UNEARTHED

Gryphon Alumni

Dave Bendell (1998)

Dave was a Staff Photographer at the Western Gazette for 5 years before joining Dorset Police in 2004 as a Force Photographer. His role changed to Digital Video Examiner in 2016 and now works in Regional Video & Audio Forensics.

Favourite subject: English

Favourite memory: There are too many... Being predicted an E grade in A level English, to then go and achieve a grade B. Getting a round of applause in my year assembly after scoring an own goal against Westfield; we won 7-6 thankfully! And Mr Forrester’s leaving assembly. He exited the Quarr Hall at great speed on a motorbike and never returned, leaving some of the staff a little unsure.

Joe Miles (2005)

After leaving the Gryphon Joe went to Southampton to study Computer Systems. He then did a PGCE at Exeter University in ICT and e-learning and got a job at The Gryphon! Joe had always wanted to be a teacher but never thought that he would end up back at his former secondary school. It was a little strange at first, but he soon settled back into life at The Gryphon, only this time doing the teaching! Joe is proud to have been a student at The Gryphon and feels very lucky to be teaching at the school.

Favourite subject: ICT (we didn’t have Computer Science in 2005!).

Favourite memory: I have great memories of the end-of-term pantomimes which saw many teachers make a fool of themselves and always included a live set from the staff band. Hits included Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody and a great rendition of Nellie the Elephant!

Dr Jessica Scott (2009)

After Sixth Form, Jessica studied Dentistry at The University of Bristol. She has since worked as a dentist in NHS, private and mixed practices, and as a junior doctor in the maxillofacial surgery department in a hospital. She has also volunteered abroad with dental charities. She currently works at Wessex House Dental Practice in Sherborne, where she is also an educational supervisor for foundation dentists during their first year in practice.

Favourite subject: Probably biology… or chemistry… or maths!

Favourite memory: Participating in the music concerts and music tours as part of the choir and big bandMiss Davies and Mr Mizen were the ultimate music department duo!

Jacob Brazier (2018)

After leaving The Gryphon, Jacob went on to study Philosophy with English at Bath Spa University for three years before quickly securing a Production Assistant job on The Marvels. Following that, Jacob has moved across a few productions including Ted Lasso and Loki and is currently working on a project that must remain secret! Jacob’s dream is to write screenplays and hopes to have many more great experiences along the way.

Favourite subject: Philosophy and Ethics at A level and English.

Favourite memory: I will have to go for my experience on Ten Tors. It was something quite different, required physical and mental strength, was enormous fun and consequently led to my DofE journey.

George Botley (2012)

Since leaving The Gryphon, George initially studied for an IT degree at UWE Bristol and worked in the IT industry for a short while. He then changed paths and trained towards his childhood dream of being an airline pilot. Fast forward to the present day and George now works for EasyJet, taking passengers all over Europe and North Africa!

Favourite memory: My favourite memory of The Gryphon is the trip to China during Sixth Form. I also enjoyed the drama productions, such as Oliver, and the staff pantomimes were fun to watch every year. >

Grace Ryall (2017)

Grace graduated with a first-class integrated master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of York in 2021. During her time there she spent a summer working as a horseback instructor at an overnight camp in Pennsylvania, which was handsdown the most fun she’s ever had. Seeking to move a bit closer to home, Grace began her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Bristol as part of the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership straight after graduating. It is incredibly challenging but the occasional successful experiment makes it all worth it!

Favourite subject: Biology

Favourite memory: The time I used to spend in the library. I really enjoyed being able to dive into lots of different stories somewhere peaceful and quiet during my lunchtimes. I must have gone through hundreds of books over the years! It was nice to be able to chat with the librarians about all things book-related too.

Kitt Thomas Peter (2010)

After leaving Sixth Form, Kitt completed a degree in Sport Science at Marjon University in Plymouth before returning to The Gryphon and working for a year as a teaching assistant. He then spent some time in Toronto, Canada before coming home and joining the Royal Air Force as an Officer in 2016.

Favourite subject: PE, Sport Studies.

Favourite memory: Beating Sherborne School by 50 points during our Daily Mail Cup run in Year 10. As a year group, we never lost to them at rugby!

Alice and Louise Conway (2010)

Sisters Alice and Louise started Dorset Delights, their event catering business only a month after finishing at The Gryphon. They employ 3 full-time staff and a team of up to 20 throughout the busy summer months. They purchased and moved into a purpose-built catering kitchen in 2018 and business has gone from strength to strength.

Favourite subject: Alice – Business Studies. Louise – Catering, I’ve always loved being hands-on with food

Favourite memory: Alice – The fantastic teachers who always gave me opportunities. Louise – The catering team of staff who supported me every step of the way. I am still in contact with one of the teachers

Chloe Northover (2022)

Since leaving The Gryphon, Chloe has worked in two different Golf Pro shops. Initially at Salisbury Golf Centre, where her golf coach is based, then at her home club Yeovil, where she has been a member since 2015. Chloe now works at the club and will be starting her PGA university degree through the University of Birmingham later this year. She will then turn pro and hopes to make a name for herself. Meanwhile, Chloe continues to play competitions such as the England Ladies Championship and England Under 18 Stroke Play Championship. She has also competed locally in Dorset Ladies County Week and Junior Girls Inter Counties, where she was Deputy Captain for Dorset.

Favourite subject: Naturally, my favourite subject was sport

Favourite memory: I have many amazing memories – receiving the bursary to go towards my golf, playing for the rounders, netball and hockey teams, receiving a Sixth Form scholarship, receiving a sports award over 3 consecutive years and being in the rounders team that fought successfully for the title 3 years in a row.