We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Nicky Stoney as the newest member of Sydenham High, joining us as the Head of Careers and Futures. She is qualified in Leading and Managing Careers work in schools and is currently completing her Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development as part of the Career Development Professional Apprenticeship. Prior to joining our team, Nicky spent 11 and a half years leading the Career team at Dulwich College, where she demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and guided thousands of pupils through their high school journey to university and beyond.

Ms Stoney brings with her a wealth of specialist knowledge in career and university pathways, particularly in the Higher Education Department and Apprenticeship fields. She will work closely with our Head of Sixth Form, Ms Parrish and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Hurst, who have extensive experience in Oxbridge, International and MDV competitive course applications, EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and more. Together, they will provide well-rounded support to our pupils.

She plays an important role in leading and supporting our Higher Education and Careers website where pupils can access links to essential platforms such as UCAS and Unifrog. It provides a comprehensive digital resource, offering a wide range of features including a diary of work experience opportunities, workshops, webinars, as well as timely updates on gap year schemes, insight visits, international study options, leavers’ destinations, and dedicated subject pages covering all university curricular areas.

We look forward to Ms Stoney’s leadership as she guides us to new heights in supporting our pupils’ future pathways.

Get to know Ms Stoney:

Which university did you attend, and what was your major?

I completed a BA in Media Production at Bournemouth University, which included a summer internship at the California Film Commission in LA, where I organised filming permits.

What was your first job?

My first job, aside from summer work at Selfridges, was in TV post-production. I worked as a television editor for a number of years.

What is the highlight of your career?

In terms of recent work, a career highlight was probably creating a website for a virtual careers convention during the pandemic. The website featured pages of information and videos for students. To launch it, I hosted a week of careers and higher education webinars attended by over 1500 students from 11 schools. It was a massive undertaking with lots of early starts to upload items before the internet on our street slowed down with everyone working from home. Additionally, I took a gap year in my late 20s with my husband, during which I worked at the State Debt Recovery Office of New South Wales. I had the power to take money out of people’s bank accounts when they didn’t pay fines – not very high powered but fascinating! To be honest, it’s always wonderful when a student that’s been to see you for some help or advice returns to tell you they’ve got onto a course, won a competition, got a work placement, or whatever it may be. Empowering them and seeing their success is brilliant.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, apart from parenting two teenagers and dealing with two cats, I attempt to regularly go to the gym and run. I also enjoy going to the theatre and cinema.

Any advice or tips you’d like to share with our girls?

Tips – if you don’t ask, you don’t get, and the worst anyone can say to you is no. Also, not knowing is fine – don’t feel you need to know or even should know what you’ll do with the rest of your life. Finally, while family, friends, or peers may have an opinion, remember it’s your future – ask questions, do research, and generally be curious about what’s out there. You might discover something you’ve never thought of.