Full Name
Joseph-Benjamin Cumberbatch

What year did you leave John Lyon (Class of)?
2010

What did you do after leaving John Lyon?
I went to an International college in South Kensington, whilst playing football at Hampton and Richmond Borough/Brentford. Follwoing this, I went on to pursue Podaitry with Sports Science at Salford University in Manchester. Subsequently completing an MSc in Clinical Nutrition at Aberdeen University, as well as my PGCE from Buckingham University. 

Can you describe what you have done in your career so far?
I have worked in the city, in hosptials, recruitment in retail and now in education. I currently teach Biology at Hampton School, whilst also running a recipe development business and pursuing social media influence through my instagram channel: 'Kitchen with Cumbers'. All of these areas have enabled me to harness and hone skills which I have used to imrove my own company.

How did your experience at John Lyon prepare you for/or shape your future?
During my time at John Lyon it was very much unpretentious, creativity was encouraged in all fields. I felt I had fantastic pastoral care from a fair few teacher who I am still in contact with today.

What has been your proudest achievements so far?
I am very proud of my academic acheivements, athough I am a firm beleiver in actually making use of them in reality being the most important thing. I am very proud of myself for creating 'Kitchen with Cumbers' and winning the tv-show 'Crazy Delicious', which was shown nationally on Channel 4 and internationally available on Netflix.

What was your fondest memory from being at John Lyon?
I don't really have just one, I have so many it would be wrong to put one above the rest - but if I had to it would probably be winning the House Cup as House Captain.

Are you still involved with the School and if so, in what way and why is it important for you to be involved in this way?
Not currently, but I would be very happy to come to run workshops or talks to current pupils.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a current pupil?
Be a sponge and absorb all the knowledge you can when you are here, because you never know when it might come in handy. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the more you have to offer or the more you can charge. Make sure you learn another language aside from English.