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  • Becky High Alumnae

    A very warm welcome if you are reading this as one of our remarkable students and staff of years gone by! Our ever-evolving school may look a little different now, but we remain a happy, high achieving, inclusive, diverse and dynamic place to learn and grow.

    We’ve seen so many exceptional women through our doors in our 55+ year history; former Becky High students have gone on to excel in careers as varied as the military, law, geology, medicine, teaching, television, politics, marketing, hospitality and physiotherapy, for organisations such as ITV, EMI, BP, Sky, the NHS and HMP.

    In March 2023, we hosted a Becky High 55 Year Alumnae Celebration which was a fantastic opportunity to meet up with old friends, enjoy Prosecco and afternoon tea, and have a tour of the school. Have a look at the album below to see if you can spot any familiar faces! If you would like to be added to our former staff or student database and be invited to future alumnae events, please click the relevant box below: 

     

    Connecting with us!

    Whatever you've been up to since you left, we'd love to hear from you! So, why not connect via LinkedIn or Facebook, or drop us an email via the alumnae email address. If you joined LinkedIn before March 2021, you need to add Beaconsfield High 'properly' to your education profile by following these steps: Go to your profile, remove your current school listing and add us in again. You’ll know you’ve done it properly because when you start typing us in, the school logo should come up. Once you’ve done this, you should be able to build up connections with Becky High alumnae more easily.

    Giving back!

    Philanthropy comes in all shapes and sizes, from volunteering your time at Becky High fundraising events or delivering a careers talk to the next generation of successful women, to giving back with a financial gift. Below are some handy links if that sounds like something you would like to get involved in!

    Our Alumnae

    Class of 2019 - Lauren Torley - Professional Rugby Player

    Lauren studied biology, RS and PE at A-Level before going on to Newcastle University to study Psychology and Nutrition. She followed that with a Masters in Applied Sport Psychology at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Whilst in sixth form, she took up Touch Rugby, later moving on to contact when she joined Newcastle University. Since beginning her rugby journey, she has been selected to play for England in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series (2022), the Commonwealth Games (2022), and the Rugby World Cup Sevens (2022.  In 2023, she played in the European Games and most recently, she was named in the GB squad for the Paris Olympics.

    Class of 2016 - Natasha Pavelin - England Netball Player

    Natasha studied biology, chemistry, maths and further maths (achieving 4 x A* grades!) before going on to study Natural Sciences at the University of Bath. Having played netball since she was a child (for Clan Netball Club in High Wycombe), she joined Team Bath in the Netball Super League whilst studying. 

    She has represented England on several occasions and after two years in the Future Roses programme, Tash is now part of the full-time Vitality Roses programme for 2024-25. She plays goal defence, goalkeeper and wing defence. Although she currently plays netball full time, she is also a trainee-chartered accountant!

    Class of 2015 - Heidi Long - Rowing Olympian

    Heidi is a GB rower who left BHS in 2015 to study biology and cognitive science (and row) at the University of Virginia. After graduating, she joined the GB team and won the European and World Championships in 2022, in the women’s four. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Rowing Regatta, she won a bronze in the Women’s eight.  Dr Reynolds remembers when they went on the biology field trip to Swanage in sixth form and Heidi brought her erg with her so she could train in the corridor every morning before everyone woke up! 

    Class of 2013 - Katie Raettig - Post-Production Supervisor

    Katie left BHS to study sociology at the University of Bath. She is currently the Post-Production Supervisor at Outpost, an independent TV and film post-production company at the world famous Pinewood Studios. Katie is also a keen writer and Disney fanatic and writes regularly for the US Disney fan information site WDWNT.

    Class of 2012 - Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed - Doctor/ MasterChef Winner

    After BHS, Saliha studied medicine at Kings College, graduating in 2012 and she is now an gastroenterologist. She has always had a passion for cooking and in 2017 won the BBC's MasterChef competition. She has since written her own cookbook, winning Best New Cookbook in the 2019 Observer Food Monthly Awards!

    Class of 2011 - Joanna Smith - Barrister Specialising in Family Law

    I studied English Literature, Modern History, and Fine Art at A-Level before leaving in 2011 to study English Literature at Exeter University. Following completion of my degree, I got my Graduate Diploma in Law at City Law School before going to Bar School to complete the Bar Professional Training Course.

    I then paralegaled with an East London Family Law firm ( TV Edwards LLP) for just under two years whilst I applied for pupillage at various London family chambers. I got pupillage in 2017, started in October 2018, and qualified as a barrister in October 2019. I am now part of Fourteen, a group of London family law chambers in London.

    Class of 2010 - Vicky Lowry - Senior Supply Chain Analyst

    After Becky High, I attended Middlesex University and studied Theatre Arts (Performance). Following this, I moved to America and entered a career that has truly set me up for life, working as a Senior Supply Chain Analyst for Asbury Communities.

    Going to Becky High taught me so much more than what I used at university. Theatre and supply chain are two very different worlds. Having the level of education that I did at Becky High gave me the confidence and ability to work in any field. The foundation of any job is created during your school years and I am forever grateful to the teachers who taught me. You’ll be surprised how often I use some of the maths I learnt at Becky High!

    Class of 2009 - Alexandra Maslen - Junior Doctor Specialising in Palliative Medicine

    I left BHS in 2009 having studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths for A-Level. I went on to study Contemporary Dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance following my dream of being a professional dancer. I studied at NSCD for one year, achieving a diploma in Contemporary Dance Performance, and I had a number of professional dance jobs; I danced in the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony and was on Britain's Got Talent in a Kick Line troupe.

    However, I decided dance wasn't the career for me, so I moved to the University of Nottingham to study Medicine, and I am now a Junior Doctor Specialising in Palliative Medicine within the NHS. As soon as I started medical school I knew it was the job for me, it's taken me a long time to be able to do my dream job, but I'm really blessed to be finally doing it. I have a lot to thank BHS for, for encouraging me to follow my dreams, particularly as it enabled me to make the decisions I made for myself and not solely for my parents or for my teachers.

    Class of 2008 - Clare Perricone - Senior Commercial Officer

    I left BHS to study biological sciences at the University of Birmingham. After graduating, I went to work for an aerospace company selling ejector seats for fighter aircraft. I was there for seven years and during that time I married and had my two children. Now I am working as a Senior Commercial Officer for another aerospace company developing future software for the next generation fighter aircraft.

    BHS gave me the foundations to be a good independent learner which was definitely needed in university. A strong work ethic was instilled in us in sixth form which is something I pride myself on to this day.

    Class of 2008 - Bekah Cork - Head of Firdaus Orchestra 

    Bekah left us in 2008 to study music at The University of Birmingham and after graduation she joined the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as their Assistant Planning Manager. She then became the Artistic Planning and Tours Manager at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra before moving to the Philharmonia Orchestra as their Head of Residencies and Engagements. She is now Head of Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai.

    Class of 2006 - Joanne Tolner - Photographer

    After leaving BHS, I studied photography at Amersham and Wycombe College and we were the final year to study film (in addition to digital photography) so I learnt black and white, and colour darkroom processes. I loved it! We went on trips to Poland, Wales and Hungary, which really got me into travel. I lived abroad in Bangkok, Dubai and LA for several years before moving back to Bucks where I settled down and started a family.

    I always had a good work ethic and was determined to do well. BHS taught me to be more confident and not to worry about being perfect. It's best to just throw yourself into it and learn as you go, no one starts off as a manager!

    Class of 2004 - Jessie de la Merced - VP Corporate Affairs at Vinted

    Jessie left us to study Biological Anthropology at The University of Cambridge, followed by a one-year studentship at Harvard University studying political communications. She went on to intern at Google, spent three years at Brunswick Group before joining Facebook, as EMEA Communications Director. Following her time as Head of Group Strategy at Marks and Spencer, she is now VP Corporate Affairs at Vinted.

    Class of 1998 - Dr Melanie Windridge - Plasma Physicist and Science Communicator

    Dr Windridge left BHS to study physics at Bristol University, followed by a PhD in plasma physics from Imperial College London in 2009. She is a plasma physicist specialising in fusion energy and currently works as the Communications Consultant for Tokamak Energy. Melanie also loves the outdoors and summitted Mount Everest in 2018!

    Class of 1998 - Anna Tait - Workplace Advisory Practice Director

    I left Becky High in 1998, having studied English Literature, Government and Politics, and Drama and Theatre Arts. Back then there were no IT offerings at GCSE or A-level, but having been involved in extracurricular IT clubs, I knew that this was something I wanted to progress with. After an extended gap year travelling in Australia, I returned to study Computer Science and Information Systems at Brunel University - a very male-dominated course at the time.

    In my final year, one of my modules was Business and Process Analysis; I really loved studying this subject and looked at how I could build a career in this field. I have been lucky enough to work for some fantastic companies as a Business Analyst, including Mars Chocolate and Marks and Spencer, and as a Solution Architect at Microsoft, where I led companies through digital transformation using Microsoft's workplace technology and services. Now I lead the Workplace Advisory Practice in the UK at Avanade, a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft.

    There is a big focus here on Tech Women and Women in IT in general, but really the grounding I got from BHS meant I never doubted that I could be successful in this field.   

    Class of 1994 - Beth Rigby - Political Editor at Sky News

    Beth left BHS to study social and political science at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge where she graduated with a first. She continued her studies at the University of London where she gained a masters in Latin America. She has worked as a journalist for the FT and The Times and is now the Political Editor for Sky News.

     

    Class of 1994 - Emma Martin - Senior Communications Manager

    I left BHS in 1994 and went to the University of Liverpool to study Economic and Social History. Following graduation, I went on to study law at The College of Law and completed the conversion course and Legal Practice Course, which led me to securing a training contract and qualifying as a solicitor.

    I practised in law for ten years as a commercial property solicitor. However, I decided in 2012 that I wanted to change profession and pursue a more creative career. I retrained in marketing, and I am now Senior Communications Manager for Heartwood Collection, one of the UK's leading hospitality brands. In my role, I take responsibility for the brand's creative direction and sales growth.

    BHS always thought the best of us and didn't think we were any less than capable of that. My time at BHS gave me the confidence to always be the best that I could always be and made me very determined to achieve that!

    Class of 1993 - Lalarukh Asim - Emergency Medicine and Major Trauma Consultant

    After BHS, I attended the Imperial College School of Medicine. Since graduating, I have accredited in adult and paediatric emergency medicine and briefly appeared on the early episodes of 24 Hours in A&E! I am passionate about adolescent healthcare and am a Children's Safeguarding Lead within our trust. I am also an EDI Lead and am involved both within my hospital trust and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine raising awareness and driving forward parity and progress on the surrounding issues.  

    My time at BHS pushed me to pursue my dreams of becoming a medic and to overcome the obstacles that were placed in my way. 

    Class of 1992 - Sophie Smart - Senior Director and Regional Delivery Leader

    After leaving BHS at 16 and taking my A-Levels at a local college, I took a private secretarial qualification before starting work at 19 years old.

    My entire career has been spent in the talent acquisition and consulting space, working with the senior leadership teams of predominantly US-headquartered firms. Having experienced a range of roles from support, onboarding, hiring, L&D, M&A, I am now focused on leading, building and supporting regional delivery teams for Korn Ferry. 

    Becky High builds confidence in young women, which is key to being successful in the world of work. Knowing that they can be anyone and do anything is critical to them achieving what they set out to. An environment that can support and develop those dreams while fostering creativity is, I hope, what the school continues to offer.

    Class of 1978 - Alison Hegarty -  Solicitor and Teacher

    When I left BHS, I went to Newcastle University to study French for one year and then The College of Law in London. I qualified as a solicitor and worked for six years before having time off with my children.  After completing a PGCE at Birmingham University, I was a primary school teacher in Chipping Campden for ten years. More recently, I completed a diploma in Art History and a Masters in Literature and Arts at Oxford University.

    My favourite subject at BHS was English Literature and I had some brilliant teachers. I am so grateful for the challenging texts they taught us. I still love reading and enjoy plenty of Shakespeare at the RSC in Stratford, near to where I live. The love of academic study that I gained through my BHS teachers has been invaluable in obtaining useful qualifications but more importantly, in providing great pleasure throughout my life.

    Class of 1975 - Diana Mitchel - Architect and Teacher

    When I left BHS, I went to Sheffield University and studied at the School of Architecture. I practised as an architect for 15 years, working as part of collaborative teams designing and building schools, and private and public buildings, most notably Gatwick Airport North Terminal. I retrained and taught Design Technology and Art for 23 years. I am now retired and pursuing my own artwork.  

    BHS educated us with an expectation that we could achieve the highest possible intellectual standards and be equal to men in the world of work in a time when this was not a widely held belief.