Last week, Bryanston hosted its first property networking event at the iconic Battersea Power Station in London. The multi-generational occasion brought together alumni, current pupils, and both current and parents. It drew a cross-section of established professionals, new recruits, entrepreneurs, and aspirational current pupils from the Sixth Form eager to learn more about forging a career in the property sector.
In a school first, three sixth formers, Max, Michael, and Rory earned places at the event by submitting applications demonstrating their passion for architecture, real estate, and development. They were joined by three OBs currently studying a variety of property-based degrees at university and a recent school leaver, resident, and young OB, giving the gathering a truly multi-generational dynamic.
Bryanston’s diverse property network comprises architects, developers, estate agents, angel investors, and family-office representatives. Attendees relished the chance to connect across career stages, from industry veterans sharing decades of expertise, to recent graduates and those on the cusp of starting out.
“This was the first property-focused networking event of its kind for the Bryanston family, and the energy was tremendous,” said Victoria Fangen Hall, Bryanston’s Director of Development. “Seeing pupils, OBs and both current and former parents engage so enthusiastically was a true reflection of the strength and spirit of the Bryanston community. It was heartening to witness how eager everyone was to share their experiences and make meaningful connections. Off the back of this success, we plan to host similar events across other sectors and look forward to bringing even more of our community together to make valuable connections.”
Caroline de Mowbray, Bryanston’s first Head of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Employability (EIE), delivered opening remarks highlighting the school’s commitment to bridging education and the working world. “At Bryanston, we believe an entrepreneurial mindset isn’t just for outliers or risk-takers,” she said. “It’s essential for all pupils as they prepare for the rapidly evolving world of work.”
She went on to explain how two new Development initiatives will further support pupils and recent alumni. Bry30 is a networking and careers guidance programme granting ongoing access to Bryanston’s careers and employability resources for OBs under 30 years of age who are in the initial stage of their professional lives. The Founders Forum is a platform connecting OB entrepreneurs and business angels with potential investors and a network of support, offering seed finance, mentorship, and access to specialist knowledge.
These initiatives support the school’s belief that a Bryanston education does not end at the school gates. “We do not want any pupil leaving Bryanston to experience a cliff edge,” de Mowbray said. “Instead, we aim to give them a launchpad into the next phase of life.”
Attendees mingled over lunch at Wright Brothers and expressed enthusiasm for the event’s collaborative atmosphere. Younger participants gained firsthand insights into navigating an increasingly complex sector with rising focus on sustainability, investment strategies, and community-led development. Meanwhile, seasoned professionals enjoyed catching up with old friends and forging valuable new connections.
Parents applauded the school’s initiative in bringing pupils and alumni together for professional networking. “It’s fantastic to see the school actively encouraging students to explore career paths and build confidence by engaging with working professionals.”
The success of the Battersea Power Station gathering marks the re-launch of business-focused OB networking events open to everyone across our community, with more sectors, including finance, and the creative arts, earmarked to host similar gatherings in the coming months. As one young OB summed it up, “It’s about learning from those who’ve been there, done that, and paving the way for the next generation of innovators.”
By combining multi-generational networking, real-world experiences, and expert insights, Bryanston continues to expand the definition of what education can achieve both on campus and far beyond the school gates.
