Past Pupils | -the-obrien-academy-

It all started with this group in 2013.

Elliot, Georgia, Phil, Tom and John.

Tom O’Neill. Hi John, I’m currently a recruiter working for one of the largest worldwide digital advertising companies globally.

Learning under you was difficult not because of your style of teaching,

it’s because you believed in us.

Linzi Grace Ray 2024.Great news about one of our ex-students: Linzi is now a First-Class Honours degree graduate.This remarkable achievement comes after the hard work she put in during her time at what was then the Language Centre at the old premises. She is a prime example of a student who barely missed school, met deadlines and, even when stranded in the UK, joined in lessons via the internet.

Congratulations!

Dale Horsfall. I’d always loved creating and making things for my family to watch and read to make them smile and laugh. When it came time to think about what I wanted to do with my life I couldn’t think of a better path. I found a university course that best suited me, giving me access to industry standard equipment and software and more importantly people that have been doing it for a very long time. My teachers at The O'Brien International School and College helped me so much towards achieving the grades I needed to get in to university and then I worked hard, through one of the toughest times in our recent history and still managed to get a 2:1. From Sheffield Hallam.

Adelina Novoa Ba Honours Social Science. Hi John, I just graduated 2024 from my Social Science course. My grades were 70per cent + whilst working 2 jobs and volunteering at a cancer support center every week.

Laura Lydon, Education Studies BA (Hons). Hi John! Thanks for reaching out, I hope you’re well! Sorry for the late reply, life is hectic at the mo! After getting my A levels at your academy I took a gap year before Uni and went travelling around South East Asia and Australia, then I came back to the UK for uni. I graduated with a 2:1 in education studies and I now work in a primary school in the pastoral and inclusion team. I absolutely love it! I met my partner at uni and we had our little girl (who is 5 now!) and settled in Lancaster. I’m on the board of governors at her school and my grandad said when I became a governor it’s because you taught me how to argue my point all those years ago! Doesn’t that make me feel old! I hope you, Suzi and Victoria are well! All the best x

Phillip Hall, I hope you are well and a big congratulations on 10 years! Even if that does make me feel very old! I am now working as a university lecturer at university centre Myerscough part of UCLAN. I teach sports psychology as well as other sport management topics. Alongside this I play an active role on the research team and currently have 3 published journal articles. As well as an industry standard report for the R&A. This was sent out to 10,000’s of golf clubs around the world.

Molly White, But you know me John, everything healthcare based I have done! End of life, and after death care, I’ve worked with the elderly, physical disabilities and mental disabilities, signed off for OTC meds administration, catheter and stoma care, use of all supporting medical equipment, wound dressing and disinfecting, PEG feeding, case assessment, medication administration, I’ve given induction training to new employees, audit preparation with care plans and risk assessments, I’ve been self employed. I have done community and agency work, worked for a private trust. You name it I’ve probably done it! thanks John.

Georgia Elliot. Hi hope your well! I’d love to go to the graduation, but I’m actually expecting a little girl around the 2nd of June. When leaving The O’Brien International College I spent two years travelling around South East Asia. I then returned home and worked as an English teacher in a local academy. Last summer I went traveling around Spain and now I’m back currently teaching English again. Hope everything goes really well and congratulations on the 10 year mark! Can’t believe it’s been that long next time I’ll come and visit!

Anna Karen. Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Thats Brilliant, 10 years. I work at a real estate office as a service and after sales manager. Best regards.

Patrick Bass. Hi John how are you? I’ve just bought my first place in Darwen, Blackburn, after living a few years in Manchester. I work in corporate finance. I’ve been there for 6 years now working my way up, I started in sales and then became part of transaction team that advises clients who are selling their business.

Nyah Callie Belmon, I would just like you to know, that thanks to yourself and the staff at the time of me being a student, I am where I am now. And I am so grateful for everything, I may not have been the easiest student due to my attitude at the time, but I soon realised how important my education was thanks to you all opening my eyes

Kelsey Neilly, I’m a nurse in the Glasgow Royal infirmary , and I’m going on to study paramedic science.

Madeline Williams. Hi John, hope you’re all well! the new school looks great very happy for you all! I'm coming to the end of my degree now, 1 assignment left and my graduation is in July and then I have to face the adult world hahaha! which is crazy because it feels like yesterday we were all just sat in sociology! The O'Brien School was a massive part of my life in Spain and I really had the best memories with everyone there! I am finishing International Relations at the university of Portsmouth! ahhh I know, so so bitter sweet but an exciting venture! It would be lovely to see you all x

Colton Rogan. I’m back in Newcastle studying Health and Social Care.

Tia Bacon, Hi John!!!!! Hope all is well. Well I’m in my second year of university (UCAM) doing really well. In my second term of second year I haven’t received lower than a 70%. Working weekends at a restaurant to earn some money to pay bills . Absolutely loving the experience. Don’t want it to end, wish I could stay in uni the rest of my life .

Ellie Warren. I Would like to start by thanking John and the other members of staff that got me through my GCSE’s and A Levels. I don’t believe I would’ve ever achieved A’s and A*s without the help of the one to one attention I was given by the school. As for where I am now, Im going on to study Law at Northumbria university in Newcastle. My main word of advice would be listen to the teachers! I begun studying at the academy thinking I knew everything but I was proved very wrong. After you get over the idea that you’re not Albert Einstein you’ll do great! Put trust in your teachers and work to your best ability it all pays off in the end. I wish future students the best of luck. Lastly, study!

Alexa Morgan I attended The O’Brien International School and College from 2020 to 2021, during that time I thought very little of myself and my own capabilities, in that I believed whole heartedly that education did not matter and that my friends, out-with school relationships, reputation and the party scene mattered more than passing any classes and submitting work on time. With that being said, I somehow managed to pass my exams with the help of John and the other teachers. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without their support and guidance. I, along with some, if not most of you, believed that Johns research classes were (for lack of better words) boring, a waste of time and I generally tried everything in my power to avoid completing his assignments. I felt as though it wasn’t an AQA required subject, so why should I waste my time participating when I could be doing other things.

Since leaving the school/college I have been accepted to University to study social work. Upon applying to the course, I discovered one of two things. Firstly that Universities and Colleges expect you to write a Personal Statement before even considering you for a course, within said statement you will have to detail who you are and what you believe you can bring to the University. Along with this section of your statement you must also complete a RESEARCH section… Where you are asked to look into a topic of their choice, research it, and be able to reference correctly in whatever format they choose.

The second thing I learned was that once you have been accepted to your chosen course, the research does not end there. It continues throughout the entirety of your qualification or degree and Is used to determine your abilities to gather information, write about your findings, reference correctly, which books or websites you found the information you used to complete your assignments and to showcase your information in the correct format and essay or report style of your Universities choosing.

Your College or University lecturers will not tolerate content that has not been referenced properly, so If I could give any of you advice, It would be to get a grasp of research sooner rather than later, or like me you will struggle greatly when It comes to furthering your education because you simply believed it did not matter. I’m sure many of you will be listening to this and thinking I’m some sort of teachers pet or know it all, trying to make you do extra work, but I can assure you that two years ago, I was you. Please think hard about the choices you make now, as they will affect the rest of your lives. I hope that each and every one of you go on to achieve great things in the future with the help of John and the staff at The O’Briens International School, as they are here to support and guide you into adulthood and towards your chosen careers. They’ve lived through it, so when they’re offering you advice, Listen, as it just might change your life.

Lorna Bartlett. I’d love to be able to join on the 2nd of June but I’m on a late standby for work! I am very proud to have been part of your school and congratulations on 10 years running.

I left Spain again to join Easyjet as Cabin Crew, I currently have my eyes set on Cabin Manager when the role opens again and would love to be a representative for the Union. I know being cabin crew doesn’t require a university degree but the training is intense and the different situations and diverse customers we have to deal with can be very challenging. If anyone ever wanted an insight or help in applying for this role I’d be more than happy to receive messages.

Leah Bartlett. Hi John! I’m very glad to hear everything is going well and the school is celebrating its tenth year. After leaving the center, I started to work for my fathers business and I took over the business recently at the age of nineteen. I was never a fan of business in GCSE and didn’t take the exam. However, by just sitting through the classes and taking my gcse’s, it has helped me out on a number of occasions in the business world. I will not be able to attend the graduation unfortunately, but for all the students who will be graduating and deciding on their next steps, just a little advice. The working world is very difficult and not “the easy way out”, it not as simple as some may think. Your priorities change and your suddenly a grown-up making grown-up decisions. I do often look back at when I was studying and think how easy I actually had it. I wouldn’t change the decision that I made and where I am now with how much I have achieved, beyond what I thought I was capable of. I’ve always been bossy, so maybe this job was exactly what I was meant to do. Good luck to everyone and I hope the centre keeps doing well!

Lucy Kerrie Conway. Hi John Well today is my last of classes for my second year at university taking a Criminology degree. So far so good, I am enjoying the uni life soo much. For the next two weeks my head will be in books as I’m taking my final exams, so wish me luck.

Hi I’m Jess Coates. I went to The O’Brien International School and graduated in June 2022. Since then I moved to the UK by myself at the age of 16 to join the army I went to a military college when I moved over.

I then proceeded to pass my assessment in the November and have since joined the army in March and I have pledged my allegiance to the King and his heirs as well as have already completed 10 weeks of training and only having 2 months and 24 days left until I officially pass out and move on to my phase 2 where I can officially say I am a fully trained soldier for the British Army.

Jacob Smith. Hi John, hope you are well. I am currently still in Spain working as an estate agent but I am soon off in September to go travelling around South East Asia.

Yelke Huysmans. Hi John good morning Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary, where did that time go? I am still in UK in Southend on Sea, I am mostly with my little one and do some translation work here and there because it is flexible. I am looking at starting work again fingers crossed very soon.

Erin Mae Fraser. I hope you are all well. As a graduate of The O'Brien International School, I wanted to write and express my gratitude for the education and support you have provided me throughout my academic journey. I am currently working as cabin crew for British Airways, and it is thanks to the education I received at your school that I have been able to travel all over the world.

From service to safety, your curriculum provided me with the skills and knowledge that have enabled me to excel in my profession. Every time I board a flight, I am reminded of the foundations I built during my time at your school John. The experience helped foster self-confidence and provided me with the tools necessary to be successful in a highly competitive industry. I am immensely proud to have attended The O'Brien International School and I will always be grateful to all the staff who contributed to my success. You played a vital role in shaping who I am today, and I am honoured to represent your school in my travels. Thank you for everything!

Morgan O’Toole. Hi John, well I am getting married next week and I’m currently self employed. I mostly work providing a translation service, wills, nies, ties etc. anything to do with the Spanish legal system. My partner has his own business in Quesada and I am based there.

Zac Lloyd Rush.

Hi, I’m Zac, a 29-year-old radio presenter and telecommunications operator. I’ve lived in Spain for 18 years of my life and I’m glad to say that for most of the educational era of it, John O’Brien was a part of that. As John will probably tell you, He was my Sociology teacher during my A-level studies, and I was never the easiest student to deal with, half the time arguing trivialities or debating on some banality the other; My education was always the part of life I struggled with, but through perseverance and a lot of encouragement from teachers I was able to complete my IGCSE and AQA A Level education. Currently I work 2 jobs, my primary job is as a telecommunications operator, assisting clients and customers with any queries and customer care needs; The other Job is as radio presenter; entertaining the masses with topical chat and top tunes….So either way I am a voice rarely seen in flesh, not sure if that’s a positive or negative; but John always did say I had the face for radio; guess he was right, he normally is.

Kaitlyn Caufield.

The first week of uni wasn’t as daunting as I thought it was going to be. You meet new friends when you least expect it, and the most important thing to remember is that all the first years are in the same boat. I was a bit worried I wouldn’t know which building my lectures would be in but all the stuff here at UCAM are extremely helpful. The best decision I’ve made is to get into a good routine throughout the week. Going over any notes from lectures when I get home is the most important thing as it sticks in my head. I’ve made some great friends, most of them I live with but others on campus aswell.

Ellie Warren. Since I started O’Briens in 2018, I have not only grown academically, but also as a person. I owe a great deal of thanks to Sociology as a subject since it has allowed me to further my self-awareness and knowledge about society. Whilst studying an A Level in sociology, I have been able to engage in serious, thought-provoking debates surrounding areas such as feminism, Marxism, functionalism and politics. This is an experience I believe all students should be able to enjoy as it can both contribute to one’s understanding of the world and also boost their confidence when it comes to expressing themselves. I also believe that topics within this subject such as ‘research and methods' act as a tool of preparation for university, helping students develop important technique when it comes to collecting data and learning to be an analyst which is included as a module in a vast number of degrees including my own, politics. I am very thankful for being able to study sociology at O’Briens as it opened my eyes to the complexities of the world and social constructs which shape the way we live. O’Briens also helped me to achieve an A* in Sociology, contributing massively to my UCAS points that granted me a place at Newcastle university. The qualities I developed throughout my secondary school years and time in sixth form will always stick with me and allow me to progress through my further education to the best of my ability. Nonetheless, the teachers are O’Briens school have also played an immense role in my progression over the years and I will remain very thankful for each and every one of the staff members.

Jasmine Stevens

feeling proud with Sabrina Patiño. August 2021.

“I have achieved grades that I never thought I would ever be able to achieve, and I feel like so many of us have exceeded our own expectations of ourselves.” Almost three months ago, I was asked if I would be interested in writing a speech and delivering it at my graduation night, and I said yes. The above quote comes from that speech, and it really is so true.

When I started in year 12, I never, ever thought I would be able to achieve Bs in all my subjects - but when I opened that envelope this morning, that was exactly what I found written on the paper. Bs in every single subject!!!! I just want to say the biggest thank you to all of the teachers at The O'Brien International School & College. , but most of all John O Brien, Sabrina Patiño and Derek Raishbrook , for helping me achieve these grades, for constantly supporting me and helping me to achieve my full potential and for believing in me (much more than I believed in myself!!) and believing that I could do it.

Without this support and belief I don’t think I would ever have achieved the results I did. Thank you also to my family for being so supportive and for believing in me - and the biggest congratulations are in order for all of the students at the school that received results today. I am so proud of you all and I hope that you got the grades that you wanted and needed for your next step in life!! These last two years haven’t been easy at all - especially the last eighteen months, what with Covid - but we made it through even when it felt impossible. I truly did exceed my own expectations of myself, even though I doubted myself many times over the two years. But I really worked hard and I surprised myself and today, I walked out of school with a huge smile on my face, proud tears in my eyes, and the knowledge that I worked so, so hard even in the most difficult of times and it all paid off. Here’s to the class of ‘21!!!

Poppy Keates

Thankyou to all the staff at The O'Brien International School & College. I achieved a B in my business studies A level! Thankyou to Catherine Rawlins Kate Hickling my business teacher, I wouldn’t have been able to have done it with out you August 2021.

Taylor Jennings

Thank you John and the rest of the teachers for all your hard work to get us the results we wanted it is greatly appreciated. I hope to see you at some point in the future, maybe at the Christmas concert to collect the official certificates !! 2021

Rose.

Thank you so, so much for all that you have done for me over the last two years. Thank you for the interesting and fun A Level classes, even if we did all complain about having to do the research projects. The hard work that you and the team have put in, to get each and everyone of us through a very difficult and uncertain year is so, so appreciated.

I thank you for all your support and encouragement. Since I first started in the school, I have gained a lot of self confidence and have proved to myself that I can do things I never thought I could. I have honestly loved my time here and I will really miss the school. Once again I want to thank you so much for everything!!

Rose June 2021.

Dean Smyth

Thank you John O Brien and the rest of the staff at my school for getting me through my exams and putting on a great show tonight for the Christmas performance , I really did enjoy myself. It has been the best show yet and will be hard to top next year! Poppy🎄

My daughter studied Spanish at the O'Brien Centre and achieved an A* in her exam at the age of 12 just as I had done some time ago. She was extremely happy with her result and intends to continue into AS Spanish. I would like to thank Sabrina for her tireless efforts and support throughout the time that Libby attended the centre. I would also like to thank John for providing her with an individual timetable which fitted in with her other commitments. Not only did she achieve an excellent academic grade but she also made friends who she is in contact with to this day. A fantastic experience! DEAN SMYTH

Brett.

Thank youI am lucky to count myself a member of the team at our centre. We do our best to educate. Have a good weekend you too. I just wanted to say I think the research work you ask the students to carry out is fantastic and demonstrates that your centre really is focused on children being educated, not just a ‘run of the mill’, let’s pass exams. I ‘proof read’ Kaitlyns work last night, to help her out and I was fascinated by the content and actually learnt things myself, I found it thoroughly interesting and found myself questioning myself as well. See, you’re even helping to educate the parents! Have a lovely weekend and thank you

The O'Brien Language Centre.

Kelsey Neilly.

24 May 2020. Hi John hope u are well! Just thought I would let you know I was accepted to college today for social sciences - sociology, geography, psychology, politics and history, Including research methods! I just hope you can share this with other student that i fought your research methods and didn't feel I would need them and now I am so glad we did them as they will help me so much! Enhorabuena, Kelsey.

Faith and Michael

Thanks for everything you have done for them whilst they were learning with you. Best of luck we really appreciate everything you have done for both the girls, we would urge people to attend your school as you really care about your students.

Phil 2017.

First class degree.

Really enjoyed my first couple of days as a research assistant, today involved creating a short animated video. Creating new contacts and reading current research on a topic that you are extremely passionate about helps the quality of your work go through the roof. Learning how to use new software has helped to increase my future employability and new contacts open the door to more opportunities in the future.

Maggie Mahony

January 2016.

John you have worked wonders for Katy Mahony, she has come so far and now has a choice of three prestigious universities in

Alfie Powell

Hello John, hope your summers going well so far, I would just like to send you a message as I've been thinking a lot lately and I really appreciate how much you have taught me, the O’Brien Language Centre hasn't only changed my learning skills it's changed me as a person and I am so grateful. The ICT lessons I got have proven very very helpful and with the help of you and Derek and Kim I have become a well organised individual, miss you all very much. Thank you so much x

Alfie Powell 2016.

Amber Thomson

Hi, John I hope all is going well at the college, I just wanted to say that I remember those research method classes and I have actually come to realise how much they help, honestly I am ahead in most of my lessons because of it, especially in Sociology and PE. So if like any of your students think they are useless you may be able to let them know how valuable they really are.

Hi Derek, I just wanted to start off with saying thank you firstly for everything you've done for me in the past two years. You are definitely my favourite teacher without a doubt. I miss class so much. Thank you so much for helping me with everything in every lesson if it wasn't for being such a great teacher I would have most likely left within the first year so I am very grateful that you helped me and supported not just myself but everyone in the class we have so much gratitude towards you. I still do not understand anything about geography but I suppose I can make up for this with my maths and English skills.

Hi John, I just wanted to tell you I am doing very well in Milan, everything is amazing here but most of all I have just been offered a job as an English teacher for young Italian children wanting to learn English. I had to put together an essay or as you like to call it a project. I know I complained every Monday morning about how useless and boring projects were but after those 2 years of fighting not to do them it has really come in handy for this new job. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to you, Derek and Kim for everything you have done for me, my grades in General studies, English and Sociology were what got me the interview. I also want to thank you for always supporting everything I did and helping me through some of the most difficult times I had. It really raised my confidence in everything I really can't express how grateful I am for everything and your college, I miss you all so much and I hope I'll be able to come back and very you all very soon xx

Zara Joyce.

Six years ago, I completed my GCSEs at The John O'Brien International School and College, and the memories from that time are etched in my heart forever. I look back on my years at this school with fondness and gratitude for the incredible experiences I had. My journey at John O'Brien's was more than just an education; it was a time of learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. This small school with a lot of heart has been the backdrop to some of the best years of my life. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the school's Headmaster, Mr. John O'Brien, whose vision and dedication have led the school to expand into bigger and better things while maintaining its unique charm. His leadership has been instrumental in creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. I must also give a special shoutout to an amazing teacher, Derek, whose passion for teaching left a lasting impact on me. His commitment to making learning engaging and enjoyable made my time at John O'Brien's truly memorable. The friendships I forged, the knowledge I gained, and the laughter we shared are treasures I carry with me every day. John O'Briens School will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the role it played in shaping my formative years. To prospective students and families, I can confidently say that John O'Brien's is not just a school; it's a place where memories are made, and hearts are touched. My experience here was nothing short of extraordinary, and I hope that you, too, will have the privilege of being part of this wonderful community. Warm regards, Zara Joyce Former Student, Class of 2015

Guðrið Patursson

Hello Mr. O'Brien! Long time no see! I just wanted to inform you, that I've had a geography exam at college here in the Faroes Islands, and I got the highest score (which is 12 in our scale)!! I've remembered your reference throughout the year, and it has really motivated me. I was very unlucky to get a rather awful geography teacher, so it wasn't as enjoyable as when I had the subject with you. But because of that, I'm extra happy with my results! Thank you for giving me a good base on my understanding and interest of geography. 2016

Maggie Mahony January 2016.

John you have worked wonders for Katy Mahony, she has come so far and now has a choice of three prestigious universities in England, thank so much.

Pedro Pablo Miralles Quiles The school is fantastic, also it's worth the visit because the staff is really outstanding