Meet James Gordon Reid Haveloch-Jones, who studied BA History.
James Gordon Reid Haveloch-Jones Alumni Profile
Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?
Since graduating, I’ve had a varied career across education, global conferences, and luxury publishing. I began in ministry and outreach with The Church of England, followed by strategic roles at PI Apparel, where I developed international conferences for the fashion and technology sectors, and at SJH Group, producing bespoke publications for clients including Rolls-Royce, the RAF, and the History of Parliament Trust. My transition into education began at Abbey College Cambridge, where I served as both Houseparent and English Teacher, supporting international students academically and pastorally. This experience laid the foundation for the Achievers™ Programme, a mentorship model I co-founded to help students secure placements and scholarships at top-tier schools—including Eton, Westminster, and Wycombe Abbey—without academic pre-selection. Today, I lead as an education consultant and academic tutor, blending philosophical insight with practical coaching to champion excellence, inclusion, and legacy. I hold an MA in Theology from Heythrop College and completed postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, where I focused on theological education and its application in schools and community settings. These academic foundations continue to inform my mentoring philosophy—integrating rigorous scholarship with a commitment to reflection, inclusion, and personal growth. I’m also the author of The Gold Standard: Coaching for Excellence, a philosophical and practical guide to elite education and mentorship.
What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?
The stunning setting of Royal Holloway was more than picturesque—it was formative. I had the privilege of living in the Founder's Building for all three years, and that experience shaped my sense of tradition, belonging, and intellectual ambition. The architecture, the atmosphere, and the quiet dignity of the campus created a space where reflection and aspiration could coexist. The community was exceptionally supportive, and I was fortunate to be mentored by Professor Clive Burgess, a world-leading expert in late medieval history. He was not only a scholar of the highest calibre but also an educator with a rare gift: the ability to see and nurture the person behind the student. His intellectual generosity and personal insight were instrumental in my development—he challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me find my voice. A transformational moment came when I applied for a summer vacation scheme that took me to Paris, where I lived and worked at Notre-Dame Cathedral. That placement deepened my understanding of sacred spaces, public history, and the intersection of education and cultural heritage. It was a turning point that helped clarify my vocational path and continues to inform my work today.
What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway? / What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in your sector?
If you're looking for a truly unique university experience—studying in a mock French château surrounded by hundreds of acres of parkland, all conveniently located in Surrey—then Royal Holloway is the place for you. You’ll earn a degree that is recognised globally as a gold standard in education. For the party animals, it’s less than an hour from central London —perfect for weekend adventures, cultural immersion, or spontaneous nights out. And for the more studious, Royal Holloway benefits from its Bedford Square campus in Bloomsbury and offers access to modules taught at other University of London institutions, giving you both the serenity of a campus and the stimulation of the capital’s academic heart. It’s a rare blend: heritage, community, and opportunity—all in one place.
What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway? / What's your favourite memory of Royal Holloway?
One of my most cherished memories was hosting G&T nights every Tuesday in my turret room in the Founder's Building. Friends and peers would gather not just to unwind, but to engage in meaningful conversation, exchange ideas, and challenge each other’s thinking. Those evenings embodied the spirit of Royal Holloway: a place where heritage meets curiosity, and where community becomes a catalyst for intellectual growth.
