It doesn't feel possible that my first day at Tonbridge Grammar School, as a shy 11-year-old in 2010, was over 10-years-ago now. But there's no doubt that my time at the school has shaped who I am today and helped me forge an incredible career as a national newspaper journalist.

After leaving TGS Sixth Form in 2017 I went on to study English Literature at the University of Exeter, where I became involved in the student media site The Tab. My experience running the TGS newspaper and Radio TOGS, as well as work experience opportunities offered to me through contacts at the school, meant I was already well-equipped for the role.

I graduated from Exeter in 2020 amid a pandemic and was accepted into News Associates, the UK's top journalism school, to study for an NCTJ qualification. I was quickly offered a trainee reporter role at the Kent & Sussex Courier but only spent five months in the job before moving on to Ferrari Press Agency - a London based press agency writing for the likes of The Times, The Sun, Daily Express, The Mirror, and the Daily Mail, where I have been for over a year now. I was also lucky enough to be offered shift work at The Telegraph on weekends, which I continue to do alongside my weekday job.

Last year I was shortlisted for the Kent Press and Broadcast Awards for my work reporting on the trial of double-murderer David Fuller - and was awarded highly-commended in the Young Journalist of the Year category.

I have had the opportunity to report on some of the country's biggest news stories and have interviewed people from all walks of life, including Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Formula 1 legend Sebastian Vettel.

TGS undoubtedly shaped me into the ambitious and hard-working individual I am today. The IB taught me both how to balance my workload, and how to work quickly and accurately with attention to detail - skills that are vital in a newsroom, while the support and encouragement from teachers and my peers gave me a drive to succeed.

I would always recommend TGS to prospective pupils and would encourage every student to make the most of the incredible advice and resources offered to you during your time at school.