13th Mar 2025
As we approach our centenary year at Belmont House School, we wanted to look back, and reconnect with former pupils, near and far.
Here we have a series of thoughtful questions that we ask our alumni focusing on their lives, successes, and the school’s influence.
Name: Conor Clafferty
Time period as a pupil at Belmont House: 2005 – 2011
Current Occupation: Compliance Officer, HM Revenue and Customs. Assistant instructor, United Krav Maga
How did your time at Belmont House School shape your career path?
My time at Belmont somewhat shaped my career path. Initially, I did not know what I wanted to do after leaving in 2011, so pursued a degree in Social Sciences with a view to potentially going into teaching. Got caught doing hospitality work for 10 years or so, developed from bar staff to pub manager within 5 years. I would say Belmont allowed me to develop leadership skills from being Rugby Captain and House Captain which I was able to mould into a role as manager. In my current role as Compliance Officer with HMRC, I carry out duties with confidence and to the best of my ability, which was also developed in Belmont. Feel a lot more comfortable speaking to people face to face owing to experience of small class sizes and not being made to feel silly if answering something incorrectly etc.
Can you share a key moment or memory from your time at Belmont that had a lasting impact on you?Probably passing the initial entrance exam. I felt relieved that I would be going to Belmont as opposed to another school even though I didn’t know anyone to begin with. Soon I made friends that I have remained very close to throughout my adult life. Had other moments such as winning senior athletics championship, but was most appreciative of non sporting achievements at Belmont.
What skills or lessons learned at Belmont have been most valuable in your professional life?
Lesson learned to always be honest and work to the best of your ability. Might not reap immediate benefits, but they always appear further down the line when you’re not expecting it. A valuable lesson to never discount or devalue the opinion of others, sometimes the most honest conversations and advice comes from the people you least expect them to.
In what ways did Belmont House School’s community or culture contribute to your personal growth?
I would say the community more than anything. Met a great group of friends as previously alluded to who I have remained very close friends with. The culture of respect, valuing the opinions of others has also been very effective in my personal growth. As an assistant instructor in my other role, I ensure I am approachable and open minded to any questions which may be asked. The same applies in my professional role within HMRC.
Can you describe how Belmont’s teachers or extracurricular activities helped shape your future ambitions?
I was lucky at Belmont in that I think all teachers liked me. Maybe a handful I caused extra stress to, but would never have considered myself a class clown. A few notable shoutouts for teachers though who helped shape me as a person. Mr Orr firstly, my History teacher from S1-S6, he allowed me to develop my love for History and was always happy to discuss World War 2 with me. I was never taught personally by Mr Doak, however as my form teacher in S6 I was able to discuss post school life with him along with answering questions relating to a potential teaching qualification. I am lucky in that I am still able to converse with him on a regular basis and also visit the school to speak to current students. I still can’t address them with any salutation other than Sir, and it’s been 13 years since I left. Don’t think it ever leaves you. Mr Cavers again never taught me as I wasn’t clever enough to understand Physics, however he was almost a permanent fixture as rugby coach for me from around S3 onwards. Having coaching, and being able to talk about rugby matters either to do with the school team or Scotland/Whitecraigs was always good and he helped me greatly in my role as First XV Captain. I think I have the dubious honour of being last First XV captain as we moved to Under 18’s shortly after I left school. I had a brief, but very enjoyable three week stint as a member of the choir and cast for Calamity Jane in S6 with Mrs Smart. It was great to be a part of and something completely alien to me, however I think 3 weeks of listening to me sing and “act” was probably enough for everyone’s ears to last a lifetime.
What advice would you give to current Belmont students who want to follow a similar path to yours?
Don’t get caught doing a job you hate because the money makes it seem worthwhile at the time. Do what you are good at, and pursue your ambitions without holding yourself back.
Looking back, how do you feel Belmont House School prepared you for the challenges and opportunities you’ve faced in life?
I would say it has prepared me very well to meet challenges and not be afraid to try and take opportunities when they are presented. To this day, I have never failed an exam either academically or in my personal life in training, or not got a job I was at least interviewed for.
Our thanks to Conor for sharing his experiences – would you like to feature as part of our Alumni of Belmont House School? Please feel free to get in touch with Richard Doak via email: RDoak@belmontschool.co.uk
