Alumni

Former student profiles

Fay Robinson

Graduated 2008

I was a boarder during my time at CCSS, and I took A-levels in Spanish, English, History and Law. While there, I must admit that I had an amazing experience during both years – there is nothing like the combination of excellent teachers, friendly faces and great pastoral care to make you feel settled from almost the first day.

When I started studying at CCSS, I had come a long way from Barbados and had just switched schools from Spain, so I started the term a few weeks late. Needless to say I was missing my friends and family back home, because I had only known life in my island for the previous 16 years. But studying at CCSS was worth the initial ‘trauma’, and I am proud to say that this college definitely helped me strive for success and happiness. I am lucky to have attended, and to have made so many good friends there!

I have now moved on from CCSS, and am presently studying at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge. I feel like CCSS prepared me for the university life, because of the independent way of living that I experienced during my A-level years. I found it far easier to settle into the way of life here than many who were used to the traditional school setting. I would recommend CCSS to anyone, as I know one hundred percent that it would be a very good choice!

Rebecca Clifford

Graduated 2007

I attended CCSS as an A-level student from 2005 to 2007. I studied Photography, English, Media Studies and Psychology.

Originally I was very nervous about joining, I was not a boarder and all my friends from secondary school were attending local sixth form colleges together, whereas I did not know anyone else. However it was the best decision I could have made.

CCSS gave me the confidence to strive for the best. I do not think I would have got the same grades if I had attended a larger college. For me it was beneficial to have smaller class rooms and teachers who were willing to help you and treated you as equals.

I am now studying Photography and Journalism at Roehampton University in London. Looking back CCSS played a key part in preparing me for life at a University. I would recommend the college to anyone.

Kingsley Egbuonu

Graduated 2005

I attended CCSS as an A-level student from 2003 to 2005. I studied Law, Politics and Economics.

I really enjoyed living in Cambridge and my time at CCSS was very exciting too, not only because I received excellent teaching and support, but also because I was able to take part in various extra-curriculum activities such as sports (member of the CCSS football team), trips, international food nights and other social events such as paintballing, skiing and bowling.

I was offered a bursary towards my school fees for excellent academic performance in my AS-level year and elected a Boarding House representative, having received the ‘Best Boarder’ award. Living in the CCSS Boarding Houses is very enjoyable and rewarding as you get a chance to meet friendly students from all over the world.

Studying at CCSS gave an opportunity to apply to top institutions such as Warwick University, Nottingham University, School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), Sussex University and Cambridge University, and receive invitations for interviews from them.

I later decided to enrol to the University of Sussex from which I graduated with an LLB in Law and International Relations. I am now working as a paralegal with Brightway Solicitors and hoping to qualify as a solicitor in the near future.

Since leaving Cambridge in 2005, I have been coming to the city regularly just for sightseeing as I love the city, but also visiting CCSS and attending various College events.

Daisy McAndrew

Graduated 2000

Daisy is Economics Editor of ITV News, having been promoted from Chief Political Correspondent in June 2008. She is ITV News’ most senior female reporter.
 
Since joining in 2005 – as well as reporting for ITV News – she has also presented ITV’s Lunchtime and Weekend News and ITV’s Moral of the Story.

Before joining ITV she presented (as Daisy Sampson) the BBC’s Daily Politics and was BBC Breakfast News’ political correspondent. She also had her own drive time show on LBC Radio and has presented Channel 4’s Powerhouse, the BBC's Heaven and Earth Show and BBC Weekend News.

Before moving into broadcasting in 2001 she spent a decade working in Westminster, starting off as a researcher before writing for many newspapers from the Press Gallery, profiling MPs in The House Magazine – which she ultimately edited – as well as working for Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy as his Press Secretary. She was a consultant on the BBC’s A–Z of Politics and edited The Politics Companion, published by Chrysalis books.

“I adored my time at CCSS. It was the first time I realised teachers were human beings who simply wanted to help me be the best I could, rather than representatives of evil put on the planet to make my life a misery - the way I had previously viewed teachers before CCSS!

“I did English, Politics and History of Art.

“I went to the LSE having got good A-levels, but in fact got really bored after two terms and went to work in the House of Commons as a researcher. I think CCSS had given me such an amazing university-like time that LSE did not seem that special and I was eager to get cracking in the world of work!”

Hadley Clare Freeman

Graduated 1996

I had missed several years of school due to illness and, in order to keep up with my age group, needed to take my A-levels in a year. I visited several schools where I could do this but as soon as I walked into CCSS I knew this was the place I wanted to be. The school itself felt so friendly and homely (important as I had never been to a boarding school before) and I immediately loved the teachers, who talked to me as an individual, not just another student with some extra needs.

I arrived in September 1995 to study English, History of Art and French A-levels and can honestly say it was one of the happiest experiences I ever had.

I lived in a house with about 10 other students, all from very different backgrounds and with different reasons for being there, but we immediately connected under the watchful eye of our lovely house mistress. But it was really the teachers that I loved. Each of my teachers took such care with all of us, somehow catering for the very wide variety of capabilities in the class. I still remember so much of my various A-level syllabuses, which just proves how great the teaching is there. Best of all, it really felt like the teachers cared about us individually. It really was thanks to my teachers that I got all A-grades in my exams and then went on to study English at Oxford University.

When I arrived at CCSS I was extremely nervous and unsure of my abilities, mainly because I had been out of the school system for three years. But they all encouraged me and gave me the necessary confidence to apply to Oxford University. I have been working as a features writer at the Guardian newspaper and a staff writer at Vogue for eight years now, both of which are truly dream jobs for me. I know I would never have got here if it had not been for CCSS.