Looking back, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bede’s, being a weekly boarder in Stud from Year 9 right through to Year 13 (2019 to 2024). Mr. Jones was my Housemaster and Mr. Potter was Deputy Head of House. It feels like yesterday, and knowing they are both still going strong there brings back a real sense of nostalgia.

My path to Bede’s actually started at my Prep school because of a guy two years above me named Louis Davison. He was a bit of an idol to me—he had this long mullet, played the drums, and told me how incredible the music department was at Bede’s. My mum looked into it, I auditioned for a scholarship, and it went brilliantly. Endorsement from Louis, combined with the strength of the Learning Enhancement department—which ended up being massive for my grades between GCSE and A-Level—made Bede’s the obvious choice.

Once I arrived, I basically lived in the music department after school, sitting behind the kit, practicing, jamming, and taking drumming lessons. I was involved in everything: GCSE Music, BTEC Music in the Sixth Form, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and all the BTEC ensembles.

Having access to top-tier equipment made a world of difference. Being able to use Mr. Hopkins’ recording studio and learning how to properly mic and record a drum kit, set the foundation for what is now a massive part of my career. The staff, including Mr. Aburn and Mr. Scamardella gave me the trust and freedom to use the space during my free periods to just nerd out on gear.

Performing was where I really learned my craft. Cabaret was always the ultimate highlight—such a lavish night, whether playing for the school audience or parents. My first Cabaret was in Year 9 back in 2019, and my last as a pupil was in December 2022 during Year 12. Being the sole drummer for the BTEC band, tucked behind the screen shield, was where I felt totally in my element. Beyond the high-energy performances, events like Cabaret and House Music taught me the practical realities of being a musician: the difference between practicing and rehearsing, how to set up and tear down gear quickly, and how to work smoothly with sound engineers. (Stud actually won House Music when I was in Year 12 alongside Dorter and Deis, though ironically I was playing guitar that year instead of drums!).

After finishing my A-Levels in 2024, my path took a very spontaneous turn. Before jumping straight into further study, I auditioned for the West End stage adaptation of the film Sing Street. I managed to land the role as an actor-musician, playing a character, speaking in an Irish accent, and playing drums live on stage at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for three months, doing eight shows a week. We even performed a set in front of thousands of people at Trafalgar Square for West End Live.

Following Sing Street, I enrolled at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) to study jazz, starting at their London campus before moving down to the Guildford campus for my second year. My degree is an accelerated two-year track, and I’m balancing my studies while working as a professional session drummer.

I’ve had some fantastic opportunities already, including touring parts of England and Scotland with a band supporting 90s icon Chesney Hawkes. Beyond that, a lot of my focus is on playing and writing with my girlfriend, Jolie Skye. Also a Bede’s Alum, she is an incredible artist (Remember the name!)—now signed to Olivia Dean’s management team—and along with another Bede’s alumna, Grace, we often work together as a solid drum-and-bass session duo for various projects.

Returning to Bede’s recently to play at House Music and preparing to come back again to perform at Cabaret with Jolie, Grace, and our group brings everything full circle. Performing in front of so many pupils and former teachers is terrifying in its own way, but returning to the environment that built my confidence is always special.

If I had to offer advice to any current pupils or young musicians at Bede’s, it would be to throw yourself into every single opportunity—do the jazz band, do the concert band, use the practice rooms, and ask your teachers endless questions. Most importantly, build variation into what you play. I left school thinking I was only going to be a jazz drummer in a big band, but the real world requires you to be adaptable and say yes to everything. Don't worry about asking "stupid" questions or feeling self-conscious. Dive into the opportunities you have right now, use the incredible facilities, stay open-minded, and be kind.