OB George K, who left the school last summer, has been offered a place on the highly competitive JPMorgan Chase Degree Apprenticeship, starting in September 2026.
George’s achievement is particularly meaningful because it didn’t come on the first attempt. In his initial application, he reached the final stage of the process but was unsuccessful. Rather than stepping away from his ambition, he regrouped, refined his approach and applied again, a testament to the resilience and perseverance that apprenticeship routes so often reward.
His story also highlights the importance of preparation and mentoring, and Bryanston’s emphasis on supporting pupils in their journey beyond school. His tutor and Deputy Head Academic, Mark Deketelaere and Head of Future Pathways, Andy Bray, continued to support George’s goal, helping him strengthen his understanding of banking and build confidence through mock interviews and targeted practice for later-stage selection. That encouragement, together with George’s determination, meant he returned to the process better equipped, and it has now paid off.
George’s success comes at a time when interest in apprenticeships is growing rapidly, as more young people and families weigh the benefits of earning a salary, gaining high-quality professional experience and graduating with a degree while avoiding significant university debt. Degree apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a strong alternative to the traditional university pathway, combining academic study with structured training, mentoring and clear progression within leading employers.
As Bryanston prepares for National Apprenticeship Week next month, OBs and industry experts will return to school to share insight and guidance with current pupils. Bryanston will host an event led by OB Cameron Robertson and colleagues, introducing the JPMorgan apprenticeship and running a mock assessment centre to give pupils a realistic experience of the recruitment process. The visit also underlines the strength of the Bryanston network with George now following in Cameron’s footsteps as another OB taking a significant step towards a career at JPMorgan.
Alongside this, OBs on apprenticeships with employers including the BBC, Dyson and Savills will also return to share their experiences and practical advice, offering pupils a wide view of the opportunities available and the chance to build connections that can become invaluable sources of mentoring and support.
Andy Bray, Head of Future Pathways, said, “George’s journey is a timely reminder that setbacks can be part of the path to success and that with determination, preparation and the right support, ambitious goals remain within reach.”
