RAF pilot and aspiring astronaut Kerry Bennett delivered an inspirational talk to Senior School pupils and parents on Thursday 27 September. Kerry who gained a Masters in Geophysics at Southampton University, joined the RAF in 2005. In her role as a pilot she has flown many different aircraft types all over the world, including Fast Jets and VIP aircraft for the Royal Squadron, flying the Royal Family and celebrities such as Daniel Craig. Flight Lieutenant Kerry also outlined her current role flying Voyager air-to-air refuelling and passenger transport aircraft in operational environments.
Kerry discussed some of the challenges undertaken in the BBC series - Astronauts; Do You Have What It Takes? Where she achieved a place in the final 3 by excelling in a wide range of complex astronaut training tasks. She encouraged pupils to take risks and not to be afraid of failing by outlining her own setbacks when flying Fast Jets.

She spends her spare time skiing, scuba diving, competing in triathlons and learning about space. She relishes passing on her knowledge and inspiring future generations. Kerry effectively juggles her career alongside being a mother to her 6 month old son and 3 year old daughter - what a role model for our pupils!

"It was amazing that she could balance aspiring to be an astronaut with being a mother and a life outside it"

"Despite failing at something, she had gone on to do many other amazing things"

"It was inspirational"

"She was so personable and humble despite all the amazing things she has done"

YEAR 10/11 PupilS