It is no exaggeration to say that my time at TWGSB shaped me into the person I am today. Seven years at a school that ensured students were more than just a collection of grades on a spreadsheet did more for my personal development than almost anything else has. It was a joy to spend my final year at TWGSB selling the school to prospective parents and students as Head Boy, and it has been lovely to return since to give a talk about university and careers. 

After leaving TWGSB in 2022, I headed to the University of York to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and am just about to graduate. After participating in a mock General Election during my time at primary school, my passion for politics was expedited during my time at TWGSB, writing my first political book aged sixteen when my GCSEs were cancelled due to the pandemic. I soon published a second book, which acted as a fundraiser for the then under construction Sixth Form Centre. It was a pleasure to get the privilege of cutting the ribbon on the building a couple of years later as Head Boy.

Studying Politics, History and Economics at A-Level at TWGSB set me up well for university study, as did completing the EPQ. I had some excellent teachers throughout my time at the school, who inspired me greatly. I want to particularly thank my teachers at A-Level, who not only were great at teaching their subjects but always showed an interest in our extracurricular activities. Amanda Simpson was, and remains, a terrific Headteacher, with whom I was fortunate to work as Head Boy.

Alongside my studies at York, I have stood twice in local elections in Tunbridge Wells, run a Parliamentary Campaign, worked on Tom Tugendhat’s Leadership Campaign and undertaken an internship in finance. Having now finished my degree, I am going to be spending my summer working as Political Adviser and Campaign Manager to Katie Lam MP, who represents the Weald of Kent constituency, before heading back to the private sector.

My time at TWGSB instilled in me a real belief in hard work and always going the extra mile. Quite simply, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.  

I am always delighted to hear from TWGSB students who are interested in careers in politics, so please do reach out if this applies — and don’t worry if we don’t agree politically; far from being put off by disagreement, I encourage it! I can be found on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/alexpuffette.