Kingston University graduate Genevieve Bent reflects on Clearing call that propelled her to career success and an MBE

Posted Wednesday 14 August 2024

Genevieve Bent has worked in education ever since graduating from Kingston University and was awarded an MBE this year in the King's Birthday Honours.

A Kingston University forensic chemistry graduate, who secured a degree place through Clearing, still has vivid memories of making the call that set her on the path to a career that has recently seen her awarded an MBE.

Little did Genevieve Bent imagine when she picked up the phone to call Kingston University's Clearing hotline 15 years ago she would one day receive an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. That is exactly what has happened though, with the announcement of the award in June seeing her recognised for her services to education.

Ms Bent, who grew up near Lewisham, decided Kingston University was the place for her to fulfil her degree ambitions after visiting several institutions across the UK and discussing her different options with family and friends. "Kingston University's Penrhyn Road campus really appealed to me, especially its fantastic laboratory facilities," she said. "My family was also keen for me to remain in London and not move too far away from home. Kingston turned out to be the perfect place – still in the capital and offering me the chance to be independent, while still being close to home."

Picking up the phone on A-level results day in 2009 to secure her place at Kingston University was initially a daunting experience, the 33 year old recalled. "I remember being worried that there wouldn't be any places left on the course I wanted to complete so I told my mum I was determined to call as soon as the lines opened," she said. "As soon as I got through, I was instantly put at ease. I was talked through the process, which was really straight forward and, within 15 minutes, I'd secured a place."Genevieve graduated from Kingston University in 2012 with a degree in forensic chemistry.

On the other end of the line, Kingston University academic Professor Neil Williams, now the Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching in its Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, had quickly spotted Ms Bent's potential. He too can still recollect that all-important phone conversation. "I clearly remember talking to Genevieve during Clearing and answering all the questions she had, which were very well thought out," he said. "I was able to reassure her about her options and we also spent some time discussing placement and study abroad opportunities."

His confidence in her ability proved well founded. Having long had a passion for science, Ms Bent quickly found herself thriving on the University's forensic chemistry programme. Highlights included its pharmacology and toxicology modules and access to the University's scene of crime house, where students master the art of gathering samples and evidence in the aftermath of mock incidents. Taking part in simulated trials at Kingston Crown Court and learning how to present forensic arguments during court cases, was another big benefit. "Being able to replicate real-life situations and put my skills into practice in that way was a great learning experience and set me up perfectly for my career," she said.

Ms Bent also recalled how supportive her lecturers were during her studies. "There were many amazing lecturers, who were all so supportive – I particularly remember Dr Baljit Thatti, Dr Nick Freestone, Professor Neil Williams, Dr Roman Kresinski and Dr Mariko Kishi. They were all very engaging, extremely passionate about chemistry and made the course really interesting. I had a few difficulties in my personal life during my studies and they all supported me so much through that period – I'm still in touch with some of them now," she said.

Those lecturers fondly remember her natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. "During her Kingston University studies, Genevieve always took advantage of the ready availability of academic staff to answer questions, which is something we like to encourage," Professor Willams said. "It's particularly pleasing to see her enthusiasm for science has led to her going on to make her own exceptional contribution to education."

Her career has seen Ms Bent go on to complete a PGCE at King's College London and work in the teaching profession ever since, rising up the ranks at multi-academy trust The Harris Federation. Starting out as a chemistry teacher, she has since been Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and Assistant Principal. She is currently Associate Vice Principal, having taken up the role 18 months ago.

Outside her day job, she has also provided private science tuition to Key Stage 4 students, created GCSE science digital content for an exam board and founded the Young Gifted and STEM initiative in late 2019. It was designed to encourage Black and minority ethnic students into further study and careers within science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This work, together with projects she has undertaken to raise sickle cell awareness and support Black and Caribbean women in science education, contributed to her being awarded the MBE.

Building networks has been crucial to her success and is something she urges students starting their degree studies this year to do. "Joining Kingston University's Afro-Caribbean Society really helped me settle in. Getting involved in Freshers' Week was also great for making friends – everyone is in the same boat and a little nervous about being new. Building that network of friends will stand students in good stead throughout their university experience and as they start their professional life," she said.

Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open from 8am to 7pm on Thursday 15 August, from 8.30am to 6pm on Friday 16 August, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17 August and then from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Friday each week until the start of term, excluding Bank Holiday Monday 26 August.
Potential students should call 0800 0483 334, or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK, to speak to the University's friendly hotline operators.
Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary, and callers should check with their network provider.
Students are advised to have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand along with full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates they were obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.
Applicants eager to explore Kingston University for themselves can also book on to its special Clearing advice day taking place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 17 August at its Penrhyn Road campus.