The Visiting Speakers Programme at QEH

The visiting speakers programme at QEH is outstanding. As a school, we are committed to equipping our pupils with a broad and informed understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available to them, and visiting speakers play a vital role in achieving this. They provide first-hand insight into diverse professions and career pathways, sharing real-life experiences, practical advice, and honest reflections. Central to the success of the programme is the breadth and diversity of speakers we invite. Our pupils have been fortunate to hear from leaders across a wide range of fields, including law, medicine, photography, and the charitable sector.

The academic year started with a talk from Rick Findler, Rick is an award-winning photojournalist, whose work has taken him to some of the most dangerous places on the planet as he specialises in documenting war, protest and conflict. Rick was kind enough to bring in some of his protective equipment for students to try on, giving them a firsthand understanding of the risks involved in his line of work.

His work has regularly featured in The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph to name a few, but his photographs have also been published across the world in publications such as The Washington Post. Staff and Sixth Form students found his talk especially inspiring.

In October John Hoskison, a former professional golfer who played at the highest level on the European circuit, delivered a powerful and gripping talk to our Sixth Form students about the tragic consequences of a single bad decision. He candidly recounted how a moment of poor judgment, accepting a drink after a golf tournament and then driving a short distance led to a life-changing incident where he hit and killed a cyclist. John’s talk provided a frank and honest account of his time in prison, challenging common misconceptions about the experience. He stressed the importance of having the courage and strength to refuse peer pressure and do the right thing in difficult situations, a key lesson for young people.

Major Tom Yaxley from the Mercian Regiment and Captain Amy Challinor from the Royal Engineers spoke to the Sixth Form in November. Talking first of his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Major Yaxley also talked of resilience, reflecting on the challenges of recovering from the sad passing of his younger brother Hugo, an Old Elizabethan who tragically died in 2020. Major Tom Yaxley and Captain Amy Challinor then led a discussion with a group of Sixth Formers interested in careers in the Army and the pathways on offer.

In December QEH had the honour of hosting Mr Justice Pepperall, High Court Judge and Old Elizabethan, for a talk on Law.  The Judge had previously given 20 of our Sixth Form students a marshalling opportunity in October whereby they spent the day with him at Bristol Crown Court, whilst he presided over a major murder trial.  Through QEH this opportunity was also offered to Bristol state schools via the Bristol Education Partnership.

Briony Williams who rose to fame on series nine of The Great British Bake Off, visited us in January. She has subsequently made a number of other television appearances on cooking programmes and game shows including Would I Lie to You?  Briony now presents Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped and the BBC daytime property show Escape to the Country, as well as writing recipe columns for magazines. In addition to her TV work, Briony has served as an ambassador for the disability charities Reach and Paul’s Place, and the mental health charity Mind.  She spoke passionately to the Sixth Form about the representation of people with disabilities in the media, and her role in helping break down stereotypes after her appearance in the Bake Off tent.

At QEH, we are always grateful to our visiting speakers who generously share their stories and experiences with our students. Their involvement reassures us that, alongside a strong academic education, our students are also gaining valuable insight into life beyond the classroom. Through the inspiration and guidance of these valued guest speakers, students are given a meaningful glimpse into what their future careers might look like.