Topic outline

  • 2011 Leavers and their Career paths

    Dr Sam Ellis


    After leaving Ysgol Friars in 2011, I went into further education at Cardiff University and the University of Edinburgh to study ancient history. I now have a career in academia and am currently working at the University of Mannheim in Germany. My work in higher education is largely split into two parts. The first part is conducting my own research, presenting my findings at conferences, and publishing the results in journal articles and books. The second part is focused on teaching various courses on ancient history and languages to undergraduate students at university. An academic career has allowed me to continue with my passions of research, writing, and teaching, to learn multiple languages, and to live and work in numerous countries.

    Charlotte Goodwin

    After leaving Friars, I went to Bristol University to study History, and then to the London School of Economics (LSE) to study Global Politics as a Masters degree. At LSE, I interned at a London-based political risk consultancy, specialising in the sub-Saharan Africa region. I soon got placed a placement with one of our clients, Lego, as a consultant. After two years, I left the consultancy and set up my own consulting business, working with Lego and a handful of other clients. In 2019, I joined Facebook as a Senior Analyst on the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) desk. Earlier this year, I moved into a manager role at Facebook and look after seven recruits.

    Lora Jones

    I left Friars in 2011 with A-levels in French, English Literature and Chemistry. I went on to study my undergraduate degree at Warwick University in French Studies, which included a year abroad studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. During my time at university, I did internships in the House of Commons and European Parliament and went on to work for the Mayor of London after graduating. I’m now a Business Reporter at the BBC in London. I specialise in stories about the economy, fashion brands and working culture and tell them for different programmes across TV and radio, as well as on the BBC News website. In 2021, I also got the opportunity to work with our business team abroad in New York for three months.

    Clare Jones

    After completing my A-Levels at Friars I went on to study International Management at the University of Manchester. I chose a course which offered the opportunity to live abroad for one year. I have always had a passion for the French language I went off to study in Lille. After completing my studies I jetted off to Sydney on a quest to look for my first job and explore the magical country! I found a role working in a small recruitment agency. I am now living in Zurich, Switzerland - working for a property technology company helping them recruit amazing people. I have always loved living abroad and being exposed to different cultures and helping people progress in their careers is a true passion for me.

    Ben Scrase