This week in our ‘Bridging the gap’ series we speak to alumna of King Edward VI School (KES), Issy Todd who went back to Farleigh School.

What’s your average day?
I was employed as a PE assistant, however, due to the lockdown in January I worked as part of the key worker team with the other gap students. I’d supervise a class in the morning, helping with online lessons and homework.

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?
Yes! Being able to walk into the staff room and help myself to a coffee and biscuit and calling my old teachers by their first names, took a while to get used to!

Any improvements since you left?
I used to play field hockey, which I loved, but there is now a great astro. There’s also an amazing new music block and the dining room has been expanded.

What type of child were you?
I was very sporty. I also read a lot and was constantly borrowing books from the library.

Favourite school lunch?
I looked forward to fish and chips the most, known as ‘Fishy Friday’. I loved trying all the food but my favourite pudding was definitely the chocolate brownie.

What is the ‘in’ thing?
Apparently, untied shoelaces. When I told one pupil to tie them up because he was going to trip over, he said untied laces were the new thing!

Any funny experiences?
I got a lot of questions about whether I have any children. After I said I don’t, I was told by one Year 5 that she did not recommend it!

Have you been given a nickname?
I got called Miss Toad once but I quickly ended that one.

What will you take away from this experience?
How lucky I was to go to Farleigh. The teachers, the sport, the trips, the boarding. Seeing how happy all the children are reminded me of how much I loved it there.

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school? Remember that there are lots of new kids joining with you and everyone will be a bit nervous, so be friendly and have fun.

What else have you done in your gap year?
I worked at The Orchards Cookery School in Evesham as a kitchen assistant in October.

Where are you off to next?
Bristol Uni in September to study Biology. I am hoping to be able to go travelling in Europe before then.

What will be your lasting memory?
Lots of fun! I spent ten years at Farleigh with amazing friends and great teachers. I had the best time being back.

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This article features in the Summer issue of ‘Noticed’ magazine