From a career as a local journalist in northern England, Clarkson rose to prominence as a presenter on Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s, he has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows for BBC and appearing as a guest on other shows. Most recently he has fronted a documentary following him learning to farm his own land in the Cotswolds.placeholder image
From a career as a local journalist in northern England, Clarkson rose to prominence as a presenter on Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s, he has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows for BBC and appearing as a guest on other shows. Most recently he has fronted a documentary following him learning to farm his own land in the Cotswolds. | Repton School

21 celebrities who studied at Derbyshire school includes Strictly Dancing icon, Roald Dahl and Jeremy Clarkson

Ria Ghei
By Ria Ghei

Senior Reporter

Published 19th May 2025, 17:50 GMT
Updated 20th May 2025, 09:52 GMT

Repton School in Derbyshire boasts an impressive list of alumni, including Roald Dahl and Jeremy Clarkson.

Repton School is one of Derbyshire’s top educational institutions where many students went on to become household names.

The 13–18 co-educational, private, boarding and day school was founded in 1557 and over the decades has come to be recognised as one the region’s top schools.

The school marked its 450th anniversary in 2007 with a royal visit from Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Celebrations also included concerts featuring Michael Ball and Bryan Ferry.

Through the centuries many Reptonians have gone on to achieve notable success in diverse fields of arts, culture, sport and philanthropy.

Did you know Roald Dahl studied at Repton, and his inspiration behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a chance visit to Cadbury factory in Birmingham?

Here are a few of Repton School’s notable alumni.

Carole Blackshaw (Abbey 1970) was the first female Reptonian after Repton began admitting girls in 1970. Ms Blackshaw established her own aviation business and later became the Lady Mayoress of London.

5. Carole Blackshaw, Businesswoman & Lady Mayoress of London

Carole Blackshaw (Abbey 1970) was the first female Reptonian after Repton began admitting girls in 1970. Ms Blackshaw established her own aviation business and later became the Lady Mayoress of London. | Repton School

Serena Cole's (Field 2019) raw talent and academic ability was highly prized throughout her education at Repton Prep and Repton. During her time at the School, Serena was also awarded the Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering, achieved her Grade 7 in piano and baritone horn, her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, was a Flight Sergeant in RAF cadets and played in goal for our senior hockey team.

6. Serena Cole, first female black president of Trinity College

Serena Cole's (Field 2019) raw talent and academic ability was highly prized throughout her education at Repton Prep and Repton. During her time at the School, Serena was also awarded the Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering, achieved her Grade 7 in piano and baritone horn, her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, was a Flight Sergeant in RAF cadets and played in goal for our senior hockey team. | Repton School

Surgeon-Commodore Fleur Marshall (Abbey 1988) holds one of the most senior positions in the Royal Navy following her promotion in 2019 and is one of only seven women in top-flight leadership roles within the British military.

7. Fleur Marshall, Royal Navy Surgeon-Commodore in the Royal Navy

Surgeon-Commodore Fleur Marshall (Abbey 1988) holds one of the most senior positions in the Royal Navy following her promotion in 2019 and is one of only seven women in top-flight leadership roles within the British military. | Repton School

George Rainsford's (Mitre 1996) interest in acting began in Repton's 400 Hall. Roles in iconic BBC TV series' including Call The Midwife and Casualty have made him a household name.When George's character in Casualty tested positive for Huntington's Disease he was contacted by individuals as well as family members affected by this rare neurological disorder of the central nervous system. George was inspired to start fundraising for The Huntington's Disease Association, embarking on the Druids Challenge - a 136km ultra marathon. In the charity's 50th anniversary year, he was appointed as a Patron for the Association.

8. George Rainsford, actor

George Rainsford's (Mitre 1996) interest in acting began in Repton's 400 Hall. Roles in iconic BBC TV series' including Call The Midwife and Casualty have made him a household name.When George's character in Casualty tested positive for Huntington's Disease he was contacted by individuals as well as family members affected by this rare neurological disorder of the central nervous system. George was inspired to start fundraising for The Huntington's Disease Association, embarking on the Druids Challenge - a 136km ultra marathon. In the charity's 50th anniversary year, he was appointed as a Patron for the Association. | Repton School

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