College Catch Up: Jasmine Maunder

At Rockley, we believe that education isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about discovery.

Discovering passions and potential. And most importantly, discovering who you really are.

For Jasmine Maunder, that journey started with an alternative to traditional education. It led to life-changing seasons in France, a global pandemic, a career in the Royal Navy, and a place on the podium representing the UK in snowboarding. Hers is a story of embracing the unknown, adapting to change, and finding strength in every turn.

We caught up with Jasmine to reflect on where life has taken her since leaving Rockley College, and how her time here laid the foundations for everything that followed.

Like many Rockley College alumni, Jasmine left with a plan to see the world, and the qualifications to do it.

“After graduating, I jumped straight into seasonal work,” she explains. “I spent the next two years working summer seasons at Rockley’s French centre, Azur Rivage, and during my second season, Rockley put me through my Senior Instructor course.”

That investment paid off quickly, Jasmine stepped into her new leadership role with confidence, building on the hands-on experience she’d gained through the college programme. But the summer months weren’t the only time she was on the move.

“In the winters, I worked as a chalet host in France,” she says. “It was the lifestyle I’d dreamed of, full of energy, fresh air, and community.”

But in 2020, like so many others, Jasmine’s plans came to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic brought her final season to an early close.

“I came home and suddenly felt a bit lost,” she admits. “That whole world I’d built for myself just stopped.”

Faced with uncertainty, Jasmine revisited something that had always intrigued her, the military. “The Navy had been on my radar for a while,” she says. “So I took the leap and applied.”

While waiting to start training, Jasmine worked for the NHS, a role that gave her structure and purpose during a challenging period. Then in July 2021, she officially began her Royal Navy training, a turning point that she describes as one of her proudest achievements to date.

“It was intense,” she says. “But passing that training was huge. I still look back and think: I really did that.”

Her career with the Navy began as a Seaman Specialist, but true to her adaptable nature, Jasmine has since taken a new path, one that has opened even more doors.

“I’ve transitioned into the Royal Navy Police, and I love it,” she says. “No two days are ever the same. The job challenges me, keeps me sharp, and gives me the opportunity to travel. The benefits are great, but it’s the variety and the people that really make it.”

Jasmine’s not one to sit still. In addition to her naval duties, she’s found another place to shine, on the slopes.

“I’ve competed in multiple sports for the Navy,” she explains, “but snowboarding is where I’ve really found my stride.”

She’s competed in interservice competitions and represented the UK Armed Forces at the prestigious BRITS Championships, and was recently named Team Captain for the ladies’ snowboarding team.

“The sporting opportunities in the military are amazing,” she says. “They push you physically and mentally, but the camaraderie is next level. If you’re thinking of joining the forces, get involved in sport. You won’t regret it.”

For Jasmine, everything started at Rockley — and she’s clear about just how big a difference it made.

“I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without Rockley,” she says. “I tried A-levels and hated it. Sitting in a classroom all day just wasn’t for me. But at Rockley, they understood that.”

The college’s blended approach to learning, with practical, hands-on sessions supported by real-world experience, allowed Jasmine to thrive.

“They challenged me, but in the way I needed,” she says. “The support from the teachers, the structure of the course, the mix of learning and doing, it was perfect.”

And the skills she picked up? Still with her, every day.

“Whether it’s seamanship, communication, teamwork, or even just confidence in leading a group, I use it all. Especially now in the military, where those core skills make a real difference.”

People Who Made an Impact

Every student remembers the people who shaped their experience — and for Jasmine, a few stand out.

“John and Liz McMaster, absolute rocks. I wouldn’t have got through the course without them. And Amy Jackson, the most enthusiastic classmate ever, she’s now teaching at Rockley! Also, big shoutout to Straw, a total legend in his own right.”

Amidst the learning and life lessons, there was plenty of fun.

“The practical sessions were amazing, especially the sailing and windsurfing,” Jasmine recalls. “But I’ll never forget one lesson where we went mountain biking in Wareham Forest. It was honestly one of the funniest days on the course.”

It’s these moments, the laughter, the challenge, the camaraderie, that stay with you long after the final assessment.

Words of Wisdom: Advice for the Next Generation

Now several years (and a few thousand nautical miles) on from her college days, Jasmine is full of encouragement for current and future Rockley students.

“Get involved and volunteer!” she says. “The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. The qualifications are great, but the experience you’ll gain is what really sets you up for life.”

If she could go back, she’d have made more of the outdoor time.

“I wish I’d done more windsurfing and mountain biking in my own time. I’m trying to get back into them now, but it’s definitely harder than when you’ve got all the kit and support around you!”

Her message to anyone considering Rockley is crystal clear:

“Take this as your sign to apply. This course gives you options, and if you’re not into sitting behind a desk all day, it could be exactly what you need.”