Orlando Osmund
Orlando Osmund, now 19, is making his mark as a model in London, pursuing a creative career in the fashion industry while also working as a cocktail bartender. With aspirations in motorbike racing as well, Orlando’s diverse talents showcase the confidence and adaptability he developed at Bruern Abbey. The practical skills and self-assurance he gained during his time at the school continue to serve him in his professional pursuits today.
Before Bruern
Before coming to Bruern, I attended another school that just wasn’t quite right for me. It was a good school, but something was missing. It always felt like it wasn’t a place I liked, even though I liked the school itself. I didn’t feel like I could truly be myself there.
Finding My Place
When I arrived at Bruern, everything was just a lot more free. You could be yourself a lot more, and everyone there instantly had something in common. That shared experience created an immediate connection, so I made a lot of good friends through it, some of whom I still see today.
I didn’t truly realize how good Bruern was until I went to my next school. It was only then that I understood what I’d had and definitely missed it. The transition from Bruern to my next school was quite difficult, even though I spent four years at Bruern.
Memorable Experiences
I remember so many unique experiences that made Bruern special. There was the Halloween tradition where all the older years would make a trail through the woods for the younger students. That was a lot of fun! I remember seeing Mr. Osborne organizing games throughout the woods.
I also have fond memories of skateboarding on the tennis courts. That was something I really enjoyed at the time, though I hear they don’t allow that anymore for health and safety reasons!
The Oyster Club was another special tradition that taught valuable skills. And the formal dinners every Tuesday and Thursday were experiences I still value today. They taught us so much more than just table manners – when I was 15-16 and working in catering, trying to get some side jobs, I could carry over skills I learned from those dinners.
Those formal dinners weren’t just about etiquette – they incorporated us not only into the kids’ world but into the adult world as well. They helped develop our ability to be among all different types of people, engage with them in conversation, relate to them, talk to them, and learn from them. These are skills I still use daily.
Life After Bruern
After Bruern, I went to Bradfield. It was a great school, but by the end, I just didn’t like the way it worked. There was nothing wrong with the school itself, but the traditional educational system just didn’t fit me very well. I found myself only attending the lessons toward the end of my time there.
I think that’s the thing about Bruern that made it special – the education system at traditional schools often doesn’t fit students like me. Bruern understood that and created an environment where we could thrive despite our learning differences.
Bruern wasn’t just about academics – it was about learning life skills and being part of a community that understood and valued our unique perspectives. I’m grateful for my time there and the foundation it gave me for my future.