About What I REALLY Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices
Welcome to What I REALLY Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices.
We can all remember our school days, the highs, the lows, the achievements, and the challenges, but what we learnt and the experiences that shaped us are different for everyone.
In this podcast series, we bring you the voices of Old Alfredians, former students at the King Alfred School in North London, a school that has stood out from the crowd for the past 125 years for delivering a deeper learning experience.
Highlighting their stories shows the impact that schools can have when they are bold and innovative and crucially take a child-centered approach to education.
We are grateful to the OAs who have shared their stories, allowing us to bring our school's vibrant history alive. Our sincere thanks to Old Alfredian Amy Cash, Class of 2020, who is kindly recording all of the introductions for our series.
Our 125th anniversary book, full of photographs from our archive, compliments the stories in this series.
If you would like to connect with the school and the Old Alfredian community, or learn about our approach to education, visit our website at: https://www.kingalfred.org.uk/
In this episode over a Zoom call, Tamlyn Worrall speaks with Wendy Jago, a psychotherapist, teacher, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner. Wendy shares insights from her career, discussing the practical applications of NLP and her long-standing desire to create NLP resources for children. She reflects on her time at King Alfred School, recounting vivid memories of influential teachers, unique projects, and the school’s philosophy that emphasized independence, trust, and community. Wendy also delves into her family's educational values, particularly her father's belief in progressive education, which led her to attend King Alfred.
Throughout the episode, Wendy offers anecdotes from her professional journey, including her experiences teaching English and training new teachers, as well as stories from her student days, such as writing a 90-page essay on Shakespearean kingship. This reflective conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of King Alfred School on its students and highlights the importance of nurturing individual growth through education.
3 Jun 2026
The VOICE of Carol Essex, Class of 1988
How does a "painfully shy" student who struggled with O-Level English end up leading global communications for Coca-Cola? In this episode, Development Director Tamlyn Worrall sits down with Carol Essex (OA 1986) to trace a journey that spans from the pottery classroom of North London to the boardrooms of Bahrain and the communities of central Africa.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, business, and social impact.
The Power of Curiosity: How the "King Alfred’s spirit" gave Carol the confidence to skip university and dive straight into the London advertising scene of the 80s.
The Global Nomad: Life in Saudi Arabia, Los Angeles, and Casablanca—and why a KAS background makes you "unphasable" in any culture.
The "Physics" Moment: A tribute to the legendary John Peisley and the day science finally clicked.
Redefining Success: Why Carol’s school reports didn’t define her, and why she values "the art of argument" over prescriptive testing.
The "Happy Place" Memory: > "I can still feel the warmth and smell the ink of the lino print room. It’s a comforting thought to think back to those rooms—isn’t that what every parent wants for their kid?"
6 May 2026
The VOICE of Ali Kazimi, Class of 1987
In this episode, Old Alfredian Ali Kazimi sits down with Tamlyn Worrall to reflect on a transformative journey through King Alfred School.
Arriving with limited English and navigating a completely new cultural landscape, Ali shares how the school’s ethos of respect, individuality, and open discussion helped him find his voice. From lively debates to unexpected moments of encouragement, these formative years shaped his confidence, values, and global perspective.
Ali explores:
The power of being heard—even when you’re still finding the words
Why diversity of thought matters more than “right answers”
How a holistic education builds confidence beyond academics
The lasting impact of feeling included rather than judged
A thoughtful and often nostalgic conversation about identity, belonging, and the kind of education that stays with you for life.
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