ALUMNI

We provide our students with the perfect platform to shape their futures and become success stories. Many of our former students have remained in touch and kept us up to date on their progress since leaving the College. Here are just a few examples from some of our exceptional recent students.

Iman & Almayra Shah.

East Sussex College Performing Arts alumnae Iman and Almayra Shah are already making waves in the film/television industry. The pair recently featured in a TV advert for homeware giant, IKEA, and have had several other high profile ventures in acting and theatre roles since leaving the College in 2022.

“When you’re in this industry you get given a voice,” Almayra told the College. “I’d love to become a motivational speaker and help people struggling with mental health issues and raise awareness for certain things. When you become such a big influencer, you can become a role model for people. I’d love for someone to look up to me as a role model and set good examples.”

Almayra added, for want of a better term, or perhaps to highlight a strongly maledominated industry, “Our main goal is to make it up there with the big boys!”

Iman has ambitions for the West End and has the right attitude and outlook. Her priorities? “I don’t want to limit myself on anything,” she said. “My main goal is to be part of a successful atmosphere.”

Josh Babarinde.

Eastbourne A-Level alumnus Josh Babarinde was awarded an OBE for his ‘Services to Criminal Justice, Social Enterprise and the Economy’. Following his time at college, Josh founded ‘Cracked It’, an award-winning technology business that has supported over 200 ex-offenders away from crime and towards employment.

Josh is Parliamentary Spokesman for the Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democratscampaigning to be Eastbourne’s next MP. Staff always said Josh would be Prime Minister one day! Watch this space!

Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop.

Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, Hospitality and Catering alumna, returned to college in May 2023 to speak to current students about her award-winning journey in the industry so far and her current role in the Royal Household! Jupiter finished her studies in 2019 and has gone on to excel in a variety of high profile roles in the industry, including at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne and her current role at the Royal Household.

Jupiter was also crowned the winner at the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship awards - a prestigious title for anyone keen to climb to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry.

“It was during that time at college that they gave me all of this motivation and encouragement to look ahead into the future. It got me thinking about my two year, five year, ten year plan. Work placements were really, really important and I’m so thankful for these opportunities.”