After bidding farewell to our most recent Year 13 leavers—who have now joined the ranks of our proud alumni as the newest generation of Old Colytonians—we extend our warmest wishes for success and fulfilment in their Next Steps.

As part of a cherished tradition, each student received a pair of Colyton socks at their leavers' ceremony—a symbolic gift to carry a piece of Colyton with them wherever they go.

We were especially pleased to hear from Daniel Baker, Class of 2023, who shared news of his journey accompanied by a wonderful photo of him punting in Cambridge. It’s always a joy to see our alumni thriving and embracing the opportunities ahead.

'Since leaving Colyton, I went to Cambridge University to study Natural Sciences on their 'physical' strand, and as it stands with me about to start my 3rd year of studies, I have specialised my degree towards materials science and am hoping to qualify for a 4th year in the same subject for a very nice integrated Master's. I've become really interested in vintage clothing and textiles, and so am hoping to get involved with something like that after graduation, maybe akin to Patrick Grant's work with Community Clothing. Apart from the academics, I've performed in a very fun improvisational dance show, joined my college's (Pembroke's) climbing society, and got into making mead with two batches done and hopefully another starting this autumn.

I remember my days at Colyton quite fondly, even through all the business of lockdowns and separated classes. I think my favourite year was year 12, with all the new freedom of upstairs in the Sindalls building and its microwave, trebuchets in physics class on the astroturf and how maths always felt like a relief after further maths. Going further back into ancient memory, the deliciously sweet iced coffee slushes and crispy hashbrowns of my years 7 and 8 in Take 5 were always worth running for. I was very lucky to also be part of an F1 in Schools team that made it to the National final in early 2019, getting to use all the fancy machines behind the scenes of DT (I probably still have my notebook with the CNC router instructions). And of course, senior choir with Mr House set me up beautifully to sing bass with John Rutter himself in Downing Place church in this year's Lent term, and I will always think of those free pretzels on a ferry across Lake Konstanz.'

We’d love to hear from you when you’re ready—and if you’re happy to share a photo of your Colyton socks out in the world, even better!