Successful former student inspires guests at presentation evening

Students returning to Westfield Academy for their GCSE Presentation Evening last week were surprised and delighted to be joined by a very special guest.

Mark Rogers went to Westfield in the 1980s and at the time ran the UK and European business for Apple. As the guest of honour at the GCSE Presentation Evening, he presented students with their certificates and awards and also gave an inspiring speech, encouraging students to show passion for whatever they choose to do in life and to always “stay focused and be brave”. 

Mr Rogers left Westfield in 1985, then went onto Yeovil College and then Leeds University where he did a degree in European Finance and Accounting. Following his degree, he spent three years working for Oracle in the UK before having the chance to move out to Singapore with them.   Whilst there, he joined Apple as the Finance Director for the Asia Pacific region and stayed in Singapore for 6 years, before returning to the UK in October 2000, where he became MD for the UK business.

Mr Hunt, Principal at Westfield Academy said: “We were really interested to hear that one of our former students had gone on to be so successful and have such a fascinating career path. We are so grateful that Mark took time out of his schedule to visit us – students and staff alike were really excited to welcome him back. He had some fantastic advice and insights for our recent leavers, which will be invaluable to many of them as they begin to make important choices about their futures. We can’t thank him enough for his support.”

Mr Rogers expressed how happy he was to support his old school in this way: “It was a pleasure and honour to present the students with their awards at the Celebration evening. If the students continue to demonstrate the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated this evening, there is no doubt they will go on to achieve great things.  I hope that future students can be inspired from the successes of others and to build on the great foundations that the school is helping to build for them for their futures.”

Over three hundred guests came to the event, which took place in the newly refurbished theatre at Westfield. Former students received their GCSE certificates and were also presented awards for specific achievements. 

Students returning to Westfield Academy for their GCSE Presentation Evening last week were surprised and delighted to be joined by a very special guest.