Daniel Spillman

I was a student at St Johns from 2007 to 2012, where I left with long lasting memories and the best results I could ask for. I began in year 7 as a shy kid with hardly any confidence, yet over the years I spent my time volunteering at various school events, got involved with different clubs and even learnt a new instrument. The opportunities I was served while at St Johns have been incredibly valuable to me, helping me learn to ski, visiting impoverished children in India and by the end of my time at St Johns, I became Head boy in year 11, leading the school council and the student voice to hopefully leave a legacy behind. I went on to study Geography, Sociology, Government & Politics and Business Studies A-levels at Leventhorpe Sixth Form with 14 other peers. At Leventhorpe I became the 'Facilities Senior Prefect' managing the common room and continued my service to the local community that I had been used to while at St Johns.

By the end of my time at sixth form, I had decided that a career in politics was for me and in 2014 I began my first term at the London School of Economics studying BSc Government having secured A*AA in my A-levels. What I want to do following the completion of my degree I am yet to decide, but as long as it involves politics and is something I enjoy then I couldn't ask for more. Staying at home while at University has been extremely helpful for me to be able to devote time to local politics, where I am running for a seat on the Epping Town Council in May 2015. My time at St Johns has been crucial in the shaping of my future and I am thankful for the experiences gained from my time there. You get out life what you put in.

Paige Hopcutt

Since Leaving St.Johns Epping in 2012 after successfully completing my GCSE’s, I then went on to complete my A levels at Leventhorpe sixth form in Hertfordshire. I soon decided University wasn’t for me as I wanted to be more proactive in my studies, so I decided the best route to take was an Apprenticeship. I am now in my first year of a two year Apprenticeship at Barclays head office in Canary Wharf, and I love every minute of it. The area I am working in is Sourcing which is where we manage the contracts with our suppliers. Some of my daily tasks include going out to meet suppliers such as Virgin Atlantic, IBM etc to negotiate deals and manage contracts in order to get our end product or service for our internal colleagues on a global scale. Whilst completing this apprenticeship I am also studying for a `Business NVQ Level 3’ as well as sitting exams which are specific to my department (CIPS).  I personally believe that this Apprenticeship has opened up many doors and opportunities for me and I would defiantly recommend Barclays to anyone who is thinking of completing an Apprenticeship once they have completed their GCSE’s. The enrolment will open around the middle of March and if you are successful you will start in August. Barclays will be reaching out to schools in London, however they are also very interested in attracting those people like myself, who live outside of London. I look forward to going into a permanent role within Barclays once the Apprenticeship has finished, as well as having the opportunity to complete a part time degree.