expensive to make and take a long time to manufacture. So we went back to this old technology and slightly changed the design, and then mass-manufactured it in a very small timescale to allow some of the demand to be met in NHS hospitals.”

The film is available to view here. Stay tuned for the next Connect Feature.

On Tuesday 4 May, there is another exciting Connect Careers webinar with a new theme of AI and software development. Pupils can hear first-hand from OH’s who have experience within this cutting edge industry. Panellists include:

Nadya Mere (OH left 2016)
UI Developer and First Class graduate and postgraduate of Imperial College London

Tristan Clark (OH left 2013)
Software Developer and First Class graduate and postgraduate of the University of Bristol and Imperial College London

Alex Gaskell (OH left in 2013)
PhD student in AI at Imperial, and First Class graduate of the University of Cambridge

If you are interested in joining the webinar, sign up here.
To stay up to date with any news from Haileybury connect, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or join the Haileybury Connect platform.

The post Haileybury Connect launches a new initiative: Connect Features appeared first on Haileybury.

Every term has a different theme, to ensure that a number of careers in different fields are covered. The theme for this term is Humanitarian relief, development and conservation. Pupils will be joined by alumni working for NGO’s and charities around the world, in a webinar that will be uploaded to the Haileybury Connect platform.

The panel will consist of four Old Hailyeburian’s; Alice Clough who works with UN’s International Organisation for Migration, Anella Vokes who formerly worked with the British Red Cross (BRC) but now works for Elrha, Ed Brett who is now in his third year with Haileybury Youth Trust in Uganda and Clara Johnston who works for the Marine Conservation Society. Each will give pupils an insight into what has led them to their current roles, how they achieved it and guidance for pursuing careers of this type.

Alongside the webinar, Haileybury pupils will be able to watch interviews featuring Leanna Jones who worked with the organisation Compassion in world farming, Nick Polley who is currently in Columbia working for the British Red Cross, Okemdi Chukwu who set up his foundation the Pajoma Network, and finally, Charlie Tebutt who is an Academic at Oxford University researching environmental change.

The interviews are live on Haileybury Connect’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, the webinar will be taking place Tuesday 2 Feb at 6.00pm and pupils are able to sign up and gain invaluable insight into potential careers in Humanitarianism by signing up here.

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