At Bethany, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumni and the powerful impact their stories can have on current pupils. Through Project Horizon, we connect current pupils with Bethany alumni whose experiences offer inspiration, encouragement and real-world insight.

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Last Friday, we were delighted to welcome back alumnus Chris Hall (’98–’05), as he returned to speak with our Sixth Form pupils as part of Project Horizon. Chris’s journey is one of resilience, determination and real-world wisdom, a story that resonated deeply with pupils navigating their own futures.

Known affectionately during his school years as “Mr Glass” after suffering several broken bones, Chris also faced the challenges of dyslexia throughout his education. Yet it was during his time at Bethany that he began to recognise his strengths, developing the confidence and resilience that would shape the path ahead.

After leaving Bethany, Chris went on to study Sports at university before building a successful global career as a Business Consultant. His achievements demonstrate that success is not simply about intelligence, but about behaviour, taking action and believing in yourself. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he has completed marathons and triathlons in support of ARUK, reflecting his commitment to both personal challenge and charitable causes.

A particularly meaningful part of Chris’s story is his connection to the Anthony Clarke Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to a Bethany pupil who shows courage in overcoming learning difficulties. As the first-ever recipient of the award, Chris spoke movingly about what the trophy represents to him. Having known Anthony personally on the sports pitch, and being deeply affected by his loss, Chris keeps the trophy as a lasting symbol of perseverance, courage and determination.

During his talk, Chris shared ten key lessons that he believes employers truly value:

1. Be personable

2. Provide solutions

3. Use constructive feedback

4. Know when to say no

5. Be interesting

6. Master your 30-second pitch

7. Stay organised

8. Overcome hard moments

9. Stand up for your beliefs

10. Leave the table if respect disappears

His message was both inspiring and practical. Chris reminded our pupils that careers rarely stall because of a lack of intelligence, but more often because of weak behaviours, poor boundaries or low self-belief. Through honest reflections and personal experiences, he encouraged pupils to embrace challenges, trust their abilities and remain resilient when facing setbacks.

We are incredibly grateful to Chris for sharing his honest and inspiring journey with our pupils, reminding us all of the power of resilience, courage and determination.

Huge thanks also go to our founding Alumni Ambassadors, Year 12 pupils Charlie and Leo, for hosting Chris and continuing to strengthen our growing alumni community.

If you would like to support Project Horizon and help inspire the next generation of Bethany pupils, we would love to hear from you.

 

Mrs Smart
Project Horizon Coordinator