AGS Alumni | Ben Carr
Name: Ben Carr
Left Acklam Grange: 2019
Current position: Mayor’s Assistant
Current Employer: Middlesbrough Council
What was your experience at Acklam Grange like?
It was difficult but rewarding. I struggled to fit in during my time, having undiagnosed ADHD and some social anxieties. However, the support from staff was fantastic and enabled me to thrive as much as possible.
Do you have a fond memory that you would like to share?
Sports days were always a great event, seeing the entrants range from competitive to just having a good laugh. I also loved seeing the school in heavy snow for one or two years!
What person, class or experience most influenced you?
I’d say Ms Rogers was a fantastic teacher who always treated you like an adult and made you feel valued as a person. She is a fantastic teacher who always nurtured out interests in different topics, even when they strayed beyond the English curriculum into the world of policitics.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
It taught me the value of collaboration and a warm supportive atmosphere. It is why I still to this day see community at the heart of our town and country. Being treated like an adult, but supported like a friend was a great way to set myself and others up for success.
What has your career path been like? How did you get to where you are?
I went on to study at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form and then to Cambridge University to study Human Social and Political Services and graduated with a high 2:1. Following this, I began searching for jobs and the Mayoral Assistant was the first professional role I applied for. Throughout my time at Acklam Grange, I was a Member of Youth Parliament, and was President of QE Sixth Form College, amongst many other extra-curricular activities, which helped develop my skills which I rely on today.
What do you enjoy about your job?
In the same day I can be having high level sensitive discussions around very important and pressing political or corporate issues which impact the whole town, actively contributing like anyone else or even representing the Mayor and also go to visit a school or day centre for children or adults with disabilities, or to a community hub. To mix the intense and important with the rewarding and ‘feel-good’ all in one job is a unique and invaluable part of my role and something that keeps me grounded and highly aware of who our work is for.
What skills have served you well in your career?
Communication, respect, empathy, understanding, critical thinking, creativity, professionalism, organisation and self-reflection.
What advice would you give to current Acklam Grange students about their future?
Set your sights high, but love every step of the way. You might face challenges and barriers, but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something just because of who you are and where you come from. Most importantly, don’t worry about school being the ‘best years of your life’. I’m having the best years of my life so far right now, although school was still a very important and challenging stepping stone to get here. Don’t waste the wealth of opportunities on offer – grab them with both hands.
If you’re a former student of Acklam Grange School and want to share your story, get in touch via the details below.
Miss S Winter
Careers Advisor
01642 277700
winter.s@acklamgrange.org.uk