When children leave Summerhill most go on to study for appropriate qualifications (A-level, BTEC, GNVQ) at college or higher education. Some will go to university, some will not — it is a case of personal choice. Because of the unconventional schooling they have had, they tend to look at it with a balanced view, not just thinking that “you have to go to university to get anywhere”. They know that it is not the only answer to happiness and success in life!

Their careers are very varied. By way of a few examples, Summerhill has produced artists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, university professors, carpenters, scientists, musicians, chefs, actors, gardeners, farmers, newspaper reporters, filmmakers, technicians, photographers, dancers, computer programmers, writers, illustrators, carers for the elderly and entrepreneurs…