An Alumni’s Insight on Life Beyond Gordonstoun

Thursday 24 January 2024

It is often true that we, as individuals, come to most value our education with age and reflection. Our Old Gordonstonian’s (OGs) regularly share their successes with us after leaving school and it is a joy to share with you this letter by Liam Blatch who was keen to thank staff and offer his insight into the profound impact of a Gordonstoun education on his academic journey, extracurricular pursuits and professional success.

Dear Mr Devey,

Re: Continued thanks and gratitude for the teaching and support received while studying at Gordonstoun School

I hope you are well. I wanted to write to you to express my continued gratitude for the support and encouragement I received during my time studying at Gordonstoun. Having recently graduated from Newcastle University and started working in my first professional role, I have spent some time reflecting on how I have reached this point and I strongly believe that the teaching and extracurricular opportunities I received while at Gordonstoun created an outstanding foundation for my higher education and have played a pivotal part in me completing my degrees and gaining my first professional job.

After studying for my A-Levels at Gordonstoun, I have subsequently completed both a BA (Hons) degree in Geography and a MA in Human Geography Research at Newcastle University, achieving a First class result and Distinction respectively.

As well as working towards my degrees, I have also had the opportunity to continue to develop my extracurricular interests that I first developed while at Gordonstoun. I have remained particularly involved in triathlon and multi-sport competitions, being on the Newcastle University Triathlon Club committee for 3 years, and becoming a Level 1 Triathlon Coach.

Having continued to compete in multi-sport events, I had the opportunity to compete for Great Britain, in the World and European Age-group Aquathlon Championships in both 2021 and 2022 racing in amazing locations across Europe. After graduating, I have now gone on to start working as a Graduate Transport Planning Consultant for Jacobs, a global solutions firm, where I have had the opportunity to work on projects across the UK and Ireland. Outside of work, I also volunteer as a Scout Leader and as a Triathlon Coach for the Triathlon North East Junior Development Squad.

My time at Gordonstoun encouraged me to expand my thinking about what was possible, what I am interested in and how my hard work would pay off in the longer term. Gordonstoun's strongly held belief that it is important for people to give back to their community, and the school's desire to help prepare your students to be able to do that, was exceptionally beneficial to me. After I finished studying at Gordonstoun, I remained a pool lifeguard for 5 years, working at pools both at home in Norfolk and in Newcastle. Additionally, I have continued to love spending time outside, taking part in outdoor activities and challenges. I have tried to share the school's ethos with others, helping to organise expedition camps and opportunities for the young people in my scout troop.

Please pass my thanks and gratitude on to the teaching staff at Gordonstoun. I am not sure if any of my teachers have left since 2018, but I know that Mr Cook, Mrs Cook, and Mr Monteith all continue to teach at the school. I would be very grateful if you would be able to pass on my thanks or share a copy of my letter with them. I am very grateful for their passion during my time at the school.

Yours sincerely,

Liam Blatch

Are you an OG who has a story to tell?
Do you want to connect with old school friends or arrange a return visit to Gordonstoun? Please contact Emma at:

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Tel: 01343 837922

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