By sharing your experiences, you can help current pupils understand the many routes into law, politics and public service.
Michael - The career setback that led to helping shape education across the country
A Levels: Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Botany
At KES: Before 2000
Current role: Former Senior Civil Servant, School Governor and Education Trustee
Had things gone according to plan, Michael would have become a doctor.
Instead, a setback during his Sixth Form years changed the course of his life and ultimately led to a distinguished career in public service.
Having switched from classics and languages to science subjects, Michael hoped to study medicine. Despite retaking A Levels, he lost places at Oxford and London medical schools and found himself rethinking his future.
A gap year spent at University of Birmingham and a summer school in Geneva helped him recognise that his strengths lay elsewhere.
“A KES parent and university professor encouraged me to think about studying social sciences and a career in public service administration.”
That advice led him to the London School of Economics and subsequently into the highly competitive Civil Service Fast Stream.
Over the following decades, Michael held senior roles across government, including work in education policy, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Education.
Among his many achievements, he helped develop and implement the first National Curriculum and assessment system for schools.
Following retirement, he continued supporting education through two decades as a school governor and a decade as a trustee and vice-chair of a multi-academy trust.
Reflecting on KES, he remembers inspirational teachers, a love of classics and the opportunities provided by the Natural History Society.
His advice to pupils is powerful:
"Question your pre-conceived career ideas and reflect on what you are really good at."
Malcolm - A lifetime of leadership, service and resilience
A Levels: Maths, Physics and Chemistry
At KES: Before 2000
Current role: Chair, Critical Infrastructure Scotland
Few careers can truly be described as eclectic. Malcolm’s is one of them.
Since leaving KES, his career has taken him from nuclear submarines to major businesses, from small enterprises to international leadership roles, and from the UK to some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Today, as Chair of Critical Infrastructure Scotland, he works with governments, industry leaders, military personnel, academics and communities to strengthen resilience and prepare for future challenges.
What excites him most is the opportunity to bring people together and encourage meaningful conversations about issues that affect society as a whole. His work involves:
“Chairing conferences, forums and debates on societal resilience with delegates from governments, military top brass, working people, those who have learned lessons to be heard and students.”
Looking back at KES, Malcolm remembers the impact of “inspirational teaching, nurturing curiosity”. That willingness to question, learn and adapt has remained a constant throughout his professional life.
His story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not simply about success. It is about service, adaptability and helping others navigate change.
