Alfredian Voices Podcast
We can all remember our school days – the highs, lows, achievements, and challenges. But what we learn and the experiences that shape us are different for everyone.
In our podcast series, we bring you the voices of former students here at The King Alfred School (known as Old Alfredians or ‘OAs’), a school that has stood out from the crowd for the past 125 years for delivering a deeper learning experience. Their stories show the positive impact schools can have when they are bold, innovative and – crucially – take a child-centred approach to education.
Below you’ll find a playlist containing every episode so far, along with profiles of the OAs featured in our three most recent episodes. You can also watch a video recording of each podcast on our YouTube channel.
We are grateful to the OAs who have shared their stories, allowing us to bring our school’s vibrant history alive. Our 125th anniversary book, full of photographs from our archive, complements the stories in this series.
All episodes
Episode 13: Nick Nielsen (OA 1994)
Nick Nielsen delves into his formative years at The King Alfred School in this episode of Alfredian Voices. Starting in Reception, he spent 13 transformative years at KAS after his mother’s left-wing views led him to this creative and unconventional educational institution.
Nick highlights the sense of freedom and encouragement KAS gave him to explore his interests, bridging both Arts and Sciences – a path that eventually led him to Cambridge, and then into a fulfilling career in social enterprise. Central themes are his close-knit relationships with teachers and peers, the space for individual growth, and the encouragement to take risks. Funny stories from his school days, like sneaking extra milk and ending a recorder lesson early by misstating the time, add a light-hearted touch to his experiences.
Now a consultant for social purpose organisations, Nick continues to cherish the values and ethos instilled in him at KAS, which he hopes his own children will equally benefit from.
Episode 12: Sarah Eyles (OA 1973)
Heather interviews Sarah Eyles, a developer, data & business analyst, and training consultant, about her KAS experiences at KAS. She reflects on the school’s transformative impact on her, instilling confidence and a sense of equality.
Sarah discusses her varied career path into the male-dominated field of IT, and her passion for creative pursuits inspired by her well-rounded schooling. She highlights the supportive and progressive nature of KAS teachers and describes the school’s philosophy of fairness and integrity.
She also shares her current projects, including managing a solar farm and engaging in community-driven sustainability initiatives, drawing a connection between her IT background and her time at KAS.
Episode 11: Richard Thomas (OA 1953)
In this episode, Tamlyn sits down with alum Richard Thomas. Known for directing early instalments of Doctor Who, Richard shares vivid memories from his time at KAS, including learning calligraphy, his experiences with teachers like Renée Soskin and Miss Marsh, and how attending the school helped him flourish after struggling in earlier education. He also reflects on his career, including his role in the film Brief Encounter, his work with the BBC, and his adaptation of a Strindberg play.
This heartfelt conversation takes place in Richard’s home, offering a personal glimpse into his journey from student to successful director and the enduring influence of his school days.
Episode 10: Helen Craig (OA 1950)
In this episode, Helen Craig, renowned for her work on the Angelina Ballerina children’s book series, reflects on her school days and the major influences that shaped her artistic career.
This detailed narrative offers a deeper dive into Craig’s educational experiences, the challenges she faced, and the inspirations she drew which set the foundation for her future work.
From her vivid memories of wartime education at Flint Hall Farm during evacuation to her later years at King Alfred School in Golders Green, Helen provides an evocative account of how these formative years contributed significantly to her becoming a celebrated children’s book illustrator.
Episode 9: Ian Lush OBE (OA 1978)
Ian Lush OBE reflects on his challenging but fulfilling time as CEO of Imperial Health Charity and Chair of NHS Charities Together in this episode, recorded on Zoom during the pandemic.
Ian shares his experiences managing a charity campaign amidst unprecedented circumstances. As Chair, Ian led the charity’s national fundraising campaign with the late Captain Sir Tom Moore and helped raise over £155 million for the NHS.
Ian reminisces about his 14 years at KAS, emphasising how the school taught him to be part of a community. “ It was very much about wanting to make a difference,” he shares.
Episode 8: Sara Berman (OA 1993)
In this episode, we visit artist and fashion designer Sara Berman in her London studio to delve into her unique artistic process and the impact of KAS on her and her family’s lives (she is one of three generations of OAs).
Sara discusses the foundational character of the ‘trickster whore’ in her work, her intricate painting techniques, and how her background in fashion and weaving influences her art. She also reflects on the values and resilience instilled by KAS, which she believes have been critical to her and her children’s successes.
Episode 7: Preeyus Patel (OA 2009)
Preeyus Patel, Associate Director of Environment at a multinational engineering firm, shares his profound journey of growth, learning and self-discovery at The King Alfred School. He emphasises the unique, open environment of the school that allowed him to overcome the constraints often found in traditional education systems.
Preeyus also reflects on the school’s culture of academic freedom, acceptance of failure, and the strong bonds formed with teachers. These experiences and relationships have had a lasting influence on his personal and professional life, helping him achieve notable successes in his career, including leading large-scale environmental projects globally.
Episode 6: Honey Kinny Ross (OA 2015)
Honey Kinny Ross is an accomplished writer, screenwriter, podcaster, TV personality and activist. As founder of the KAS Feminist Society , she credits her time at The King Alfred School with instilling confidence in herself and an understanding of the importance of using her voice for change.
This episode beautifully encapsulates the lasting impact of King Alfred’s unique educational approach on Honey’s life and career.
Episode 5: Esmond Harris MBE (OA 1945)
In this episode, Esmond Harris MBE, an author and the retired director of the Royal Forestry Society, recounts his childhood fascination with trees, spurred by Sunday walks with his father in the Chilterns and sapling trees in the grounds of The King Alfred School.
Despite a challenging early education, including evacuations and unsatisfactory prep schools, Esmond found his passion in forestry, guided by influential teachers and experiences. The narrative unfolds his deep-seated love for woodwork, nurtured during his time at KAS, and highlights various school traditions, weekly crafts, and elective afternoons.
Esmond’s lifelong passion for forestry was recognised in 2009 with an MBE awarded by Prince Charles for his contributions to forestry and conservation in the South West. He owned woods in Cornwall and a small farm dedicated to educational purposes and is a retired director of the Royal Forestry Society.
Episode 4: Julian Anderson (OA 1956)
In this episode, conducted on Zoom during the pandemic, Julian Anderson shares his memories and reflections on the unique philosophy and community spirit of The King Alfred School, comparing it with his experiences in other educational institutions and the broader world. He discusses the importance of small class sizes, individual attention, and a curriculum that encourages independent thought, leadership, and respect for others beyond their titles or positions.
He also reflects on how these experiences and values shaped his life, career, and worldview, emphasising the importance of questioning authority, making informed decisions, and the value of community and family ethos in education.
Julian’s legacy, including a generous bequest to the school, reflects his gratitude and lasting impact on the KAS community. His passing in late 2022 marked the culmination of a life dedicated to honouring the school’s values. We are deeply grateful for his contributions, which have enriched the lives of countless KAS students.
Episode 3: Richard Oblath (OA 1970)
Richard Oblath is a scientist working in sustainable energy. Talking in the school garden, he discusses his upbringing, career and education, emphasising the values instilled in him at The King Alfred School.
He discusses how the inclusivity in the school atmosphere influenced his worldview and interaction with people of varying backgrounds. This led him to nurture strong relationships within culturally diverse groups and engage in mentoring activities later in life, especially when he moved into the business world after his PhD.
The conversation also provides glimpses of British society in the 60s and 70s, touching on the themes of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. Richard also shares poignant memories about his mother, who escaped Nazi Germany.
Episode 2: Julie James Bailey (OA 1952)
Former TV producer, director and writer Julie James Bailey describes moving to England in 1947 due to her father’s deployment in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Adapting to the climate and infrastructure of improvised army huts, she recalls her educational experience, emphasising a variety of subjects and activities as an important part of The King Alfred School’s learning model. She often played ‘boys’ parts’ in drama courses and was the only girl in her cricket team.
After leaving school, Julie studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), pursued directing in a male-dominated theatre industry, and built a career in television. Julie credits much of her success and resilience to KAS’s gender-inclusive environment and the encouragement to try everything.
Episode 1: Jordan Schwarzenberger (OA 2015)
Jordan Schwarzenberger is the co-founder of Arcade Media. He was named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in 2023, and was previously invited to speak on a panel at Downing Street with Rishi Sunak.
Jordan credits The King Alfred School with providing the creative foundation for his career successes. He talks about the school’s unique, individual-focused approach and how this instilled in him a passion to try new things. He highlights being a part of multiple projects and his early interaction with digital culture.
Going against societal norms, Jordan talks about leaving university after a term to focus on gaining practical experience in the creative industry. He shares his valuable experiences working at Vice, LAD, Roundabout and YMU, which led him to start Arcade Media. He stresses the importance of work experience, the downfall of traditional education structures, and the promise of apprenticeships for the youth.
