Freya Findlay (OS): Leadership, Purpose and Finding Your Own Path

Few school careers lead from Classics to journalism, into politics, on to Buckingham Palace, and finally to farming, project management and artisan cheesemaking — but Freya Findlay (L 04–11) has not followed a conventional path. Sedbergh’s first female Head of School, Freya is a powerful example of what a Sedbergh education inspires: resilience, intellectual versatility, independence and the courage to pursue opportunity wherever it leads.

Returning to Sedbergh this term to speak to Year 12 pupils, she shared an honest insight into life after school and reminded them that success is rarely a straight line:

“Life is full of surprises,” she told pupils. “Planning is valuable, but staying open, curious and ambitious matters even more.”

Her journey has been shaped by strong academic foundations, leadership opportunities and the lifelong friendships that she formed at Sedbergh. Freya demonstrates that the skills learned here are not just for exams, but for life. In this interview, Freya reflects on the people and experiences that shaped her, and why the confidence she built at Sedbergh continues to guide her wherever she goes.

Tell us a little about your school days. What was it like being in the first intake of girls?

I’d come from Casterton, and so going from an all-girls school to a class with only two girls and 18 boys was definitely a change! I mainly remember it being a lot of fun.

One very clear memory is eating all of Hannah Marples’ chocolate fingers one night in Lupton library where we did prep. She still hasn’t forgiven me and to this day we always bring a packet chocolate fingers whenever we visit each other.

Were there teachers or mentors who particularly inspired you?

So many. Christopher and Sara Hirst were incredible leaders who really moulded Sedbergh in their image and for the better.

Philippa Prall was a standout housemistress – so kind, thoughtful, and always keen to listen (and hear the latest gossip). And Dr Catlow inspired my lifelong love of Classics. His wit, curt corrections, and drawing of Dido’s pyre on the blackboard stay with me to this day.

What, in your eyes, makes Sedbergh unique?

Its ruggedness. The landscape is such a huge part of the experience. You just have to get on at Sedbergh, whatever the weather. I don’t think I’d be half as keen on lacing up my trainers on a cold, dark morning and going for a run without that experience.

Did you know what you wanted to do when you left school?

I knew I wanted to study Classics and set my heart on Trinity College Dublin. It was the best decision – four incredible years. I would tell anyone looking to go to university that  it’s worth looking beyond the obvious choices – and you don’t have to study a vocational degree. Trinity is more affordable than many UK universities, and Dublin is an amazing city.

Classics itself was like doing five degrees in one – history, languages, literature, philosophy, poetry. People used to ask why I was studying “dead languages,” but it gave me daily mental gymnastics and taught me to think in ways I still use today.

How did your career begin?

After a Masters in Investigative Journalism at City University London, I freelanced for BBC Radio Cumbria, then joined the News & Star and Cumberland News.

I loved it. There was such camaraderie in the newsroom: chasing stories, trying to get hold of people, writing to deadline. Journalism is rooted in stories and knowledge, and you see people at their very best and worst. It was fast-paced and fun and I absolutely loved it.

And from journalism, you moved into politics?

Yes, though almost by accident. A friend’s girlfriend worked in an MP’s office. I knew she was leaving, so I asked how to get her job. She said, “You can’t do mine, but what about my boss’s?”

It’s a good example of the power of networks – you never know where opportunities will come from. After an interview during his commute on the Underground, I landed the role as Chief of Staff to Rory Stewart, then MP for Penrith and The Border, in his constituency office.

It was an incredible role. Instead of just writing about issues, we were trying to solve them: organising events, managing a team, representing Rory. One of my favourite requests was when he asked me to “source  him a horse” for a long distance ride we’d organised in the very north of the constituency. Somehow, we managed it!

And then came Buckingham Palace…

After a turbulent 18 months, Rory left politics and though I was given the opportunity to continue in my role, I’d had enough of politics by then. I saw a maternity cover job at Buckingham Palace and thought six months will give me time to think about what to do next. It turned into three years.

I worked first as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Master of the Household, then as Operations Manager in the Master of the Household’s Department (MHD). The Department  is responsible for all the domestic and hospitality arrangements for the monarch with four branches: chefs, footmen, housekeepers and craftsman. It was an incredibly interesting and varied three years. I even travelled to Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of State Government Meeting and was in Windsor Castle for The Queen’s funeral.

When did cheese enter the picture?

By then, I was spending weekends back home in Cumbria, working on the family farm alongside my dad and brother, having been taken into partnership with them. I’d always wanted to run my own business and do something on the farm, so when the idea for “Freya’s Fromage” came to me – of all places, while on holiday in Ibiza – it felt like a lightbulb moment. The only problem was I knew nothing about cheesemaking!

So in 2023, I had what my family call my “cheese gap year.” I spent a year working in dairies in Scotland, Wales and Cumbria, and as a cheesemonger at The Courtyard Dairy in Settle. I even trained with a farmer in Normandy, who told me: “For me, making Camembert is easy. For you – it will be very hard!”

I’m now setting up a business making Camembert with the milk from our herd of Normande cows and am aiming to have some on the shelves in early 2026.

What does your life look like now?

I work as a Project Manager for Arcadis, a global design, engineering and management consultancy operating in about 40 countries. It’s a fantastic company, with interesting, varied work.

The role is flexible, so I can work from home – the perfect fit while I’m still feeding calves and building my cheese business.

This summer we were short-staffed on the farm, so I was up at 6 am feeding calves, logged on to Arcadis projects at 8.30, walked the dogs at lunch, worked at my desk until 5 pm, and then went back out onto the farm again.

In the evenings, I’m converting a cabin into a cheesemaking and maturing facility. It’s a busy mix, but I love it – project management gives me structure and skills, and cheesemaking is one of my long-term passions.

What does success mean to you?

For me, it’s about the journey and the small wins. I’ve always done volunteer work – from Samaritans, to tutoring a GCSE student who went on to pass both her English exams (which made me happier than my own results), to running my village show. That show was nearly cancelled five years ago, but now it’s thriving and brings the whole community together. That feels like real success.

What advice would you give to current Sedbergh pupils?

If the big picture feels overwhelming, just think about what’s next. Get as much work experience as you can, not just for your CV, but to really find out what a job is like day-to-day. Follow your interests and instincts. Don’t be afraid to give something a try. You get none of the opportunities you don’t apply for!

Looking back, how did Sedbergh shape you?

It made me resilient. And it gave me friends for life – I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

Pictured: Freya Findlay with her fiancé Will.