Alumni
Welcome to the Alumni page!
We like to stay in touch with our ex students and we take a keen interest in their lives once they have left Priory School. By being part of Priory’s Alumni you will be able to support existing students by sharing your experiences of college, university or other career paths. This page features the personal stories of some of our alumni. Please contact alumni@priory.e-sussex.sch.uk to be part of this, or alternatively click here for an application form.
Katy Palmer (1998-2003) - Senior Producer
Katy likes a good yarn, and studied English at Leeds before going on to a postgraduate course at the National Film and Television school. Since then, she's worked on The Inbetweeners and Horrible Histories in TV production, before moving into the world of film marketing and telling stories to make a difference at various charities and arts organisations. She's an experienced communications consultant from being a freelance marketing consultant and has worked as brand manager at Shelter and youth charity Into Film. Katy is interested in how films can change our minds or actions, from viral sensations like the ice-bucket challenge to independent housing documentary Half Way. She loves organising film shoots involving animals and children, despite what they say about not working with both.
Amy Rogers (2005-2010) - Primary School Teacher
I attended Priory from 2005-2010. I then ventured on to Sussex Downs College for 3 years studying Media, Photography, Dance, iMedia and Business. After taking an extra year at college, I then decided to embark upon my dream on becoming a teacher and studied Primary Education 5-11 years with QTS (PE Specialist) at the University of Brighton for 3 years. I am now currently in my second year of teaching, working in a primary school in Seaford - which I absolutely love! Priory school gave me opportunities to develop my confidence academically and creatively. I was welcomed to every sports team, dance team etc which will always be a highlight of my journey through Priory. There are certain teachers who I will never forget throughout the school in different subjects, who inspired me to become a teacher myself. The staff are very knowledgeable, kind and dedicated to provide the best education possible. This is what inspired me to become a teacher myself.
Paul Mehra (1972-1979) - Senior Consultant
I was at Priory between 1972 and 1979, and cannot stress how much I enjoyed my time there! Having achieved reasonably good A-levels I went to Kings College, University of London to study history. Once I had my degree I started studying law, but decided it was not for me, and went off to work in a hotel in France for a while! Eventually I found my way back to England, and began working at Nationwide Building Society on their management trainee scheme. This led me into a role as a trainer and from that point on I have made my career within the field of learning and development, working for global IT and financial companies most of that time. My work has taken me all over Europe and to other parts of the world, which I love, and which is a great education in its own right! I am now self-employed, and loving what I do more than ever, which is predominantly coaching, developing managers and leaders and their teams, and also supporting schools in East Sussex as an Enterprise Adviser - giving a little bit back to people who are starting out on their career journeys!
Naomi Daw (2001-2006) - PhD Research Student - Society Co-Ordinator, Art History Society
I attended Priory between 2001 and 2006. I then headed ‘over the road’ to take A-Levels in English Literature, Philosophy, Geography and Biology at Sussex Downs College in Lewes. When I finished my A-Levels, I took a year out to work and save for university. In 2009, I began my first year studying Art History at the University of Sussex, graduating with a First in 2013. I continued my studies at the University of Sussex to postgraduate level, taking a Masters in Art History, and graduating with Distinction. February 2016 saw me begin my PhD, again in the Art History Department at the University of Sussex. My thesis is on nineteenth century popular photographic culture and travel. Alongside my studies, I have worked in retail, administration, and local government. I am also closely involved in the local arts scene, volunteering at the Brighton Photo Biennial, ONCA, and Lewes Priory Park. I am also on various Society Committees at the University of Sussex.
Emily Geering (2000-2005) - Primary School Teacher
I was at Priory from 2000-2005. I then went to Varndean College and studied; art, English literature, sociology and critical thinking. I then took a year out, worked full time in an independent shop for 6 months and also went to Australia and Singapore for 3 months. I went to Winchester Uni for 4 years and studied primary education with QTS (English specialist). I worked at a small village school during my NQT year and now work in a large junior school in Eastbourne. What I would like to say about Priory is that is a school full of a vast amount of knowledge, expertise and encouragement. The staff are dedicated to their pupils and ensure that they are engaged and enthused by their lessons. I specifically enjoyed the creative subjects such as Art and DT Graphics as the teachers inspired me to pursue these subjects into A-level. Having such inspirational teachers lead me to become a teacher myself.
Philip Greatwich (1998-2003) – Footballer – Philippines
During my time at Priory I came into contact with teachers who were passionate and inspirational in what they taught. I was treated as a mature adult, not a young boy, which helped me grow into the confident, outgoing person I am today. Priory installed pride and professionalism which is key to being a successful athlete.
Dan Wilson (1989-1994) - Ebay
What made it great for me? I suppose what I would like to highlight was the wealth of extra-curricular activities that I enjoyed, specifically drama and public speaking which were put on by dedicated teachers in their own spare time. They lead to me being a confident and practiced presenter and speaker, a skill that's never been more vital in modern business.
Jack Feintuck (1995-2000) - Civil Servant
I attended Priory from 1995-2000, studied with excellent teachers and made lots of friends who I still see regularly. Why was Priory good? There were opportunities to take part in debating, music, drama productions as well as our day-to-day studies which made for a fun and enriching experience. I read Archaeology at University College London, balancing my interests in humanities and sciences that began at Priory and continued through my A-Levels at Sussex Downs College. After taking a Masters degree in Research Methods I became a civil servant and have had the opportunity to work for the Prime Minister's Questions briefing team in a government department, as a Private Secretary to a Minister, and on several fascinating policy areas. In 2012-13 I came full circle and for a period was a community governor back at Priory, as I wanted to give something back to the school that had set me on my way.
