Brenda Bray - Boston College Clerk (1963-1965)
“It was the best job I ever had. It was such an exciting new development for the town at the time, and as a young girl it was amazing to be involved in its introduction.”
Valerie Edwards - A Levels (1966-1968)
“Boston College taught me a lot of very valuable things over my time there. Firstly, it gave me independence as I moved away from home to live and study there; it also taught me how to be a team player; and I also developed leadership skills – all qualities that proved essential to my career in teaching.”
Richard Chambers - Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship (1978-1986) and Former Head of Curriculum (Vocational)
“Boston College has given me two careers – it trained me to be successful in the motor vehicle trade and it then brought me into the college and trained me to become a teacher. I have therefore been an example of how apprenticeships bring industry into education.”
Andy Lenton - BTEC First Diploma in Engineering and BTEC National Diploma in Engineering (1988-1991)
“I have used the core engineering skills gained
at Boston College every day, essential engineering principles, mathematics, materials, and manufacturing. After all, a degree in engineering can only be successful if built on solid core theoretical and practical skills like I gained at college. The lecturers were very friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. The combination of formal education, training and experience working in the industry has enabled me to achieve the position of Design Engineer, generally the most coveted job in engineering.”
Milan Cebak - A Levels in Economics, Maths and Statistics (2013-2015)
“I’m delighted I went to Boston College – the lecturers were excellent, they were always available to help if needed and there were no barriers so you could ask any question. It's where I was inspired to I go to University College London to study Economics and Business with Eastern European studies. My dream is to, one day, become a director of a company or own my own business.”
George Jones - Plumbing Apprenticeship (2015-2018)
“Boston College provided me with the self-motivation and work ethic to build a successful career. I became an Advertising Director working with brands such as Estée Lauder, Tom Ford and Carlsberg.”
Cliff Clover - Motor Vehicle Lecturer (1964-1985)
“Following an Agricultural Engineering apprenticeship, I got a job in the Motor Vehicle department when Boston College first opened in 1964. I taught mechanics for 21 years and now some of my students have returned and are teaching students today. It is amazing to see students returning to the college as lecturers.”
Sandra McGregor - Shorthand Night Classes (1971-1974)
“To sign up to a course, you used to just turn up on the evening and queue to enrol, the queues would be huge!”
Johnny Swain - A Levels (1982-1984)
"My time at Boston College was more than an education, it was a gateway to a world of amazing opportunities. For an LGBT+ youngster from the ‘wrong’ side of town who had failed their 11+ exam, Boston College enabled me to go on to get an MSc in Politics from London University, become Deputy Director at the Cabinet Office in the heart of UK Government, and then own my own head hunting business in the City of London which I still do to this day."
Kayleigh Revell - Travel and Tourism (2001-2002)
“I studied Travel and Tourism because I wanted to see the world. I started my career as cabin crew with EasyJet, progressing to working in First Class for Virgin. Boston College gave me the confidence and understanding that great customer service can literally take you all over the world.”
Samantha Hoyes - Childcare Level 2 and Level 3 (2007-2009)
“Boston College taught me the discipline I needed to study and work hard so that, when opportunities came my way, I was prepared enough to grab them. I’ve become a Nursery Manager and have opened another nursery. As my career has progressed I have taken on additional roles such as being a Visiting Lecturer at Bishop Grosseteste University and inspecting early years provisions on behalf of Ofsted.”
John Clark - Owner and Chef at The Queens Head Inn, Kirkby La Thorpe (2015)
“We absolutely endorse and support Apprenticeships, both in present day needs and in the long term prosperity of our business. There are
many benefits from Apprenticeship-led learning – we strongly benefit in the respect that most of our Apprentices stay on in employment and move into more senior roles. We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Boston College for their collaboration over the years, helping us to make The Queens Head the success it is today.”
Linda Thompson-Wild - Former Performing Arts Lecturer
“My world-wide experience of the dance and performing arts industry allowed me to fully prepare students for the world of work whilst helping them to understand and appreciate the amazing reality of a career in these areas.”
Pamela Cawthorne (1964-1966) - OND in Business Studies and 4 A Levels (1964-1966)
“I had two very happy years at Boston College and left with the relevant qualifications to lead to a BSc (Econ) Hons degree from the University of Nottingham. My fondest memories are the kindliness and commitment of the staff who taught me. Boston College gave me a sense of freedom and the confidence to do things differently.
I went on to lead a varied life – first teaching in London, then moving to live and work in Vienna, Austria. I travelled in Africa and the Middle East, and I lived in Mani, Greece, before going back to England to work at Oxfam. I then went to university again, gaining a MSc from Bath University and a PhD from the Open University, studying the Indian textiles and garments industries. For 25 years, I became a permanent resident in Australia, working in the Political Economy Department at Sydney University.”
Stuart Hodgkinson - 5x O Levels and A Levels in French, History and English (1982-1985)
“Boston College provided me with the self-motivation and work ethic to build a successful career. I became an Advertising Director working with brands such as Estée Lauder, Tom Ford and Carlsberg.”
Stefan Howells - Catering and Hospitality (2004-2008)
“I have worked for both Raymond Blanc and Marcus Waring in Michelin Star restaurants. It was Boston College that prepared me for a future in Catering and gave me the passion to pursue my successful career. I have also had the role of Pastry Chef on Richard Branson’s private and exclusive Necker Island in the Caribbean.”
Mark Elliott - Access to Higher Education (2007-2008) and Computing (2011-2012)
“As a family man and having never studied computing before, I was apprehensive about enrolling on the Higher Education course, but I
achieved a 2:1 in my Degree and secured a new job!”
Leah Stanhope - Music Level 3 (2013-2015)
“The learning style at school wasn’t for me – I looked at 3 different music colleges and I instantly knew I wanted to come to Boston College. I like the down to earth and independent atmosphere. The
lecturers are also really supportive – they have helped me with gigging and have even come along to help me set up. I’m going on to university to study a vocal course in Brighton.”
Jacqueline Barton - Former Health and Social Care Lecturer
“My vast amount of industry experience allowed me to pass on a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to my students, allowing them to understand the enormously positive impact that they can have on people’s lives.”