Amazing Alumni

Where are they now?

Our ex-pupils are true global citizens: exemplary young people, making a positive contribution to their own lives, other people and the environment. Most transfer from us to The County High School, Leftwich, many returning each year to support our Sports Day. We also enjoy a fruitful partnership with Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College, another destination for many of our pupils. Sir John Deane's students make an excellent contribution in school where they volunteer as reading mentors, lead learning in Science Week, anti-bullying workshops, support music and devise and perform dramatic productions.

Our pupils not only achieve excellent results at GCSE, A level and vocational qualifications. They can also be found playing in orchestras and ensembles, competing on the sports field, and helping others - here in Cheshire, around the UK and internationally.

Leavers 2023

In Summer Ms Stewart and Mrs Whitham retired after nineteen years being so lucky to have led Music at Kingsmead. They felt a bit like Papa Panov from Tolstoy's tale with so many past pupils coming along to entertain us all again.

MusicalAlumni.pdf

Young people share how music has enriched their lives whatever they go on to study.

VID_20230718_140410.mp4

Ex students play a wonderful Klezmer quintet ~ Summer 2023

Freya on clarinet played clarinet at the Liverpool Phil Youth Orchestra. She is currently studying biomedical Science at Lancaster university as well as taking a leading role in the university Music Society.

Marcel on bassoon has just done his GCSEs and moves on to Sir John Deane's in September. Marcel plays with the Halle Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in the BBC Prom.

Tom on French horn played with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra where he was taught by principal horn player Tim Jackson. Tom is now studying for a PhD in artificial intelligence at Warwick University.

Freddie on oboe has just finished GCSEs at Leftwich High and moves onto SJD with Marcel. Freddie also plays the violin beautifully. He was head person in his final year at Leftwich High School.

Emma on flute is the Music graduate of the quintet. She studied Music with flute and singing at Bangor University. She has sung Elgar's Dream of Gerontius at the BBC Proms with the Halle choir and now is developing her career in HR.

Leavers 2022

Clio

We remember Clio as a student who participated in lots of activities. Whether Art Club, as a clarinetist in Wind Band or creative crafter with the crochet hook, Clio put as much care into her optional learning as she did her lessons in the classroom.

We are delighted to hear that she took her opportunity-grabbing nature up to Leftwich High School. Clio has been training for Circus skills since year 4 and still trains at Barnton. She trains in cocoon, hopp, trapeze and general circus skills. We don't know what Clio's career path will be but whether she joins the circus, goes off to university or college her aptitude for taking the opportunities life presents will serve her well.

Leavers 2020

Ethan

We remember Ethan as super competitive on the sports field - a remarkable athlete whether cricket, running or football. He's the Autumn 2021 Amazing Alumni.

"Hi, I’m Ethan, an ex pupil of Kingsmead Primary School. Class of 2020.

Kingsmead was a brilliant Primary School and put me in good standing for my move onto Sandbach Boys School, where I had earned a Sports Scholarship.

What I learned was how to respect others, work hard, and always give 100 percent. Kingsmead really gave me a good starting point At school. The teachers were great, especially Mrs Watkins, Mrs Buzzard and Ms Stewart.

Since being at Sandbach Boys School I have really thrown myself into every Sport I could and now play First Team Rugby, Cricket,Football, Athletics and Cross Country. I’ve also had the door opened on some amazing subjects, like History, and Geography, which I really enjoy. My hard work in Football paid off this year as I have earned a 2 Year Academy Contract at Crewe Alexandra. An achievement I’m proud of, but the hard work starts now. “

I’m proud to be a graduate of Kingsmead Primary School."

Ella

Ella was a keen sportswoman throughout her time in school, representing the school in a number of competitions. While she was with us she developed an absolute passion for ice skating and would get up regularly at 5am for the training at Altrincham ice rink. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to keep up with her school work and training and competition schedule.

Ella went on to study at St Nicholas' RC High School where ice skating remained her passion. Ella has represented Altrincham in the Northern Free League, has participated in the British Championships, the Trophy D’Ecosse as well as competing in Belgium and Budapest.

Leavers 2019

Autumn

We remember Autumn as full of life when she arrived with us in Key Stage 2 when the school expanded. She brought a big personality and made a wonderful contribution to the life of the school on the sports pitch and in band where she played the clarinet. After a 4/5 week trial with Crewe Alexandra, Autumn was asked to sign with them last week. There were around 20 girls trailing which were whittled down to 4.

Autumn has played football for Witton for around 3 years now and prior to this, played for Cuddington for around 3 years. She has a very busy week with all the football:

Monday – Witton training
Wednesday – Coaching the Wild Cats at Witton – younger girls
Friday – Crewe Alex training
Saturday – league games

Leavers 2016

Ashley

Ashley was the third of the Woodthorpe boys; each one was football crazy and Ashley like his older brothers, was a valued member of our school team. Colin, Ashley's dad (a professional player whose left leg is still recalled fondly at Stockport County) coached a team that was determined, sporting, skilled and inclusive. Just like his son, now a student at Pettypool.

We remember Ashley as fun at playtime, hardworking in class and one of the most honest and truthful students we have ever had a Kingsmead.

Ashley moved onto Oaklands High School and is now a student at Petty Pool vocational college in Sandiway. He loves it and is studying animal care. His dad says 'We’re blessed to have so many fantastic places of learning on our doorstep.'

Leavers 2015

Freya receiving the Hopkins prize for performer of the year as a student at Sir John Deane's in 2022.

Freya

Freya was the last of a trio of Rockes. One of the younger students in the year group, Freya was a hardworking and very quiet student. She was and remains useful and kind and is always not only ready but eager to learn! Well, quiet that is until she learned the clarinet when she found found a louder and beautiful voice!

Freya studied GCSEs at The County High School, Leftwich before moving up to Sir John Deane's for A levels in Mathematics, Biology and Music. before studying for a BSc in Biomedics at Lancaster University.

As interesting as her achievements in school has been watching, or listening, to Freya's extra curricular success.

Played in band and woodwind group at CHSL
Member of Cheshire Youth Orchestra, Vale Royal Schools Concert Band and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Member of North Cheshire Wind Orchestra - helping the orchestra win a platinum at the National Concert Band Festival at the RNCM
ABRSM Grade 8 distinction (summer 2020)
ABRSM clarinet diploma with distinction (autumn 2021) which qualifies Freya, not yet out of sixth form, to teach clarinet

Leavers 2014

Lauren

Lauren is a legend. She found learning to spell and writing very, very difficult but never gave up. She came for around 80 hours of additional tuition for her dyslexia and completed additional home learning 7 days a week 363 days (birthday and Christmas day off) for her last three years in school. Lauren left school at the higher level for English and Mathematics and has gone on to ace her GCSEs at The County High School, Leftwich, achieving 9 GCSEs , four at grade 8s (the old A*!) including English language and literature, and three at grade 9.

Lauren studied for A levels in Photography and Psychology and a BTech in Business at Sir John Deane's. She is now at Newcastle University reading Psychology.

Leavers 2012

Charlie

Charlie loved being active at playtime and in his PE lessons. He was always interested in the army and knew lots about all sorts of military equipment. Charlie did some very effective find raising for Help the Heroes while he was with us. He was particularly excited about science week in Year 6.

Charlie studied for GCSEs at The County High School Leftwich. He enjoyed Maths, Science, History and Music. He is learned the guitar and became a Lance Corporal in The Army Cadet Force as well as training for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He went on to study at Sir John Deane's, aiming to complete a degree in Engineering before becoming an Officer in the British Army.

Emma

Emma was a Tasmanian Devil in school - full of fun, energy and creative flair! She loved art and anything involving paint and mess! At first Emma struggled to read music but really persevered on her flute and has achieved Grade 8 - fantastic!

Emma studied for her GSCEs at Leftwich High. She is a flautist with the Cheshire Youth Orchestra and sings with the Halle Youth Choir. She sang Dream of Gerontius at the Bridgewater Hall with Sir Mark Elder and has also sung in York Minster Cathedral when her choir sang with Elbow. Emma went on to study for A levels in Mathematics, Music (of course!) and Physics at Sir John Deane's. She was one of our first students to read music and in 2022 graduated with a BMus from the University of Bangor.

Isobel

Isobel was a kind, gentle and hardworking student with a flair for creative work. She was one of our flute players in band. She developed her talents at The County High School Leftwich and her work has been shown in London.

Isobel went on to Sir John Deane's where she has studied for A levels in Art and Design, English Literature and History (the same as Ms Stewart!) as well as coming back to her old primary school as a reading mentor. She went on to study English Literature at York University and is now studying for a Masters in publishing. Isobel recently returned to school and was part of our Key Stage 2 Book Club with Mrs Buzzard.

Leavers 2011

Ameila

Amelia first told us she wanted to study medicine at Cambridge in year 5. She then set about achieving her ambition. In Summer 2018 was successful in her application to St Catherine's College. We remember Amelia as extremely hardworking and diligent in all her lessons. She took her excellent work ethic up to Leftwich High School and Sir John Deane's and not only in classes. Amelia undertook the substantial voluntary work that is required to gain a place at medical school.

Ben

Physics was something of an inevitability for Ben! From an early age he was passionate about understanding the world and its mathematical beauty. He was also a keen saxophonist and made a great contribution to music in school and in Cheshire.

Having completed A levels at Sir John Deane's Ben went on to study Physics and Theoretical Physics at Nottingham University. Ben still plays his saxophone and has played a gig in Berlin. He has gone on to study for a PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Lancaster.

In 2023 Ben was one of three young people in the North West to be awarded a Young Innovators award.

Pippa

Pippa was a strong flute player mastering this difficult instrument to an super standard. Pippa was just as keen on sport and PE and so was very busy in after school clubs.

Pippa took her GCSEs at The County High School, Leftwich. Pippa continued with her dance since the age of 3 and is at Grade 4 level in Tap, ballet and modern with performances in Panto and Summer Schools. Pippa also found a love of running and competes in Cross Country running at Schools, regional and national levels. Pippa studied for her A levels at Sir John Deane's before applying to University.

Leavers 2010

Chris

We remember Chris as a self-composed, quieter and very hard working member of his class - attributes and good character that are serving him well in the Royal Navy.

Chris is the first of our ex-pupils to have joined the Forces and we are very proud of him. Since 2017 he has learned a huge number of new skills and younger brother Adam kept us informed of his exemplary big brother.

Daniel

Danny had a great sense of fun and enjoyed his learning in school. He was ever so helpful in class and later, back from Weaverham, on work experience. Miss Watkins wondered how she'd ever manage without him! He was dynamite on the sports field too.

Danny went on to Weaverham High School and worked on a Saturday in Jonno's the barbers. He completed the Duke of Edinburgh bronze in 2013. After Sir John Deane's College Danny moved to Liverpool to study Architecture.

Darcey

Darcey was a creative spirit at Kingsmead, she loved her art lessons, performing and music.

Darcey had a beautiful, mellow voice so it was delightful to hear it again at the SJD Jazz and Swing concert 2016 and that she has kept her singing up as a young adult. Going on to Sir John Deane's, Darcey took A levels history and sociology alongside a BTech in performing arts.

Hollie

Hollie arrived with us in Key Stage 2 and was a quiet and hard working member of the class. Unless, that is, she was playing her cornet, when she was just hardworking!

After GCSEs and fantastic results from Leftwich High, Hollie studied A levels in biology, chemistry and mathematics at Sir John Deane's. Hollie continued to play her trumpet in a number of local bands and ensembles including the Sir John Deane's jazz/swing band. She went on to the University of York where she read Biological Sciences.

Jack

Jack was a most accomplished cornet player, achieved his grade 8 and played in Bostock Band.

Following GCSEs at Leftwich High School Jack went on to work with horses; he started riding when he was thirteen and took some of our pupils under his wing at the stables. Jack studied engineering at Mid-Cheshire college and achieved his ONC in 2017. Before moving into full time work, Jack worked with us and was a great help on Friday, supporting brass players in the Wind Band.

Tom

Our first French horn player, lover of science and all things tech. Tom achieved excellent GCSE results at Leftwich High and went on to Sir John Deane's to study A levels in mathematics, further mathematics, music and physics. He won a gold medal in the British Physics Olympiad and is currently studying Physics at Birmingham University where he won a music scholarship. He is now at Warwick University studying for his PhD in artificial intelligence.

Tom played with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Cheshire Youth Orchestra and Vale Royal Band. He studied horn and piano at Junior RNCM. In July 2015 Tom was invited to tour with the National Youth Orchestra 'Inspire' tour. It all started back in year 3 with Mrs Whitham and the recorder!

Here is Tom in a masterclass with Tim Jackson, principal horn player at the Liverpool Phil.

Veronica

Veronica is remembered as a hardworking pupil, exceptionally polite, who could get along happily and work with absolutely anyone.

'My name is Veronica and I came to Kingsmead in year 4; making wonderful new friends, teachers and memories. Beginning September 2015, I am studying: biology, chemistry, psychology and health and social care at Sir John Dean’s College after achieving 10 GCSEs at The County High School Leftwich. Furthermore, I look forward to continuing my Duke of Edinburgh after completing the bronze award in year 10. Throughout high school, being influenced by teachers and peers around me; I have discovered a lot about myself as a person which has shaped me into a strong, independent young adolescent in today’s society. After finishing my education, I would like to become a nutritionist as I have an interest in food and helping others.'

Victoria

Victoria was a quieter member of her class. She worked hard and is remembered as a student with a proficiency for languages - her mum Valerie, a French national, was our very first French teacher.

Victoria studied for GCSEs at Leftwich High. She planned to go to Sir John Deane's to carry on French,Travel and Tourism and Geography.

Leavers 2009

Georgia

Georgia was an accomplished trumpeter and unforgettable Gerda when she took a leading role in the Snow Queen. As she was so much taller than her nemesis, the Snow Queen, art club had to make a very tall crown for the Snow Queen! Georgia's height served her well in our netball team too!

Georgia went on to be a stalwart of the band at Leftwich High. She took A levels in Mathematics, Further Maths and Chemistry at Sir John Deane's and went on to read Mathematics at Lancaster University. Still a keen cornet player, she returned as a guest musician at Sir John Deane's jazz and swing concert.

Olivia

Liv was hard working and a member of our very first band.

Liv went to Sir John Deane's College Maths, Economics, Computer Science and Geography. She enjoyed learning the guitar and worked as a part time waitress in a local pub restaurant. She went on to read International Studies at Bristol University followed by a Masters degree at Manchester University.

Rachel

We remember Rachel for her super trumpet playing and outgoing personality.

After finishing at Hartford High School, Rachel studied at Sir John Deane's College. Her favourite subjects were Law and ICT. Rachel went on to read Law and Criminology at Manchester University. Rachel is now working in family law and is training to become a solicitor.

Leavers 2008

Lucy

Lucy was our very first flute player. We remember her as someone who loved learning, strived to do her best and joined in absolutely everything with gusto from the concert hall to the sports field Lucy was up for it.

After five years at Leftwich High, Lucy studied at Sir John Deane's College. The picture shows her at the World Triathlon Championship in Edmonton, Canada where she finished 19th in the under 20 category. Lucy read Sports Science / Physiology at Loughborough University.

Matthew

We remember Matthew as a cool customer who was a hardworking and a quiet, well mannered member of his class.

Matthew moved on to Leftwich High for GCSEs. He studied Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Geography at Sir John Deane's College. Matthew has also qualified as a life guard.

Scott

Scott was incredibly keen on his sport and is also remembered among our very first trombone players. A keen rugby player, Scott represented us on the sportsfield.

Scott achieved 12 GCSEs at Leftwich High, 7 at grade A. He went on to Sir John Deane's to take A levels in Business Studies, PE and Psychology. He read International Business Studies at Nottingham Trent University. Scott still loves playing sport especially golf and he has worked at the Golf Open.

Leavers 2007

Charlotte

Charlotte was quiet in school (particularly during singing!). But the Year 5 Conway residential changed her life: she came back with an absolute passion for outdoor learning that has remained with her into adulthood.

Charlotte joined Moulton Adventure Group and went on to achieve Duke of Edinburgh award Gold. From The County High School Leftwich she studied for A levels at Sir John Deane's. Charlotte read Sports Science with Outdoor Education at Bangor University and graduated in 2017 with first class honours. She was back at the Conway Centre regularly and represented her university in Kayaking. She has spent time travelling, including in Morocco volunteering in orphanages, schools and with single parent groups.

Charlotte's love of all things outdoors started early. She absolutely loved our residential at Conway Centre and has returned to the Centre as an instructor.

Lucy

Lucy was ever so hardworking and determined to achieve her best. She joined Kingsmead Primary in year 4 and particularly enjoyed Maths and Science.

Lucy went on to Leftwich High where she achieved 9 GCSE's with grades A*/A. At Sir John Deane's College she achieved grades ABB at A-Level in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and read Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester. She had a real passion for her subject and planned to work in the pharmaceutical industry after graduation.

Richard

We remember Richard as garrulous, great fun, and someone with a real flair for Art.

After Leftwich High Richard went on to study A levels in Biology, Business Studies and PE at Sir John Deane's college. He studied Policing at the University of Central Lancashire. The photo was taken when he was sworn in as a Special Constable in the British transport Police. He is being given his warrant card and certificate by Chief Superintendent Peter Holden (no relation!). Richard is the first serving police officer from attended Kingsmead Primary.

Leavers 2006

Joe

We remember Joe as incredibly hard working and polite, someone who was a real asset in our first mixed year 5/6 class and then in Year 6. Joe worked very hard and achieved well. While only here two years he certainly made an impression and is remembered very fondly.

After High School and college Joe studied at Chester University where he read Sports Journalism. He is now a professional wrestler and was been headhunted for a professional league in the United States!