St Benet’s MAT News

The staff at Harleston Sancroft Academy are always delighted to get updates from former pupils.

Jake, 26, is responsible for planning, developing and delivering a programme built around engagement through public stargazing, as well as presenting planetarium shows and live streams of astronomical events.

“I operate a 28-foot Victorian telescope called the Great Equatorial Telescope, which is a unique piece of equipment” said Jake, who grew up in Pulham Market.

“It’s the largest of its kind in the UK and not something you can really train for – so I shadowed a colleague for more than two years and learnt on the job.”

Jake now lives in London and left Harleston Sancroft Academy in 2012.

Mr Rob Connelly, Headteacher of the school and a former teacher of Jake said: “We are immensely proud of Jake and the journey he has been on to secure this incredible role at the Royal Observatory.”

He added: “I have fond memories of working with Jake while he was a student at Sancroft, specifically supporting him in his final years as he prepared for his GCSE exams. Jake is a true example of the school’s vision, where we encourage all students to experience our motto, ‘Life in all its fullness’.  This achievement is a reflection of Jake’s continued commitment to his studies and his career.”

Jake said: “The most rewarding part of my job involves getting other people excited about looking up at the night sky.  Our free live streams of events like solar eclipses are a great way to get people interested.”