Anna Pennock

THE RETURNER

Head of Business Management, Beazley PLC

As a child, Anna Pennock used to be a student at the Swedish School in London. 30 years later, she’s back, but this time as a parent. The bi-cultural setting of the school was a deciding factor; she sees it as giving her children the best of both worlds and a unique foundation in life.

What and where was your first job? 

I was 24 when I started my first ‘proper’ job as part of the Graduate Management Trainee programme at Allianz AG, a large insurance and banking group headquartered in Munich.

Like most graduate programs, there was a formal application process followed by assessment centres. My international background played an important part in securing that first job.

What excites you about working in financial services? 

I have the opportunity to work with experts from various fields, including legal, actuarial, accounting, sales, and more, operating in different countries around the world.

What are you most proud of in your career? 

Having achieved a decent balance between work and family life – which is not something you can take for granted working in the City of London.

You used to be a student at the Swedish School yourself (year 5-9). What is the fondest memory you have of your time at the school? 

I have many good memories from the Swedish School, especially the annual music shows and school trips. My time there was very happy, with teachers who genuinely cared about me and my individual needs, a noticeable difference from the Swedish state school I attended before. The Swedish School in London had, and still has, a strong sense of community, which I remember missing when I left the school.

Are you still in touch with your classmates? 

Yes, I remain in close contact with a friend I met whilst at the Swedish school, who now also lives in London. I frequently encounter former classmates through work or social activities, which is a wonderful way to expand my network.

Choosing a school can be a daunting prospect. What do you think is most important when picking a school for your children as a parent? 

Ensuring they receive the support they need to grow into confident and curious young adults, with a sense of integrity. The small class sizes, international atmosphere, and the opportunity to stay at the school all the way to university were all important factors for my husband and I when choosing a school.

How come did you want your children to attend the Swedish School as opposed to a British private school? 

My own positive experience at the school was certainly a factor in our decision. It was important to me that my children learn Swedish properly and gain an understanding of the culture, which can easily be lost when born and raised abroad. By attending the Swedish School, they have the option to live and study in either Sweden or the UK after graduation.  

”After visiting several English and international schools, we both agreed that the Swedish School would be the best fit for our family.
We have never regretted that decision.”

What is your husband’s view on the school? He’s British and was more used the ‘’British system’’.

My husband is indeed British and attended boarding school when he was young. Before deciding where to enrol our sons, we consulted with a school advisor, as we were both concerned about the pressure the English system puts on children from a young age. After visiting several English and international schools, we both agreed that the Swedish School would be the best fit for our family. We have never regretted that decision.

 

What are your thoughts on university after school? How does it work coming from Swedish education into British universities? 

I attended a Swedish university, but I would like my children to have the choice between a Swedish university, British or any other international university. Every year, over 5,000 students with Swedish grades are admitted to UK universities as part of the international quota, ensuring a well-established and fair method for translating grades between the two systems.

You also used to sit on the board of the school. What did you learn from this experience? 

I spent three enjoyable years on the board of governors as treasurer. During that time, I learned a great deal from our excellent school management team and was able to support them by leveraging my corporate background and experience. I encourage others to get involved if they have the capacity; it’s a highly worthwhile experience.  

Your children are both Swedish and British – how important is being bi-cultural for you as a family? 

Very important – I like to think we get the best of both worlds! By living in the UK while attending a Swedish school allows my children to be perfectly bilingual and gain a deep understanding of both cultures. This unique combination provides them with an excellent foundation in life.