Alumna Interview with Serena Gupta, Communications Officer at the Houses of Parliament

For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Serena Gupta, Communications Officer at the Houses of Parliament.

Serena joined Bromley High School in 2004 and left in 2019. She studied A level History, English Literature, Classical Civilisation and completed her EPQ on ‘Is the rise of streetwear here to stay?’ Serena has an undergraduate degree in History of Art from the University of Warwick and a Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming Masters from the London College of Fashion, University of Arts London.

Please can you briefly describe your current role?

I serve as a Communications Officer for a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. My daily responsibilities involve briefing the MP before interviews and media broadcasts, liaising with the press, crafting columns, articles, and correspondence. Additionally, I select campaigns aligned with the MP’s local priorities and constituents’ needs. I attend constituency and parliamentary visits, documenting events to publicise them on social media.

How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?

Bromley High School significantly influenced my career in three key aspects: confidence, social skills, and open-mindedness. The school provided abundant opportunities for leadership roles, such as House Captain, History and Politics Society President, and Art Scholar. These positions required interviews and frequent public speaking engagements, nurturing my confidence.

In terms of socialising, the school fostered a space for diverse ideas and discussions, both in classrooms and during breaks, encouraging open-mindedness. Bromley High School’s approach to education is emphasised not just on learning, but also through making learning enjoyable and fostering engagement among students. 

Bromley High School certainly fostered an open-minded approach within me, as the education didn’t adhere to a single perspective. All students’ viewpoints were valued, and we also delved into diverse, opposing, and global perspectives during class discussions.

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

I made the most of lunchtime study sessions, often attending Maths classes during breaks and after school from Years 9 to 11. Although I wasn’t naturally strong in Maths, these sessions significantly contributed to my achievement of an A in GCSE.

Moreover, I was keen on learning from teachers who were passionate about teaching. I frequently wrote extra essays in History, English Literature, and Classical Civilisation in my spare time, driven by my desire to excel. The support of my teachers, who took the time to review and provide feedback on these essays, boosted my confidence and motivated me further in preparing for my exams.

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

My fondest memories revolve around the teachers. The qualities they have instilled of hard work and effective communication are still with me today. Their unwavering support during lesson time and their responses by email when I was at home revising nearing the exams really made me feel supported and very grateful that I went to Bromley High School.

Additionally, the art studios were a cherished space for me, and enjoying sunny days in the green fields with friends during lunchtime remains a treasured memory.

What value do you get out of your connections with your fellow alumnae and the wider GDST community?

Maintaining connections with former classmates, who share the journey from childhood to young adulthood, is truly rewarding. Witnessing personal growth and development over time adds immense value to these connections.

One of my closest friends, whom I met during my History of Art degree at the University of Warwick, is Anoushka and she attended Putney High School GDST. Even though we did not go to school together, the shared values and experiences from our GDST upbringing has created a strong bond.