Pupils from Aureus School in Didcot attended a careers-focused event in London, gaining insight into potential professional pathways.

Three Year 10 students made the trip to the capital to participate in the Royal Navy’s International Women’s Day celebration, hosted aboard HMS President as part of Careers Week. The excursion aimed to highlight career possibilities within the naval forces and other sectors.

The group consisted of Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan, and Tilly Mulvey, all currently enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme.

Reflecting on the experience, Ellie Swan described the opportunity to explore naval career routes as fantastic.

Rob Hayden, who manages the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Aureus School, joined the students for the day-long event.

He explained that attendees listened to presentations from Royal Navy personnel and external speakers, among them Hannah Botterman, who achieved championship victories in both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England during the previous year.

He added that participants also engaged in networking with the speakers and fellow visitors.

The event exposed students to numerous inspiring women serving in the Navy and pursuing various other professions.

Aureus School operates as part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust and centres its mission on ‘cultivating ambition’ alongside ‘high standards for all’.

Headteacher Kirsty Rogers has stated that the Didcot co-educational comprehensive school has embarked on a ‘transformative journey’, establishing an environment where pupils experience strong belonging. She prioritises inclusivity, elevated expectations, and a wide-ranging curriculum that nurtures ambition, resilience, and respect, supported by committed teachers and extensive extracurricular offerings.