Year 12 students recently had the pleasure of meeting Hugo Gooderham during a Working Lunch to discuss gap year opportunities, particularly in Australia.

Hugo is a former Langley student who attended the school from 2009 to 2023. During his time here, he made a significant impact as Head of School at Langley Prep and was also known as a “Crome legend.” After leaving at the end of Year 11, Hugo went on to study Agriculture and Environmental Science before securing an exciting gap year opportunity at Geelong College in Melbourne, Australia.

It was fascinating to hear about Hugo’s journey, from the initial application process in Lower Sixth through to spending a full year working within an Australian boarding school. His experiences were varied and enriching, including leading sports sessions, supporting student activities, attending camps, and even encountering Australia’s unique wildlife.

Throughout the talk, it was clear that Hugo embraced every opportunity available to him. His gap year allowed him to develop valuable skills in leadership, communication, and organisation, all of which have helped prepare him for his next steps. Hugo shared that he has secured a work placement for the coming year and is aspiring to build a future career at Sizewell C.

Importantly, Hugo encouraged students to consider taking a gap year, emphasising the personal growth and independence it can offer. He also offered practical advice on how to make the most of such an experience and expressed an interest in helping to build stronger links between Langley and gap year providers, creating further opportunities for future Sixth Form students.

We are very grateful to Hugo for giving up his time to speak with us. His experiences were both inspiring and insightful, and his visit has certainly encouraged many students to think more broadly about their own future pathways.

Written by Geno Gamble (L6)