City of London School for Boys
Name: Jonah
Secondary School: City of London School for Boys – attended for 5 years:
University Attended: Bocconi University – Bachelor’s in International Economics and Finance.
- What is your first memory starting your school?
My first memory related to going to CLS is probably the twenty or so minutes I spent trying to successfully tie my tie, I wish I could say that I was successful in the end. My first memory of the school is being shocked by the size of it. I came from a very small primary school and so the number of people around me and the size of the school were a bit of a shock to the system.
- What is your best memory from your school?
My favourite part about CLS was being given the ability to leave the school for breaks in the sixth form. Being in the middle of the city, there was so much to explore, and some of my favourite moments were the free periods spent walking along the Thames or at the arcade with my friends.
- What is one thing you would like to change about your school?
The school being in the centre of the city meant that there was a forty-minute bus ride to the sports ground to look forward to every Wednesday. Of course, if I had been on one of the school’s sports teams, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have complained as much!
- Any fancy traditions?
CLS being associated with the city meant that many of our prize days were held in quite central and important parts of the city. The awards at prize day were presented by the Lord Mayor of London.
- How was the academic support?
CLS had a very supportive staff many of whom came from very impressive academic or working backgrounds. Going into the Sixth form, the school provided us with excellent support. We had one member of staff focused on providing us with help and instruction when creating our UCAS profile, and, as a student that went to a university based outside of England, I also benefited from a very helpful and knowledgeable head of careers. The one area I would say that the school was somewhat lacking in would be their SAT preparation. I had many conversations with US-bound students who complained about the sessions devoted to the SAT courses.
- Is your school a religious school?
The school is not a religious one and prides itself on its diversity.
- What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?
I took part in quite a few economics-based co-curricular activities, the most exciting for me was winning the entrepreneurship award. Of course, this may have something to do with the fact that it came along with a £500 incentive!
- How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?
CLS sent quite a few students to Oxford and Cambridge each year and this was proudly announced to us at the end of each school year. The school had a few events specifically aimed at prospective Oxbridge students each year.
- Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?
CLS has a great “old citizens” network with (possibly too many) devoted Facebook, emails, and events. It is certainly a bonus when looking for networking opportunities.
- Did you ever have a detention at your school?
For some reason, my memory is a little foggy on this topic!
- What are the pastoral support options?
One example that I can provide as a testament to the pastoral support at CLS is from when my grandfather died, the head of year called me into his office and spent ten minutes talking with me and letting me know that if I needed to speak to anybody that they would provide the option. CLS had many sixth form mentors and I knew many prefects whose duties were focused around supporting the students in the younger years.
- Bonus: If your school were represented as a song, what song would it be and why?
I feel like the only song that really does life at school any justice is 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.