Nicole Burley (2012-2014) – Esher Sixth Form College

Having completed her MA in Professional Writing at Falmouth University, Nicole is building a name for herself as a writer and theatre director, and has since written four plays for the Rose Young Theatre in Kingston. She recently returned to Esher to lead a script writing workshop for our Performing Arts BTEC students.

School: Coombe Girls’

Subjects at Esher:
Classical Civilisation
Drama and Theatre
English Literature

Now:
Writer and Freelance Theatre Director

“My teachers inspired me to never hold back enthusiasm or passion for a subject.”

Why did you choose Esher Sixth Form College?

I was drawn to the more casual and university atmosphere at Esher, compared to the traditional school environment, which I had found quite stifling.

What were your course highlights at Esher?

Classical Studies A Level! I had never studied anything like it before. It wasn’t a course that was available at my previous school. I loved it so much that I went on to do a BA in English and Classical Studies as a joint honour at Bristol University. I still read and re-read classical texts to this day.

How did your teachers inspire you?

My teachers at Esher worked relentlessly hard and were extremely passionate about their subjects. One of my English teachers worked part time so he could write and was one of the people who has inspired me to go on and write myself. They inspired me to never hold back enthusiasm or passion for a subject.

What was your career path after Esher?

While at Esher, I co-founded a theatre company called GreenTea Production with some of my fellow students and we went on to produce three plays, including a play called Immortal at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. From there I worked as a freelance director at The Rose Theatre, in Kingston, which led me into scriptwriting.

What are you doing now?

I completed a Professional Writing MA in Falmouth last year and have been building a freelance writing career since. I am also a member of the Screen Cornwall New Writers Network 2025.

What have been your career highlights so far?

I think what I’m doing now! Writing suits me well, and it feels exciting to be starting a new chapter.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Be open to where life may take you. It’s great to have goals and dreams, but don’t let them blinker you to other opportunities. The world pressures young people to choose career paths early on. But in many cases — particularly in the creative industries — you tend to find your passions along the way, and that can feel very freeing! Tune into your passions and what excites you, and you’ll be naturally led to the right path.