Alumna Interview with Kiera Holland, Assistant Producer at BBC

For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Kiera Holland, Assistant Producer at BBC.

Keira joined Bromley High School in 2007 and left in 2013. She read Philosophy and Politics at University of Leeds.

Please can you briefly describe your current role?

I currently work at the BBC as an Assistant Producer, creating current affairs documentaries for BBC2 and BBC3. My job involves discovering emerging stories that impact politics and wider society and developing them into projects ready for commissioning. This includes identifying key plot twists and turns within the story, arranging access for filming, and presenting pitches to my Executive Producers and Commissioning Editor.

I also collaborate on commissioned projects, which includes casting individuals with compelling narratives, securing access to high-profile figures and establishments, shooting the stories, and collaborating with my team to edit them into documentaries.

My work has covered topics such as politics, sports scandals, the trade union movement, and wealth inequality within Britain. My job is incredibly diverse and entails a balanced mix of desk work and on-location activities.

How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?

Bromley High was the ideal place to begin shaping my future career. The teachers invested time and effort in getting to know me, understanding my motivations, and nurturing me into a confident young woman prepared for entry into a highly competitive industry.

One notable example is when I decided to study Philosophy and Ethics at AS level, which was unconventional because I hadn’t studied Religious Studies at GCSE level. I vividly recall numerous discussions with teachers about whether it would be too risky to undertake this subject due to the limited time before exams. My motivation was my love for, and proficiency in, debating (just ask my parents), but I lacked the background knowledge that many other students had from GCSE studies. During these conversations, my teachers encouraged me to take on the challenge. Not only did I study the subject at AS-level, but I continued it at A2 and later at university.

I credit Bromley High for instilling a can-do attitude in me. While I wasn’t head girl or an A* student, I felt empowered to tackle challenges even when I lacked the formal qualifications, and I voiced my opinions in meetings, even from a junior perspective. I consider myself fortunate to have attended a school that taught students they could achieve anything through hard work.

What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?

I had a passion for art, and Bromley High had (and hopefully still has) an outstanding art department. The teachers and facilities were exceptional, and to this day, I cherish my sketchbooks stored in my parents’ loft for over a decade, occasionally bringing them down to reminisce. I vividly recall the final term of my Art A-level, where I ventured into textiles, a field I had never explored before and had limited knowledge about (I could barely identify a knitting needle). Nevertheless, Mrs Minuti and Ms Sheppley invested considerable time and effort in listening to my unconventional ideas and guiding me to make them a reality. Art was the subject I eagerly anticipated because, like my art lessons, every day brought something different, and I didn’t know what I’d create. I find the same joy in my work now because, much like my art lessons, each day is unique!

What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?

During my seven years at Bromley High, I sang at the Royal Albert Hall, participated in multiple dance shows, and went on various art trips abroad. However, my fondest memories from my time at the school are the moments spent with my friends, some of whom I remain in touch with to this day.

How have you benefited from being part of the wider GDST community?