Do you remember what sparked your decision to study with York St John?

Alan Scott’s journey began in early springtime 1969 after a chance encounter with a striking black eagle college badge.

The future

Coming to the end of his time at Hartlepool College of Art, Alan was starting to think about his next steps. He recalls, ‘I was standing in one of the painting studios and noticed a document on the floor: it was a prospectus for St John’s College, York.’ His curiosity sparked a life-changing decision.

‘I didn’t really have much idea what a teacher training college was. However, once I saw the black eagle college badge on the inside cover, I was sold.’

The following weekend, colleagues from Alan’s local football team asked him about his educational future. ‘When I informed them that I had applied to St John’s College, they laughed and made comments like, “No chance!” and, “It’s a really good college; they won’t have you there”’.

Eventually, a letter arrived from York. ‘I had at least secured an interview,’ Alan recalls thinking. ‘I was to report to the college with a portfolio of my artwork.’

First impressions

One his first day at the college, Alan was struck by the impressive buildings and strong sense of tradition: ‘I very much wanted to be part of this’. But before this dream could become a reality, he had to pass an interview with the then-Principal, Canon Lamb.

‘He told me to lay out my work on the floor of his very large office. I looked on as this man of the church, complete in his vestments, crawled around on all fours inspecting my efforts.’ Canon Lamb eventually selected a charcoal sketch of a man with a pint of beer.

‘I thought, “A churchman looking at a sketch of a man drinking beer – this cannot be good!” Then Canon Lamb asked me, “When is your interview with the art department?” I replied, “This afternoon, sir.” He simply said, “Tell them you are in!”’

Alan floated through the remaining tests of the day. Eventually, he received his official letter confirming his place at St John’s. ‘My parents were so proud; I was the first ever member of my family to gain a place at a real establishment of higher education.’

Full circle

In June 2019, Alan joined many others in receiving an Honorary Degree. Despite his hopes to be reconnected with fellow alumni at the ceremony, he was disappointed to find no former classmates there. However, Alan’s old blazer with the wire-embroidered St John’s eagle turned out to be the perfect icebreaker – older Johns men made him feel like one of the family.

‘This feeling is exactly what I had felt all those years ago.’

Alan notes that his story has now come full circle: ‘After all, it started with a badge.’

Tell us your alumni story.