JHS Alumni (ID 1377)

• Alicia Vidgeon
  Alicia Vidgeon

  My time at JHS was incredibly formative, and I feel truly grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I had there. From taking part in the opening Olympic ceremony, to joining sports teams, performing in theatre productions, serving on student councils, and being given the privilege of Head Girl – each experience helped shape who I am today.

  I continued my education at Westcliff High School for Girls Sixth Form, where I studied English Literature, Business Studies, Government & Politics, and completed an EPQ. During my time there, I was honoured to be appointed Deputy Head of House and to complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

  I later went on to study Human Resource Management at the University of Northampton, and since graduating, I've had the opportunity to work in HR across a range of industries including logistics and hedge funds. I currently work as a Human Resources Generalist at Verition Fund Management.

• Freddie Marshall
  Freddie Marshall

  During my time at JHS, I was fortunate to have so many opportunities that helped shape both my academic and personal journey. One of my proudest achievements was being appointed Head Boy, which taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, confidence, and responsibility - lessons I still carry with me today.

  After leaving JHS, I went on to study at Billericay School Sixth Form, where I took Maths, Further Maths, and Physics. Those subjects really deepened my passion for problem-solving and logical thinking. That foundation led me to securing a place on Deloitte's prestigious Level 7 Apprenticeship Scheme - which, fun fact, had just a 0.7% acceptance rate at the time! It was an incredible experience working at the world's largest accounting firm. Since then, I've moved into a role within an office environment and recently taken the exciting step of co-founding my own (currently under-wraps) business - the next chapter is well underway!

  I truly believe the foundations laid at JHS played a huge part in my journey, and I'd love to help inspire the next generation to aim high, believe in themselves, and seize the opportunities available to them.

• Jenna Ingram
  Jenna Ingram

  I had an amazing time at James Hornsby School. I was given so many opportunities to thrive academically, in sports, and creatively. I took part in numerous performances and travelled across Essex as part of the Sports Excellence Academy. These experiences built my confidence and helped shape me into the person I am today.

  After leaving JHS, I completed a Level 3 LSA apprenticeship before deciding to take a new path in London. There, I met incredible people and continued to grow in confidence. I later joined a construction company, where I've been working hard and steadily climbing the career ladder ever since.

  I thoroughly enjoyed my time at James Hornsby. The teachers, environment, and lessons all helped me to develop and succeed. They never gave up on me and supported me throughout my five years at the school. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of JHS students, share my journey, and encourage them to build their own confidence, just as JHS helped me to do.'

• Michael James
  Michael James

  The culture at JHS during my time there was essential in creating who I am today. From making lifelong friends, developing employability skills, to consistently being exposed to an array of different industries and post 16 pathways, JHS made it so that I would have the best chance possible to become the person I am today.

  After leaving JHS, I went on to study for a National extended diploma in engineering at South Essex College, learning the basic skills required in engineering. I then studied Mechanical Engineering to a Bachelor's degree level at Bournemouth University, accredited by the Imeche (the biggest institution of Mechanical Engineers in the UK) where I extensively developed complex skills and learnt about the ever-changing world of engineering, achieving a first class honours and winning awards from the Imeche for best dissertation project along the way.

  Fundamentally, the man and engineer I am today would not exist had the foundations not been laid at JHS and I'll forever be grateful for them instilling the mind-set that regardless of your background, you are just as capable as the next person at fulfilling your dreams, something I aim to push on to the next generation passing through the gates at JHS.