News and Social Media

A Roundup of Talks and Workshops
9th October 2025

Since the start of this Autumn Term, CLC has welcomed a diverse range of inspiring guest speakers, each offering unique perspectives on leadership, creativity, resilience, and compassion.

From business innovation, volunteering, refugee advocacy and wellbeing through performance art, these sessions have encouraged our pupils to think critically and embrace challenges with confidence.

Read on for an overview of each speaker.

Jane Pearce, Co-founder and CEO of Rookwood Operations

Jane Pearce spoke to UC4 and SFC students about the challenges and opportunities of setting up a business in the sustainability sector. She emphasised the importance of clear ideas, networking, and self-belief in bringing innovation to life. Her reflection on entrepreneurship inspired students to think boldly about their own ambitions.

Read the full article here.

Dr Olivia Ahn, Co-founder of Fluus

Students welcomed Guild member Olivia Ahn, who shared her inspiring journey from CLC to medical school, and ultimately to founding Fluus, the world’s first flushable sanitary pad, now available in major retailers such as Boots and Tesco. Olivia spoke candidly about balancing her medical studies with entrepreneurship and some of the challenges that came with it. Her talk encouraged pupils to pursue innovation with purpose and resilience and reminded them that it’s perfectly okay to change direction and pursue a passion.

Read the full article here.

Mary Coulson MBE, Founder of Restart Africa

SFC students had the opportunity to hear from Mary Coulson MBE, who shared the remarkable story of Restart Africa, the children’s charity she founded in Gilgil, Kenya. Speaking with warmth and humility, she reflected on the power of compassion, commitment, and long-term volunteering in transforming the lives of young people affected by conflict and hardship.

Read the full article here.

Patty and Brenda, Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees

Representatives from Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, Patty and Brenda, spoke to LC2 students about the realities of seeking asylum, addressing common myths and misconceptions. Brenda’s moving personal story, from her journey as a refugee from El Salvador to building a new life in Cheltenham, offered a firsthand perspective.

Read the full article here.

Jeanette Barnes, Artist and Senior Drawing & Printmaking Tutor at Royal Drawing School

SFC1 Art Scholars participated in a dynamic workshop with artist Jeanette Barnes, exploring expressive charcoal cityscapes and developing advanced compositional and tonal techniques. The session encouraged creative experimentation, enhancing students’ artistic confidence and skills.

Read the full article here.

Mingma Hughes, Troubadour Stageworks

GCSE Drama students and LC Academic Scholars took part in several dynamic workshops led by Troubadour Stageworks performer and Guild member, Mingma Hughes. Through movement, voice and improvisation, pupils explored creative collaboration, learning transferable techniques to support them in their practical coursework, before attending a performance of The Odyssey featuring a live music ensemble and imaginative storytelling.

Read the full article here.

Rebecca Stephens MBE, Director of Seven Summits Performance and Chair of the Mount Everest Foundation

To introduce this year’s Wellbeing and Enrichment Programme at College, we welcomed Rebecca Stephens MBE, the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest. Rebbeca shared insights into managing stress, maintaining balance and acceptance of oneself. Drawing on her personal experience in demanding environments, she encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Read the full article here.

Dame Sue Gray, Air Marshall

Students welcomed Air Marshal Dame Sue Gray, who shared an inspiring reflection from her trailblazing career in the Royal Air Force, highlighting her rise to becoming the most senior female officer in the British Armed Forces. She encouraged students to pursue excellence, embrace resilience, and develop both technical and personal strengths to make a meaningful impact.

Read the full article here.

US and Canada University Representatives

Our Professional Guidance Centre hosted several sessions with representatives from US and Canadian universities, including UPenn, Northwestern, Duke, Vanderbilt, Georgetown and Huron University. Students had the opportunity to learn about the university application process and how it differs across institutions. They also gained insight into what makes each university unique and explored the importance of maintaining an open mindset, not only when choosing a university pathway but also throughout their professional journey.

Read the full article here.

Deadlines and Reminders

NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE - OPENING AUTUMN 2026

Our new Sixth Form Centre will provide innovative learning spaces, that prepare students for university, work and life. Find out more here.

Join us in Year 9 2027

The deadline to join us for Year 9 in 2027 (13+ entry) is approaching: Register by Friday 17th October 2025.

Find out more here.