Thursday Takeover: John Barraclough Returns to Inspire Future Medics

We were delighted to welcome former AKS student John Barraclough (Class of 2022) back to school as the first speaker in this academic year's Thursday Takeover series.

Since leaving AKS, John has been studying Medicine and is now preparing to begin his final year at medical school. Returning to speak with students considering careers in healthcare, he shared his experiences of the past five years, offering an honest and engaging insight into the realities of becoming a doctor.

Former classmates will remember John as a Senior Prefect who made the most of life at AKS, embracing opportunities in sport, drama and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award alongside his academic studies. It was therefore fitting to see him return, keen to encourage the next generation to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.

During the session, John spoke about the journey from school to medical school, sharing practical advice on everything from exams and applications to the importance of resilience, determination and curiosity. He encouraged students not only to work hard academically, but also to seek experiences that help shape their understanding of people and the world around them.

A particular highlight was hearing about the experiences John has pursued outside of his studies. Most recently, he returned from Adelaide, Australia, where he spent time working within the trauma unit of an A&E department. The placement strengthened his ambition to specialise in trauma and emergency medicine and sparked a desire to one day return to work within the Australian healthcare system.

John also reflected on his time in Ghana, where he worked with local football teams to teach first aid and injury management. The experience reinforced the importance of using medical knowledge to support communities and demonstrated that making a difference often extends far beyond the walls of a hospital.

What stood out throughout the afternoon was John's enthusiasm for learning and his willingness to actively seek new opportunities. Students were encouraged to ask questions throughout the session, gaining valuable insight into both the rewards and challenges of studying medicine. They also heard first-hand how the confidence to step outside your comfort zone can open doors to experiences that shape future ambitions.

Perhaps most importantly, John highlighted that being a great doctor is about much more than academic ability. Empathy, communication, understanding and compassion are qualities that are just as important as medical knowledge, and these values were evident throughout everything he shared.

It was a pleasure to welcome John back to AKS and hear about the journey he has taken since leaving school. We are incredibly grateful to him for sharing his experiences and inspiring students who may one day follow a similar path.

We wish John every success as he embarks on his final year of medical school and look forward to following his career in the years ahead.

We welcome alumni, both recent and longstanding, to share their experiences, insights and memories with our students and wider community.