When did you attend Francis Holland, and what initially brought you to the school?

I attended Francis Holland from 2007 to 2014. The biggest draw for me was how open and welcoming the school was, not just academically but also in terms of its pastoral care. Despite being in the heart of London, it had a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I also looked at Queensgate, which felt a bit more restrictive, but Francis Holland stood out for its solid Art Department, fantastic History department led by Miss Boon, and the amazing community of girls. I really wanted to be part of that environment and embody what it meant to be an FHS girl.

Is there a teacher or subject that had a lasting impact on you, and if so, why?

Definitely history, and that was thanks to Miss Boon. She had this incredible way of making history come alive with such richness and detail. Her classes were always engaging, the History of Medicine at GCSE level or diving into the history of Germany from 1914 to 1919. Even today, I find myself reflecting on those lessons. She truly excelled the assignment when it came to teaching.

Can you share some key highlights from your journey since leaving FHS?

My path has been quite unconventional, which I think has been really character-building. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t go to university. Instead, I spent a year in Rome, driven by a curiosity that was sparked during my time at Francis Holland. That experience helped me discover more about myself and the world.

When I returned to London, I started working at 19, feeling well equipped with strong social and communication skills, things I learned at FHS. I initially worked in sales and travel before taking a big leap in 2019 and moving to Hong Kong. I spent three and a half years there, first in a sales role and later as part of a scholarship program studying Mandarin full-time. I never expected to become fluent in Chinese, but it was an incredible experience.

A lot of what I’ve done since FHS has been rooted in the values and skills I developed there: curiosity, confidence, and the ability to build strong relationships.

Can you tell me more about your current role?

I’ve been with FreedomPay for three years now, working in business development and sales. My role involves working with mid-market and enterprise corporations, guiding them through the process of transforming their payment solutions. We offer a full omni-channel payment system, including card-present and e-commerce integration. My job is to engage with potential clients, help them understand the benefits of switching, and manage the full sales cycle from start to finish. It’s challenging but really rewarding!

What advice would you give to current students about making the most of their time at school?

I think FHS provides two key springboards. One is the academic aspect, helping students get into top universities and specialise in their chosen fields. But the second, equally valuable, is the network. Francis Holland fosters incredible connections that can last a lifetime, whether through deep friendships or professional collaborations in the future. I would encourage students to take advantage of both, to excel academically but also build and maintain the relationships they make along the way.

If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self at school, what would you say?

I’d tell myself to panic less, everything is going to be alright! My two younger sisters are currently doing A-levels and GCSEs, and I completely understand the stress. But looking back, I’d advise myself to take a deep breath, embrace the academics, and enjoy the experience rather than resist it. Also, I’d tell myself to chill out a bit more!

Lastly, do you have a favourite quote you live by?

Yes, actually, I have two, both from Tennyson, which we studied in English at school. The first is “Drink life to the lee.” The “lee” is the sediment at the bottom of a wine bottle, meaning you should embrace everything in life fully. It’s a great mantra.

The second is “Be near me when my light is low.” This one speaks to the importance of having a support system during difficult times. One thing I’ve always valued about Francis Holland is that even in my low moments, I’ve had incredible people around me.

If you would like to take part in Portrait of Alumna, please email alumni@fhs-sw1.org.uk