Divindra Bains

Can you tell us a bit about your career background?

My educational journey was shaped by my own experiences of overcoming barriers related to ethnicity, gender, and cultural expectations. I was fortunate that the Headmistress of my primary school in Birmingham saw my potential and encouraged my father to enter me for the 11+ exam. That opportunity led me to study at the prestigious King Edward VI Grammar School and planted the seed for my future in education.

After leaving school, I worked with a charity in Derbyshire as a multicultural education worker at the Open Centre. This allowed me to share insights about my culture, religion, and food with students, topics which were not widely taught at that time. After marrying, I moved to Bedford and spent several years working in local government. Being denied a grammar school education was regretful, and an opportunity arose to study for a Housing Management degree while working full time in local government, which I embraced, despite the challenges of balancing full time work, study, and raising a young family.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued several post graduate degrees at Cranfield University. I was driven by my enjoyment of research, and I felt that my work could have a tangible impact on the trajectory of individuals and organisations. 

What was your Inspiration for Becoming a Post-16 Support Officer

After completing my MRes and MPhil degree, I worked in market research, utilising my research and analytical skills for clients, however, frequent travel and time away from my children prompted me to reconsider my career path. I wanted a better work-life balance, which led me to start my own catering business, inspired by my entrepreneurial parents. This provided flexibility and allowed me to win several awards for my food. Eventually, I was drawn to a role where I could support young people directly, particularly at a stage where guidance can have a lasting impact. This inspired me to become a Post-16 Support Officer, and I have now been at Sharnbrook for 12 years.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Post-16 Support Officer?

My day varies, depending on the time of year, but it usually involves planning and delivering support for students, managing induction activities and liaising with staff to ensure students are receiving the guidance they need. 

I often juggle multiple tasks, especially during inductions, the run-up to work experience and results days. I frequently provide one-to-one support to students, imparting wisdom or helping them find their sense of direction and purpose, whether it is a quick chat in the corridor or a longer discussion in the study centre.

Why do you think the Post-16 phase is such a critical time for student support?

The Post-16 phase is a pivotal transition from secondary education to further study or employment. Many students are making significant decisions about their futures, and the right support can help them navigate challenges, build confidence, and realise their aspirations. It is a time when guidance and encouragement can have a profound and lasting effect on a young person’s trajectory.

Students generally fall into two groups: those who have a clear sense of their career direction and those who remain uncertain about their future path. I’m here to support both groups, not only in their academic pursuits but also by providing pastoral care. The transition from GCSEs to A-levels is a significant leap, and it is essential to nurture students’ confidence in their abilities while reassuring them that their goals are achievable.

What are your proudest career achievements?

In 2022 I founded the Think Tank programme – an initiative built on case studies of successful Oxbridge applicants. Sharnbrook Academy has secured Oxbridge places for ten students in recent years and aims to add five more this academic year – making it one of the leading schools (state or private) in Bedfordshire for Oxbridge admissions. One career highlight for me was supporting a student who had come to the UK due to conflict in their home country. Through the Think Tank, they realised their potential, applied to Cambridge, and were accepted. It was a truly life-changing event for the student and their family.

Congratulations on receiving a special commendation for the ‘Reaching Cambridge’ category of the University of Cambridge Inspiring Educator Awards. What does this mean to you?

It was an incredible surprise and a huge honour to be nominated by my former student, Ali, and to be recognised in this way is truly humbling. This award recognition demonstrates that the guidance and support that we provide our students is sound, and the process is robust.  It is gratifying to know that my work is purposeful and that it has helped students achieve their ambitions.

Beyond Oxbridge, are there other pathways where you’ve seen students thrive with your guidance?

Increasingly, there is a strong momentum towards degree apprenticeships – 83 of 193 year 12 students in Sharnbrook Sixth Form are on this route. We have created a robust programme, working with external providers and developing an online programme covering CV writing, cover letters, interview techniques, presentation and assessment centre skills. Students then practice these in our employer-led workshops, so they can develop academic skills and soft skills, including understanding expected workplace culture and behaviours.

We offer two main pathways: university or degree apprenticeships. For those not ready to continue their education immediately, we also provide ‘gap year’ workshops to help the students see the benefits of travel and how to use their time productively and articulate their experiences to universities or employers.

What makes Meridian Trust/Sharnbrook a great place to work?

Meridian Trust and Sharnbrook are special because of the supportive community and shared commitment to student success. I have received full support from both, and we are continually challenging ourselves to be the best in class across all aspects of sixth form work.  We have a very strong Alumni network, and I encourage our former students to support each other. It is wonderful for them to return, they help and support with our annual ‘Destinations week’ and Careers Fair, inspiring and developing the next generation of Sharnbrook students.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am a member of the Bedfordshire Athletics club and enjoy running half-marathons and have achieved a PB of sub two hours, which I am incredibly pleased with.

I am a very keen baker and have applied multiple times to be on the ‘Great British Bake Off’, as yet to no avail, but I will continue to enter! It would be a great challenge!

I really love to read, and frequently I will have 4 or 5 books on the go simultaneously. I am a spiritual person, who intends to learn something positive and purposeful from the books that I am reading.

What are your goals for the next few years in terms of Post-16 support?

To continue developing and refining the support offered to Post-16 students by reviewing feedback to ensure that every young person has access to the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed. I aim to expand the range of pathways available, and to continue supporting every student to realise their potential, whatever their chosen destination.