On Monday 31st March, Hillian Lottie Bond (2017-24), spoke to the Sixth Form during their weekly Equipped to Flourish lecture series. Lottie, who attended Kingham Hill from 1st Form through to the Upper Sixth, shared her personal journey and insights into the power of making informed choices during pivotal moments in life.
A former boarder at Kingham Hill, Lottie spent her school years progressing through Greenwich House, Durham House, and The Lodge. Reflecting on her time at school, Lottie shared fond memories of playing sports and attending two memorable hockey tours, which stood out as some of her happiest experiences.
Academically, Lottie pursued A Levels in Maths, Economics, and Politics. However, she faced a setback during her mock exams when she received a D in Maths. Despite initial disappointment, Lottie took her teachers’ advice to “just get 1% better every day,” dedicating herself to one-on-one support and lessons from the Maths Department. This determination paid off, demonstrating the value of perseverance and seeking help when needed.
While Lottie originally planned to go to university in 2024, she eventually made the courageous decision to reject her place after a gut feeling told her it wasn't the right time. “I had a lot of conversations with many different people to find other opportunities,” she explained. In November, she instead embarked on an exciting adventure to Spain, where she lived with a local family and worked as a teaching assistant at a nearby school for a month and a half.
After Christmas, Lottie’s gap year took her to South Africa, where she volunteered at a game reserve, experiencing the wild beauty of the country and encountering animals like hippos and zebras. These diverse experiences helped shape her outlook and reaffirmed her decision to take time before entering university.
Back in the UK, Lottie then chose to reattempt her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), aiming to achieve a higher grade than she had during Sixth Form. Currently, Lottie is working diligently on her Economics A Level, to further improve her academic performance and resit these exams in May and June.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Lottie is now set to attend university in September 2025, this time with a “good gut feeling” and the valuable experiences gained from her gap year. She is also planning for a placement year as part of her university course, ensuring she has the best of both academic learning and real-world experience.
Lottie’s advice to current pupils at Kingham Hill was clear and heartfelt: “Don’t lose hope. I turned a very solid D into an A,” she said. “It’s ok to change your mind. And make sure you fill your summer before results day with fun experiences.”
As pupils in the current Upper Sixth prepare for their “Plan ABC” meetings in the Trinity Term with Head of Destinations, Mrs Berkeley, Lottie’s story serves as a reminder that the journey beyond Kingham Hill is unique for everyone, and sometimes the most fulfilling paths come from unexpected turns.