Former student Rupert Walker joined the Sixth Form with the goal of securing admission to his first-choice university. His dedication and determination paid off, and he’s now studying Geopolitics and Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London.
“Since leaving Rookwood Sixth Form, I’ve gone on to join Royal Holloway, where I’m currently studying Geopolitics and Geography,” Rupert shares.
He reflects warmly on his time at Rookwood and how it prepared him: “Rookwood prepared me incredibly well for both university life and life beyond academics. The study skills I gained in Sixth Form were invaluable, and even the practical life lessons – like how to budget and cook a meal on a student budget – have been a tremendous help.”
Beyond academics, Rupert valued the balance of work and social life: “Having the Sixth Form Centre was a real luxury. Being able to relax, unwind, and play table football with my mates made such a difference. That time helped me build strong friendships, improved my social skills, and gave me space to reset – something that’s been really beneficial at university.”
He also speaks passionately about the support he received from Rookwood staff: “The teaching staff at Rookwood were phenomenal. When I was studying A-level Politics, my teacher went above and beyond—spending hours helping me improve my essay writing and even taking up A-level Politics themselves before I joined to ensure I’d get the best possible teaching. The Head of Geography regularly stayed after school to support us and would always respond to messages on Teams if we were struggling. The former Deputy Headmaster was also a truly exceptional individual – he supported me through personal challenges, particularly with anxiety and autism, and made sure I got all the support I needed. That made a huge difference to both my academic progress and personal growth.”
When asked what advice he would give to current students, he responded with: “Take up every opportunity. Rookwood offers so much – just say yes to things. Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy your time here. Don’t panic if things don’t go perfectly. This is the best place to try new things, because it’s easier to do that now than at university or later in life.”
Thank you, Rupert, for sharing your journey so openly. We’re incredibly proud of all you have achieved and wish you continued success and happiness at university and beyond.
