Last Friday, Bryanston welcomed A3 (LVI) pupils and their parents to its annual Futures Fair, an inspiring and informative event designed to help pupils navigate the wide range of pathways available after school.
The afternoon featured a series of talks from Old Bryanstonians (OBs), guest speakers, and staff, covering topics such as applying to university in an increasingly competitive landscape, the evolving early careers job market, alternatives to university, crafting a compelling personal statement, planning an overseas adventure, and understanding how recruitment is changing with AI. Pupils also heard directly from OBs currently at university or in the workplace, while Bryanston staff delivered sessions on Oxbridge, apprenticeships, and more.
A particular highlight of the day was the Business of Sport panel, which offered pupils a fascinating insight into the breadth of careers available within the global sports industry.
Opening the session, Caroline de Mowbray, Head of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Employability, encouraged pupils to think beyond traditional perceptions of sport-related careers. “You don’t need to be an elite athlete to have a future in sport, but playing sport can help you to have a successful future,” she said. She emphasised that while Bryanston supports high-performance athletes through expert coaching and outstanding facilities, sport at the school is equally valued for the transferable skills it develops resilience, teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
The panel brought together professionals from across the sector, each offering a unique perspective:
Thomas Smith (OB), Performance Pathway Scientist with the British Triathlon Federation, explored how data and science underpin elite athletic development.
Toni McCartney, Physical Performance Coach at AFC Bournemouth, shared insights into working within professional football.
Edel McCann, physiotherapist and partner at Leto London, highlighted the vital role of healthcare and rehabilitation in supporting athletes.
Jonny Madill, Partner at Sheridans Sport Group, discussed the legal and commercial frameworks that drive the global sports industry.
Dodge Woodall, entrepreneur and founder of the Bournemouth Sevens Festival, spoke about building a successful business within sport and entertainment.
Entrepreneurship emerged as a key theme, with Woodall encouraging pupils to embrace curiosity saying, “The more curious you become, the luckier you become.”
The panel demonstrated how lessons learned through sport, including resilience, teamwork and leadership, translate directly into successful careers in business and entrepreneurship. By bringing together role models from across the industry, the event aimed to show pupils that sport can be the starting point for a wide range of professional pathways, whether in science, coaching, healthcare, law, media or launching their own ventures.
The session concluded with a Q&A, giving pupils the opportunity to ask speakers about career journeys, industry opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing global sports sector.
The Business of Sport panel formed a key part of Bryanston’s Futures Fair programme, designed to help pupils explore career possibilities and understand how their interests, including sport, can shape their future.
