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The format of December’s Engineering Breakfast reflected this ethos. Following Dexter’s talk, the emphasis shifted quickly to informal discussion, supported by short biographies of each Allanian attendee circulated in advance to encourage conversation. Pupils came prepared, and the questions came thick and fast — from course choices and application strategies to the realities of university workloads and internships. Among the pupils were Year 13 students considering mechanical engineering at Edinburgh, Nottingham and Bath; aspiring aerospace engineers targeting Imperial College London and Bristol; and those already setting their sights on Cambridge and Oxford. Others were exploring degree apprenticeships, research-led routes or emerging sectors such as space technology, motorsport and robotics.
For many, hearing directly from Allanians only a year or two ahead offered reassurance as well as realism - a clearer sense of what lies beyond the prospectus and how different routes can unfold. Year 13 pupil Ayaan Hussain, who hopes to study mechanical engineering at university after completing A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics at Dame Allan’s, said: “What I found most useful about the breakfast was hearing from students studying at a range of universities across different engineering fields. It gave me a more holistic view of engineering as a whole, and of the collaboration required between engineers working in different specialisms.” Cerys Soutar, who is studying the same A level subjects and wants to pursue aerospace engineering after school, added: “It was insightful to speak to other women at different stages of their courses, and it has given me a lot more confidence for my future in engineering.”
“The most valuable thing was definitely the informal chat afterwards,” Dexter says. “That’s where I could answer all the questions pupils had. What really stood out was how keen they were — they’d actively chosen to be there, which made the conversations much more engaging.”
Mrs Leonard adds: “Dame Allan’s Connect is designed to act as a catalyst, providing the structure and shared purpose that allows relationships, mentoring and professional networks to develop organically over time.” The December breakfast was always intended as a pilot, and it marks only the first stage of Dame Allan’s Connect. The next planned step will bring attendees together with more established Allanians working across engineering and related industries, creating a layered mentoring model that supports pupils, undergraduates and early-career professionals.
For the School, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to lifelong connection, recognising that the Allanian community is at its strongest when experience flows both ways. For alumni, it offers a clear, practical way to stay engaged and open conversations that can genuinely shape someone else’s journey. “I definitely see this kind of alumni network as something that could be really useful for young Allanians once they leave school,” says Dexter. “It’s a positive way to give something back - and even small contributions can make a meaningful difference.” If you are able to host an event at your workplace for Sixth formers or recent leavers then we’d love to hear from you at development@dameallans.co.uk.
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