A leading independent school in Warwickshire has started the new academic year by welcoming back three of its former pupils to join the staff team.
Sophie Davies, Holly Patterson and Evelyn Yick have all returned to Arnold Lodge School (ALS) in Leamington Spa as it begins the new term.
Headmaster David Preston said he was delighted to welcome back the trio and sees their return as a seal of approval for the school.
David said: “To have three former pupils returning to the school in this way is a glowing testimony to the whole ethos of Arnold Lodge, and the strong community we have here.
“I am thrilled to welcome back Sophie, Evelyn and Holly to help continue our ethos – having been part of our school as pupils, I know they are in a wonderful position to help other pupils achieve the same success they did and to continue to reinforce this culture for the future.”
“Our experience is that only when a pupil is happy and self-assured are they able to make the most outstanding progress in all areas and we are thrilled to welcome these new staff members to help continue this.”
The returning trio have all praised their happy memories as pupils at the co-educational school for four to 18 year olds as they start their new roles.
Joining the school’s marketing and communications team, Sophie attended ALS from 2008 to 2015, before going on to the University of Warwick to study English Literature and working in the Public Relations industry.
She said: “After only a short time away, coming back to work at Arnold Lodge feels like returning to what I know best, and it’s so exciting to see how much investment and development the school has made since.
“I am particularly enjoying having the opportunity to help other children come and experience the happy environment of Arnold Lodge – it’s so wonderful seeing all pupils, new and old, ready to come back for the new term.”
Holly Patterson attended ALS from 2012 to 2017 and initially returned to the school for work experience in October 2019, before taking up a permanent role in the school’s reception class this year.
She said: “There’s so much opportunity for development here at Arnold Lodge, which is what brought me back.
“My favourite thing about working here is that the small classes allow us to get to know the children really well – there’s a real community feeling for the whole school and staff which you don’t get elsewhere.”
Evelyn Yick, who spent seven years at Arnold Lodge as a pupil, has joined the teaching staff as a Year Five teacher.
She said: “I was looking for a new opportunity and when I saw the job advert for Arnold Lodge, it just felt like it was meant to be, it’s such a lovely opportunity to teach in a school that I have so many happy memories from.
“During the first few weeks back, I’ve loved meeting all the children and staff; everyone has been incredibly lovely and it’s great to be back!”
