This year, Rugby School is showcasing our 2025 leavers, who have gone on to pursue a wide range of pathways, including university degrees, gap years and apprenticeships. Our first interview features Rugbeian Josephine Butler (S 2020–25), who is currently taking a gap year before beginning her studies in Geography at the University of Oxford this September.

Could you please introduce yourself and what you are doing since leaving Rugby

I’m Josephine, I attended Bilton Grange from 2011 to 2020 and Rugby School (Southfield) from 2020 to 2025, where I was a music scholar. I am currently on a gap year, and from October I will be studying Geography at the University of Oxford.

Whilst at Rugby you took the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, how do you think it has prepared you for university life and your studies?

I believe the IB has prepared me for university life as I developed the ability to manage a demanding workload across different subjects, whilst balancing coursework within these subjects and the IB Core components (Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay). This has strengthened my time-management and organisational skills.

Is there anything about the IB Diploma that you’ve come to appreciate more since leaving school?

Having completed the diploma, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take six subjects, as it allowed me to cover a wide range of topics and develop a well-rounded understanding across different areas.

How did life at Rugby help prepare you for life after school?

Life at Rugby has helped prepare me for life after school because the school environment encourages students to get involved in a wide range of activities alongside their academic work. For me, managing commitments such as music lessons, choirs, orchestras, societies, and sports taught me to organise my time effectively and become more independent.

Were there any teachers or members of staff who had a lasting impact on you? And what are some of your favourite memories from your time at Rugby?

All of my teachers have had a lasting impact on me, but to name a few: all of my Geography teachers, including Dr Milner, because they inspired my passion and interest in the subject, and my Housemistress, Mrs Baker, who always supported me throughout my time at school.

My favourite memories from my time at Rugby are those when everyone was gathered together, such as House Singing events and the Festival on the Close. These events were always a lot of fun, and it really felt like a community.

What advice would you give to those currently at Rugby, or those wanting to join?

My advice would be to make the most of all the opportunities available to you by joining and trying as many activities and societies as you can. There is so much on offer, and it is an amazing way to discover interests you might not otherwise explore.