“Rockley Was More Than a Course – It Was a Way of Life”: A Parent’s Story

When we spoke with Donna Maunder, it was clear her relationship with Rockley began long before her children ever considered college.

“Stuart and I have a long history with Rockley,” she begins. “Stuart was an instructor there when we met in 1986. He later moved on, but I ended up working as the very first administrator for what was then, Sail France, and stayed for seven years.”

That early experience gave them a unique perspective on what makes Rockley special – and why it might be the right fit for their own children.

The couple have three children, two of whom, Harrison and Jasmine (now 30 and 26), went on to complete their BTEC qualifications at Rockley College. Interestingly, both of them started elsewhere after leaving school.

“Harrison started doing a BTEC at another college and Jasmine began A-Levels,” she explains. “But it became obvious pretty quickly that neither of them was thriving.”

For Harrison, who went on to join Rockley’s very first BTEC course, the decision came after a timely visit from Rockley’s Peter Gordon. “Harrison wasn’t engaging with his original college at all,” she recalls. “Peter came round and told us about Rockley doing the course. It just made sense for him to move.”

Jasmine’s journey was similar, but for different reasons. “She really didn’t enjoy the academic learning style of A-Levels. We realised she needed something more hands-on and practical. Rockley offered exactly that.”

For this family, Rockley represented far more than an alternative education route.

“Rockley offers so much more than just a course,” she says with conviction. “It offers a way of life – more so than other colleges appear to. Both Harrison and Jasmine immediately felt at home.”

Growing up, the children had always been around watersports, thanks to their parents’ passion for sailing. “It was never their passion in the same way it was ours,” she laughs. “For them, it was just part of life.”

That familiarity, combined with Rockley’s strong family feel, created the perfect environment.

Tutors Who Go Above and Beyond

“They had different tutors, but all of them went the extra mile,” she explains. “They took the time to really get to know Harrison and Jasmine – how they worked best, what support they needed. That was different for each of them, and Rockley recognised that.”

It wasn’t just about academics; it was about understanding the individual.

One of the biggest turning points came when both children worked in France as part of their course placements.

“They became so much more independent and confident,” she says. “Harrison didn’t even know how to use a washing machine before he went away!” she adds with a laugh. “Living away from home, mixing with different people, learning to teach – those are experiences that stay with you for life.”

For Jasmine, teamwork was a big takeaway. “She learned how to work with others, how to encourage people, and even how to take criticism,” her mum explains. “Those lessons have been invaluable in her Navy career.”

Harrison’s path took him in a different direction. “He’s now a Bosun on superyachts,” she says. “The sailing knowledge and instructor skills he gained at Rockley have been a huge advantage. I remember him saying that on his first superyacht, he ended up teaching the owner’s grandchild to sail!”

Before moving into their current careers, both Harrison and Jasmine also enjoyed seasonal work in sailing and skiing. “Rockley opened those doors,” their mum says firmly. “It gave them confidence, qualifications, and a network that made those experiences possible.”

More Than Just Grades

Of course, academic results were still important. “Both of them achieved three A-star distinctions, which was fantastic,” she says. “But honestly, the life skills were the real win – learning how to communicate, work as part of a team, and live independently.”

Sending them off for their first season of work experience wasn’t easy. “It was just like when kids go to uni – that moment where you think, ‘My goodness, this is hard.’ But when they came back, they were different people. They’d grown up.”

When asked if she’d recommend Rockley to other parents, the answer comes without hesitation.

“Absolutely. It’s not just about getting a qualification – though the results and extra industry certificates are brilliant. It’s about giving your child lessons for life. Rockley shaped who Harrison and Jasmine are today.”

As former Rockley team members themselves, this family knows the value of the Rockley name. “We’ve always known the Rockley name is well respected in the industry,” she says. “Now, our children are part of that story – and that’s something really special.”