At Sutton Valence School, success takes many forms – academic, creative and personal. One shining example of this is Raphael S (2024 F), an exceptionally gifted young artist whose journey through the school showcases the breadth of talent nurtured here.

Raph is about to embark on the next stage of his artistic journey at the world-renowned Central St. Martin’s in London, where he will pursue a degree in Women’s Fashion. His dedication and talent were evident early on: he achieved A* grades in both Art and Photography at A level and at GCSE, his Artwork ranked among the highest in the country, earning him a letter of recognition from the OCR examination board.

Renowned for his elegantly sculpted garments, Raphael blends traditional and contemporary influences, creating richly textured designs using a variety of sustainable materials. His independent drive, innovative approach to textiles and genuine passion for fashion design promise a bright future in the creative arts.

On Thursday, Raph returned to Sutton Valence to speak to our First to Fourth From Art Scholars, sharing his journey and offering inspiration to the next generation of young creatives. Independent, driven and endlessly imaginative, he embodies the very best of our school. We look forward to following his bright future and welcoming him back again soon.