Meet the alumni – Sarah Jones

3 September 2026

Can you tell us your name and one interesting fact about yourself?

My name is Sarah Jones and I play both guitar and piano.

What subjects did you enjoy most while you were with us, and why?

I particularly enjoyed Geography and Business Studies because they worked well together in helping me understand real-world issues. I found it interesting how geography influences business activity, and how business decisions can impact communities, economies, and the environment.

Together, the subjects gave me a wider understanding of how the world works.

Were there particular moments or opportunities at school that helped shape your confidence or opened new doors for you?

One opportunity that had a huge impact on me was being introduced to urban planning through lessons and discussions that sparked an interest I hadn’t previously considered. My geography teacher, Ms Geare, also helped me secure a bursary scheme with Legal & General, allowing me to attend a programme at UCL. At the time, it felt like a big step outside my comfort zone, but it introduced me to new ideas and people and ultimately played a huge role in shaping the path I am on today. Experiences like this showed me how important strong pupil-teacher relationships can be, and how encouragement from a teacher can genuinely open doors.

What are you doing now, and how did you get to this point?

I am currently studying Urban Planning and Real Estate at UCL. I reached this point through a bursary opportunity linked to a Legal & General partnership, which required me to pursue an RICS-accredited degree. At the time, I felt that my interest in geography, particularly the human aspects of the subject, made me a strong candidate for the programme, as I had already developed a curiosity about how places and communities are shaped.
When I began researching the different degree options available through the bursary, I discovered urban planning as a pathway, which I had not previously considered. The more I learned about it, the more it appealed to me, especially its connection between geography, people, and the built environment. This led me to choose Urban Planning and Real Estate at UCL, where I am now building on those interests and developing a deeper understanding of how cities develop, the challenges they face, and the role planning plays in creating sustainable and functional communities.

Did you always know this was the path you wanted to follow, or were there other options you considered along the way?

Not at all. Before my A-Levels, I was interested in investigative journalism and imagined pursuing a career in that field. However, as I learned more about how cities are designed, managed, and developed, I discovered a completely new interest that I hadn’t previously considered.
Through the Legal & General bursary scheme, exposure to different human geography-related degrees led me to change direction, showing me the importance of keeping an open mind. Being willing to explore new opportunities and subjects led me to a path that eventually felt exciting and right for me.

School can feel challenging at times. What helped you to keep going or stay positive?

Having supportive teachers and positive relationships with staff made a big difference. Strong pupil-teacher relationships are incredibly important because they provide encouragement, guidance, and belief in your potential. Believing that my hard work would ultimately be rewarded gave me the motivation to overcome any challenges throughout high school.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self about making the most of school life?

I would tell myself to stay organised and work hard, but also to enjoy school and find a good balance. Life after high school is different, so it’s important to make the most of your time there without losing focus on your studies. It’s all about working hard while still enjoying the experience along the way.

And finally, what advice would you share with students today as they think about their next steps and future?

Growth often comes from experiences that feel unfamiliar at first. Take any opportunity you can, even if it feels daunting or outside your comfort zone. Some of the most impactful experiences I’ve had were ones I wouldn’t have considered initially. You never know where something might lead, and even if it isn’t for you, that’s still valuable learning. The important thing is being willing to try new things, meet new people, and explore different interests rather than limiting yourself by passing up opportunities.