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Alumni

Rob Atkinson

After sixth form, I went travelling around the world with my wife, came back and took over management of the Kingsway Centre where I had previously worked for four summers.

I developed the centre, with the help of my wife, into one of the most innovative and thriving outdoor education centres in the north. I also recently worked on an international project with Google and a television show with Ben Fogle.

What university did you attend?

University of Cumbria

What qualifications did you achieve?

Outdoor Leadership (BA) Hons

What are your future plans and ambitions?

I want to travel and see as much of the world as possible. In terms of work I aim to continue to develop the centre and make it even more successful and far reaching.

What has been the highlight of your life so far after leaving school?

When I went dog sledding across Norway.

What is your favourite Teesdale memory?

Sixth Form was great, I loved it. The great relationships with the teachers made lessons a joy.

Advice to my younger self...

Work hard but make sure you make the most of your time out of school too, it’s that time free from the responsibilities of adulthood that is precious.

You can invite one person to a dinner party - who do you invite and why?

Don Whillans - the most gifted mountaineer of the last century. He was once asked by a reporter why he drinks so much beer, he replied “I have a morbid fear of dehydration”.

Or Adrian Carton de Wiart - Google him and you’ll understand.

mountaineer