Choosing a school is about much more than exploring its facilities and looking at academic results. For prospective pupils and their families, having the opportunity to speak to those who have recently experienced life at Trent can offer a valuable insight into what makes the school special, and where a Trent education can lead.

Our Alumni Ambassadors play an important role in making these connections, and we were delighted to welcome several recent Old Tridents to support the autumn Open Morning and Sixth Form Information Evening.

At September’s Open Morning, Bram Ottewell (Class of 2025), Sapira Rakotomalala (Class of 2023) and Freya Lord (Class of 2026) joined us to share their experiences with visiting families. Between them, they represented three different journeys through Trent: joining in The Elms and becoming a boarder in Year 9, joining in Year 7 and arriving directly into the Sixth Form.

LtoR: Bram, Sapira and Freya

They spoke about the opportunities they had embraced, the support they received and how their time at Trent helped prepare them for the next stage of their lives. Their pathways since leaving school are equally varied, from a Degree Apprenticeship in ocean freight logistics and pursuing a career in fashion after graduating the Jimmy Choo Academy to embarking on a law degree.

Sapira's Graduation Ceremony: Jimmy Choo Academy (Summer 2026)

“I felt it was a great opportunity to give something back and speak with prospective pupils and their families about my experience at the school, and the journey I’ve taken since leaving” Bram Ottewell

It was particularly lovely to see Sapira and Freya catching up with former teachers in the Art Department. Sapira also had some exciting news to share, having recently showcased her graduate collection at London Fashion Week; a wonderful example of where following your interests and making the most of opportunities can lead.

Bram returned to support the school’s Sixth Form Information Evening in October, once again giving prospective families the chance to hear first-hand about the Sixth Form experience and his experience of life beyond Trent.

“I particularly enjoyed discussing how the skills and experiences I gained at Trent have helped me along the way” Bram Ottewell

Opening doors through our alumni network

The value of these connections extends well beyond admissions events. Our alumni network also provides opportunities for current pupils to explore potential career paths, gain practical experience and make connections that can help shape their future ambitions.

A recent example is Tilly, one of our two Heads of School, whose interest in pursuing a career in law was strengthened considerably through a week of work experience with High Pavement Chambers in Nottingham.

Arranged through the Alumni Office, the placement was made possible by Old Trident Anthony Cheung (Class of 2012), a barrister who generously offered Tilly the opportunity to shadow him. During the week, she gained first-hand insight into the profession, sitting in on a variety of cases at Nottingham Crown Court, attending client meetings and joining business lunches with Anthony and his colleagues.

The experience helped turn an interest into a clear ambition. Tilly now hopes to pursue a career as a Human Rights Barrister.  Reflecting on her placement, she said:

“I've thoroughly enjoyed my time and learned so much about the ins and outs of being a criminal barrister. It has definitely solidified my decision to pursue law and become a barrister.” Tilly, Year 13

She was equally appreciative of the role played by the Trent community in making the opportunity possible:

“This experience would not have been possible without help from the amazing alumni network that Trent has.”

Looking ahead, Tilly is already thinking about how she might give something back:

“It makes me excited to become an Old Trident and offer opportunities like this to future pupils when I am embedded in my career as a barrister.”

Keeping the Trent connection alive

These examples demonstrate the importance of maintaining strong relationships between former and current pupils. Whether sharing memories and experiences with prospective families, offering careers advice or providing valuable work experience, Old Tridents have so much to offer the next generation.

A sincere thank you to Bram, Sapira and Freya for giving their time to support our admissions events, and to Anthony for helping create such a valuable opportunity for Tilly.

Our Alumni Ambassador programme welcomes recent leavers who would like to remain involved in school life and help prospective pupils discover what a Trent education can offer. If you left Trent within the past five years and would be interested in getting involved in future events, as an Alumni Ambassador, we would love to hear from you.

Once an Old Trident, always part of the community.

From Trent College to London Fashion Week: Sapira’s Creative Journey - Read HERE