Repton School
Careers and Higher Education Convention
Saturday 6 June 2026
Digital Programme
Welcome
From Head of Careers & Entrepreneurship Mr Luke Jones We are excited to welcome you to the Repton School Careers and Higher Education Convention. At a time when entering the early stages of the employment market for students is particularly challenging, it is absolutely imperative that our pupils are well-informed, well-advised, and are openminded about the many different routes available to them. Today is about ensuring our pupils are aware of the incredible breadth of careers that is available to them. It is an opportunity to learn from a genuine set of experts from a diverse range of sectors and specialisms. We are also lucky to have a wide range of universities and employers with us, located in the Higher Education Fair in the Kan Library, as well as advisers for organising gap years and work experience. At a time when degree apprenticeships are increasingly being considered by Reptonians, we are also excited to welcome speakers from these pathways who can help our pupils better understand those competitive processes and how to make their applications stand out. We hope that today’s event will spark ambitious thinking, enable new ideas, and lead to many valuable conversations. I would like to thank all of our speakers and exhibitors for giving their time so generously to support our pupils and share their knowledge. This contribution plays an important role in helping them make informed and confident decisions about the next steps in their education and careers. If you would like to speak with me, or with any member of the Careers and Higher Education team, please do come and say hello.
Programme Time
Session
Location
8.30 - 9.15am
Register/Drinks
400 Hall Foyer
9.15 - 9.55am
Keynote talk: Nick Hillman OBE
400 Hall
10.05 - 10.35am
Speaker Session 1 or Higher Education Fair
Science Priory
10.40 - 11.10am
Speaker Session 2 or Higher Education Fair
Science Priory
11.15 - 11.45am
Speaker Session 3 or Higher Education Fair
Science Priory
11.50 - 12.20pm
Speaker Session 4 or Higher Education Fair
Science Priory
12.25 - 12.55pm
Speaker Session 5 or Higher Education Fair
Science Priory
Buffet for Parents, Speakers, Exhibitors and Pupils
Sports Centre: Twigg-McCallin Room
13.00 - 13:50pm
Keynote Speaker Nick Hillman OBE Director of HEPI Higher Education Nick Hillman has served as Director of HEPI since 2014. Before taking on this role, he worked between 2007 and the end of 2013 for the Rt Hon David Willetts MP (now Lord Willetts), who was the Minister for Universities and Science. During this time, he held positions as Chief of Staff and later as Special Adviser within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Earlier in his career, Nick worked as a History teacher and was also employed by the Association of British Insurers. He stood in the Cambridge constituency at the 2010 general election, finishing as the runner-up. Nick has contributed widely to think tanks and academic journals. His published articles cover subjects including higher education reforms under the Coalition government for the Oxford Review of Education, access to schools and selective universities for Higher Education Review, and the fifty-year development of student loan systems for Contemporary British History. He also authored a wellregarded account of the role of a special adviser for the Institute of Government. In 2020/21, he was shortlisted for the inaugural Prospect magazine Think Tanker of the Year Award. He holds honorary fellowships from Queen Mary University of London (awarded in 2016) and the National Conference of University Professors (2022), and is also a Companion of the British Academy of Management (2022). Currently, he serves as a governor at both the University of Manchester and the University of Buckingham, and is a trustee of the National Foundation for Educational Research. We are also fortunate to have him as a governor at Repton School and we are sure you will learn lots from his talk this morning.
Speakers Charlotte Abell, Degree Apprenticeships
Charlotte completed a degree apprenticeship, learning whilst gaining practical experience across digital marketing and e-commerce. Beginning at Dunelm, she progressed to Manager level while completing her degree, before continuing her career with John Lewis. She now works at Next, specialising in e-commerce and enhancing customers’ online shopping experiences.
Don Amstad, Finance
Don has worked in finance for more than 40 years, in both investment banking and asset management. He has spent over half that time working in Asia, including roles in Tokyo and Singapore, alongside positions in London. His career has included roles at Nomura, J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, Aberdeen and River Global Investors, where he is currently Chief Client Officer.
Rohan Ananda Rajan, Medicine
Prof. Rajan is a Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedics who has devoted his career to improving patient care. He has established several specialist clinics worldwide, founded the Neverest Orthopaedics Foundation Charity, and developed the Midlands clubfoot pathway. Additionally, he has been recognised with the Mayor of Derby Award, for his work with correcting children's leg abnormalities.
Claire Exley, Finance
Claire is Head of Advice and Guidance at Nutmeg, a J.P. Morgan company, joining in 2022 from Aviva. She is responsible for leading Nutmeg’s rapidly expanding financial advice, guidance and planning teams. Claire has over 16 years’ experience in leading and managing financial advice propositions in the UK investment and wealth management sectors.
Speakers Paul Brownhill, Entrepreneurship (OR 1980-85)
Paul Brownhill is Group CEO of Britannia: a second-generation family business which produces packaging for the garment industry, working with companies such as John Lewis, Next, George and Primark. They help retailers and brand owners to build value in their brands, by providing labelling and other packaging to a high standard.
Colin Clark, Film, Media and Journalist; Sport
Colin Clark is the rally world’s favourite co-driver-without-the-notes - the commentator with a microphone in one hand, passport in the other, and often found standing somewhere far too close to a stage end. Known for his quick wit, boundless enthusiasm and uncanny ability to find the best stories in the service park, Colin has spent decades chasing rally cars, legendary drivers and the occasional decent airport coffee.
Ethan Coupland-Smith, Finance (OR 2008-13)
Ethan is an intelligence and investigations professional at Goldman Sachs, with experience advising financial institutions, governments, corporates, and law firms on a range of sensitive matters, including fraud, corruption, and bribery. His work has taken him on assignments across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Speakers Ben Hughes, Technology (OR 1989-94)
Ben is a digital leader with extensive experience in strategic and digital change. Previously, he served as a Partner at McKinsey & Co. and founded Go Incremental, advising major organisations on digital strategies. Ben now works at Apple, looking after Partnerships & Ecosystems, advising large organisations on how to best adopt and create value from new and emerging technologies.
Amir Kadkhodaei, Finance (OR 2019-21)
Amir is an Analyst at BlackRock in London, working as an AI Engineer developing cloud-based systems and AI infrastructure for large-scale financial platforms. A former Repton pupil, he studied Computer Science at the University of Cambridge (St John’s College), graduating with a high 2:1, ranking first in his college.
Jo Kandola, Occupational Psychology
Partner at Pearn Kandola and the CEO of Kandola+, Jo has extensive experience in the areas of diversity and unconscious bias. She leads Kandola+, the digital arm of Pearn Kandola. Her PhD involved research looking at implicit and explicit gender attitudes and whether these are predictive of workplace gender discrimination.
Radha Kaushal-Bolland, Hospitality and F&B (OR 2011-16)
Radha read Law at the University of Huddersfield. She entered BBC MasterChef in 2022, reaching the final. Since then, Radha has built a successful career in high-end hospitality, becoming a published author, and a Head Chef. Having completed her catering chapter, she is now returning to the legal profession to pursue a career in medical litigation.
Speakers Adam Devey Smith, Entrepreneurship
Adam has worked in design for over 40 years. Twenty-three years ago, he started The One Off - an interdisciplinary brand and design agency with studios in London, Melbourne & Mumbai. He’s advised many international brands including Levi’s, Nike and Samsung. The thread through all of it is curiosity and empathy - establishing how things work, investigating how they could be improved, and creating better experiences.
Sarah Duffy, Military Flt Lt Duffy is a Logistics Officer in the Royal Air Force with more than 26 years’ service as both a Regular and Reserve Officer. Specialising in aircraft operations, explosives and fuels, she has supported UK, NATO and allied operations worldwide. She currently commands the RAF Careers Engagement Team for the Midlands, advising pupils interested in RAF careers.
Kirsty Andrew, Automotive Industry
Kirsty Andrew started her automotive career as an undergraduate at Rover Cars in Coventry. Roles in High Performance Engineering included positions in Engineering Project Management and Business Development at Xtrac and Global Head of Sales at Cosworth. At Williams F1, she was one of the instigators of what became Williams Advanced Engineering and currently she is the VP in charge of UTAC UK.
Mark Gregory, Law
Mark Gregory recently retired as General Counsel of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc after a 21-year career with the FTSE 500 global engineering firm. Mark trained and practised at Lovells, a major international law firm, and is now a trustee of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law; the President of the European General Counsel Association; and a member of the Executive Committee of the GC100.
Speakers Fiona Harold - Global Sports Marketing Executive (OR 1993-98)
Fiona has held roles at a range of sports organisations including IMG, The Football Association, Sport England, the Ladies European Tour and most recently as CEO of World Netball. She has helped elevate the global profile of sport through delivery of brand campaigns and driving commercial partnerships and championing female athletes along the way.
Charles Hanson, Entrepreneurship
Charles Hanson is one of Britain’s most recognisable and charismatic auctioneers, celebrated for his infectious energy, sharp wit and genuine warmth on BBC favourites including Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip. On stage, he brings the same mix of humour, expertise and engaging storytelling that has made him a staple of daytime television and a respected voice in the antiques world.
Chris Hibbs, Accountancy
Chris is a former Partner at PwC in Birmingham. After studying Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and has worked with major clients including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Mars, and Marks & Spencer. He has a broad background across tax, insolvency, and transactions, and serves as a governor of Repton School.
Speakers Molly Thompson-Dykes, Entrepreneurship (OR 2012-17)
Molly is the co-founder of Burger Me Up, an independent burger restaurant that grew from a takeaway into a restaurant in Birmingham. An University of Birmingham graduate, she built the business alongside her partner, Alex. Molly is passionate about hospitality, customer experience, team development and promoting long-term careers within the industry.
Ben Turvill, Oxbridge
Ben read Theology and Religion at Mansfield College, Oxford. After Oxford, he went to the Guildford School of Acting and spent a few years working in theatre and film. Ben taught Drama at Uppingham School, and Religious Studies at RGS Guildford, before moving to Repton in September, teaching Religious Studies, and is our Oxbridge Admissions Coordinator.
John Ikin (OR 1990-95) John is highly active in the Rural and Energy Consultancy Sector, as well as being Office Partner, for the Ashby office. John's client work focuses on retained corporate clients in the minerals and energy sectors, involving management of non-operational land and strategic advice on further acquisition for operational purposes.
Richard Williamson, Engineering
Richard has 30 years’ experience in aviation product support and safety and is currently Chief Airworthiness Engineer for civil large engines at Rolls-Royce. During his career he has worked at major organisations including Airbus, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Speakers Sarah Phelan, Barrister
Sarah Phelan was called to the bar in 1999, and is currently practising at 1 High Pavement, Nottingham. Sarah prosecutes and defends in rape and serious sexual offences, offences of violence including firearms offences and drug conspiracies. She has also acted on behalf of both prosecution and defence as junior counsel in long running cases of drug conspiracy and fraud.
Eleanor Sharples, Film, Media and Journalism (OR 2008-13)
Eleanor is a Journalist & TV producer at GB News, having joined the Daily Mail’s graduate scheme. In 2022 she moved to The Sun as a general news reporter, covering events such as the Ukraine war, the Queen’s Funeral and the Women's Football World Cup. She has just returned from a secondment in Washington DC where she launched the channel's US Bureau & produced its world exclusive interview with Trump.
Henry Southan, Film, Media and Journalism (OR 2011-16) Henry is a hospitality and lifestyle creator, presenter and writer. His work spans content creation, presenting, brand partnerships and editorial projects, with collaborations across some of the UK’s bestknown hospitality and lifestyle brands. Henry is passionate about championing hospitality as a creative, fast-moving and often underestimated industry.
Gap Year Providers The Orchards School of Cookery Orchards Cookery is a multi-award winning residential cookery school specialising in training and recruiting Chalet Cooks as well as running all-round Orchards and Off to University Courses all of which qualify for the Residential Project of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Milly Whitehead - The Leap Milly Whitehead is the co-founder of The Leap, an award-winning organisation that has spent over 25 years creating gap year opportunities that combine travel, real-world work experience and personal development. She designs programmes that challenge young people to develop confidence, resilience and leadership.
Work Experience Caitlin Brennan - InvestIN (Pupil Work Experience) Caitlin Brennan is Managing Director at InvestIN and has dedicated the last 7 years to advancing InvestIN’s mission: to empower students to choose the right career and maximise their potential. How do they achieve this? By equipping school students with the ultimate work experience in their dream career, where they gain hands-on experience alongside top professionals.
Higher Education at Repton Repton is committed to providing the best possible Higher Education support and advice for all pupils. We encourage pupils to research, explore and discuss their aspirations while also ensuring that they receive appropriate advice and guidance at key points during their school career. It is important that each pupil has the ability to make decisions that are founded upon rational choices and based upon relevant, up-to-date information. For the vast majority of pupils, A Level or BTEC/CTEC study provides the stepping stone into Higher Education and our Sixth Formers enjoy considerable success in securing and fulfilling offers from their first-choice universities. Repton’s success rate is a result of the considerable amount of time pupils spend researching courses and institutions, preparing their Personal Statement and listening to advice from Tutors, Houseparents and subject staff. Higher Education guidance is delivered by a team of staff, each with their own specialism and area of expertise, to ensure a coordinated and structured approach. All pupils have access to the Unifrog platform to support their research into university options, both in the UK and internationally. We offer further advice and counselling to pupils considering applications to Oxford or Cambridge, as well as to American and international universities - an area where we are currently experiencing year-on-year growth. Please see the Higher Education booklet for further information of the support provided. Ben Page (Head of Higher Education and Assistant Head Academic)
Higher Education Fair Universities attending: Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Exeter
City St George’s University
University of Lancaster
Harper Adams University
University of Leeds
Hult International Business School
University of Newcastle
Oxford Brookes University
University of Nottingham
The University Guys
University of Sheffield
University of Bath
University of Stirling
University of Birmingham
University of Surrey
University of Cardiff
University of Warwick
Employers attending: Alstom Rolls Royce The OneOff
In order to speak to the above exhibitors, please visit the Higher Education Fair in the Kan Library.
Upon leaving school, all Reptonians become lifelong members of the Old Reptonian Society. As an OR, you'll receive termly newsletters with school and community updates, invitations to reunions, sports days and socials throughout the year. We also regularly share event news, community updates and OR stories through our social media channels. The OR community spans the globe, so whether you're studying, working or travelling, even if you find yourself in Australia – there's an OR network ready to welcome you. Looking for career advice? We have over 120 OR Careers Ambassadors working across a wide range of industries. We'll do our best to connect you with someone who can offer insight, advice and support as you explore your next steps. If you're keen to stay active, join one of our OR sports clubs. We currently run Football, Hockey, Cricket, Netball, Fives, Tennis, Squash and Golf fixtures. ORs also connect through the Arts, Music and many other shared interests. The OR Society is a way to stay connected, build your network and continue your Repton journey wherever life takes you!
01283 559320
or@repton.org.uk
oldreptoniansociety
Notes