He admits to being ‘naughty’ during his school days at John Cabot Academy – but now Tom Dewey FRSA is a renowned poet and playwright considered one of the most influential young people in Bristol.
Tom is the latest former pupil spotlighted in the Alumni 15 series, a project designed to help inspire current pupils by showcasing the successes of some of our schools’ past students.
And today we are catching up with Tom Dewey, who tells us he remembers many of his former teachers – and feels ‘very fortunate’ to have attended John Cabot.
Tom Dewey is a poet and playwright best known for his distinctive voice and prolificacy. Marrying surrealist imagery with multi-syllabic rhyme, his style produces literary dreamscapes which have been said to suggest ‘presence and absence, everything and nothing… Dewey is a young man under an old sun who catches its ancient light.’
He became the youngest ever regional spoken word champion in 2015, and his influence is much to be detected in the Bristol poetry scene.
Tom has achieved international media acclaim as a writer and performer. He has delivered a TEDx Talk on Mental Health, featured on BBC iPlayer, performed to a sold-out Roundhouse, closed the Bristol Old Vic's 250th Birthday Weekend and been named by Rife Magazine as one of the most influential young people in Bristol.
💡Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Easton, Bristol.
💡What was your experience of school like?
My experience of school was quite challenging, candidly. I had some behavioural difficulties, as will be confirmed by any former teachers (sorry!). I had a hard time fitting in, and was dealing with a complication or two in my personal life. Towards the end of school – maybe around Year 10 – I settled down a bit and managed to leave with OK grades.
💡Do you remember any of your teachers?
I do! I have very fond memories of, to name a few: Mr Bridges, Mr Dell, Mr Church, Ms Fudge, Mr Wilson, Mr Clarke, Mr Unwin, Mr Topham.
💡How did your time at school play a part in where you are now?
School was an especially formative time for me, particularly in the context of the difficulties I experienced in relating to other people and early encounters with my own mental health. I feel very fortunate to have attended John Cabot.
💡What advice would you give to your younger self?
Get a haircut, kid.
💡How would your best friends describe you at school and now today?
At school: energetic, insecure, strange, naughty. Honestly my close friends might land on similar words today.
💡What personal characteristic do you think has helped you navigate your career?
A built sense of self-belief and refusal to accept a naff life.
If you know of any past pupils who have gone on to notable success in their chosen field, please let CLF Partnerships Manager Andrew Bell know by emailing andrew.bell@clf.uk.
Andrew Bell