An Education Like No Other

Perseverance, Confidence, and Opportunity: A Westbourne Journey

I joined Westbourne School in September 2007, entering Year 5. Before arriving at Westbourne, I attended a school where the focus was primarily on the most academically gifted pupils, and I was not initially seen as one of them. This pivotal moment in my life led me to Westbourne, where I discovered a nurturing and supportive environment that transformed my attitude towards learning and personal growth

“Westbourne wasn’t just a school, it was a place that changed the trajectory of my life”.

Peter Sykes - Class of 2014. Chartered CIOB Construction Manager

My Journey at Westbourne

At first, I was a shy pupil who struggled with homework, writing, and classroom engagement. However, the ethos of Westbourne where every pupil is treated as an individual allowed me to flourish. Small class sizes and strong relationships with teachers helped me build confidence and develop a love for learning. By the time I left Westbourne in 2014, I had grown into a determined and ambitious pupil, ready for future challenges.

My Academic and Professional Achievements

After Westbourne, I attended Birkdale Sixth Form, where I achieved straight A*s. I then pursued a degree in Construction Engineering Management at Loughborough University, graduating with first-class honours and an academic excellence award in July 2021. My university experience included a year in industry, during which I worked as a site engineer in Finland’s Arctic Circle, constructing an innovative 60MW data centre.

Following graduation, I joined Laing O’Rourke, one of the UK’s leading construction firms. Now a fully chartered CIOB Construction Manager, I have played a role in major projects such as the Factory International project in Manchester, the new Everton Stadium in Liverpool, and London’s White City redevelopment, including the old BBC studios. I am currently managing a section of the £1.2 billion Ellison Institute of Technology project in Oxford, dedicated to addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

My Passion for Farming and Adventure

Beyond my career in construction, I am deeply involved in running my family farm in the Peak District. Balancing both my profession and my passion for agriculture, I particularly enjoy lambing season. My adventurous spirit, fostered by memorable Westbourne experiences such as a windswept Year 5 trip to Mam Tor and a survival week on Rua Fiola has taken me on incredible mountaineering expeditions, including Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and summiting Mera Peak (6,476m) in 2024.

Notable Recognitions and Media Features

My passion for rare breed farming led to my feature in The Farmers' Country Showdown in 2022, highlighting my rare breed Berkshire pigs a passion that began at Westbourne. In 2023, I won the prestigious Berkshire Champion of Champions title at the Newbury Show, a significant achievement in the pig breeding world.

One of my proudest moments was returning to Westbourne in 2022 to present the Sykes Cup for Perseverance, an award named in my honour. This full-circle moment allowed me to share my gratitude and inspire the next generation of pupils.

Reflections on Westbourne

I credit Westbourne with instilling in me the confidence to persevere, question, and embrace every opportunity. From unforgettable sports tours and ski trips to engaging classroom experiences. Westbourne provided an environment that made learning engaging and memorable.

Looking back, I recognise that every experience at Westbourne shaped the person I am today. My advice to current pupils? Work hard, ask questions, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Every challenge has a solution, and success is within reach with determination and perseverance.

For me, Westbourne wasn’t just a school it was a place that changed the trajectory of my life. And if I had the chance, I would do it all over again