Thank you to Frankie, Lowri, Freya and Tommy for taking the time to sit down with us and answer our questions so we can learn more about them, their hopes for their future and the important role that gap students play.
Meet Frankie
Before joining Beachborough, Frankie was studying for his A-Levels at school whilst working part-time at Marks & Spencer.
He applied for the role of gap student at Beachborough Prep as he is thinking about going into teaching, post-degree and saw the opportunity as a way of finding out if he wanted to pursue this career path.
At the end of his employment, Frankie will be heading off to university in Manchester to study history and politics.
“The most enjoyable part of my role is the involvement in the games and PE lessons and being able to give input. Since working at Beachborough, I have become more confident in talking to people and since participating in the management of games lessons, I already feel that my coaching ability has increased.”
“I have really developed in my critical thinking skills since being at Beachborough and I absolutely believe that this role will enhance my employment opportunities in the future.”
Meet Lowri
Lowri’s experience with the younger children during her adult dance lessons and as a swimming instructor at Brackley Leisure Centre have set her in good stead for the role of gap student. Last year, Lowri finalised her A-Levels at school and has already secured her place at Winchester University and is hoping to go into teaching after completing a BA in Education Studies.
“I have really enjoyed working with everyone at Beachborough and talking to new people has increased my confidence. One thing I will take away with me is being able to think on the spot, adapt to others needs and of course, learning how to make a great toastie in the boarding house! I will take so many new skills away with me, one being how to adapt to all kinds of challenges and hope that this will help me in my future employment.”
Meet Freya
Freya attended Beachborough Prep herself and has thoroughly enjoyed returning to her roots. After successfully completing her A-Levels at school last year, Freya is heading off to Birmingham University to study Sports Science alongside studying to be a personal trainer and a yoga instructor.
“I have absolutely loved playing sport with the children, assisting in the boarding house and getting to know all the children at break times when I have been on duty. This has been my first experience at umpiring sports matches. I have really valued this opportunity and what it will add to my personal development when it comes to my university studies. My people skills have really improved, and I have learnt so much about safeguarding children and how to maintain fun, yet professional relationships.”
Meet Tommy
Tommy joined us this term after deciding that his current role in construction was not for him. Tommy was attracted to the role of gap student as he has a keen interest in sports and enjoys working with young people. After his employment at Beachborough and the skills he will have gained, Tommy is hoping to go travelling before pursuing his career further.
“I am really enjoying the role and working with the children, making new relationships and learning from the teaching team. It has been really eye-opening to see how different all of the children are, how they learn differently and how we can really get the best out of them. The experience in the format of lessons and how to improve the children’s sports skills has been vital in my own development. Working in an environment where everyone has the same goal, so the children succeed, has been really inspiring.”
We are currently recruiting for gap students for the 2025/2026 academic year. For more information on this exciting and energetic role, head to the vacancies page here.
