BBC News reporter and former X-Factor contestant Ashley John-Baptiste tells his story to pupils at his old school
A TV news reporter who grew up in care has returned to his old school to inspire the next generation.
Former X-Factor contestant Ashley John-Baptiste was back talking to pupils at Bacon’s College, Timber Pond Road, Rotherhithe to share his story.
John-Baptiste was raised in four different foster homes and then went to Cambridge before becoming an award winning BBC broadcaster.
He was also a key reporter in Russia for the Fifa 2018 World Cup, and he’s also been nominated for the Young Talent of the Year award at this year’s RTS Television Journalism Awards.
But Ashley’s story could have been very different. Growing up in South London, he was taken into care at the age of four. He grew up being shuttled between foster families and children’s homes and moved primary school three times.
He attended Bacon’s College secondary school, and went on to secure a place at Cambridge University to study History. Whilst at Cambridge, Ashley acted as a mentor to other students who grew up in care.
Bacon’s College were delighted to be able to welcome Ashley back to his old school recently as part of the BBC’s Share a Story Tour celebrating 100 years of the BBC.
Ashley was interviewed live about his fascinating life journey in front of the whole school by Radio 1 DJ and Broadcaster Sarah Story.
He talked about his memories of growing up in care, and the fact that, for Ashley, school represented consistency, and a safe environment where he felt supported.
He spoke very fondly about his time at Bacon’s College and the support he received from the school community.
He also thanked vice-principal, Chris Hall, who still teaches at Bacon’s College, and was Ashley’s tutor over 10 years ago.
He also emphasised the fact that Bacon’s Sixth Form enabled him to develop his voice, and taught him to think, rather than just pass exams which helped to get him in to Cambridge.
Following the interview with Sarah Story, students were able to ask questions with the aid of a roaming mic fitted inside a rugby ball which was passed around the audience.
Ashley’s overriding message to students was one of the importance of self-belief, and belief in the importance and validity of your own story.
He was also keen to emphasise to students the importance of making the most of the opportunities presented to them in school, and the importance of having a goals to keep you focussed, even in times of challenge.
He said: “You have an incredible support network here and incredible teachers, make the most of this fantastic environment, it could change your life.
“I have not been back for years so I was excited to meet up with the students. It was a complete honour to encourage some of them.
“I moved five times in my youth and had four different foster families and also lived in a residential care home.
“There are people [at Bacon’s] from underprivileged and underestimated backgrounds so there will be students who do not expect one day to end up at an organisation like the BBC. I certainly did not think I had that potential.
“But you can smash it – you can achieve the visions you set yourself if you are prepared to work hard.”
Ashley has also revealed he bumped into a half-brother soon after the birth of his own child – and found out he had three other siblings, despite being told by social workers he had none.
He told The Guardian: “I met my biological mum for the first time since entering care when I was about 10. I never met my dad.
To the knowledge of my various social workers and foster parents, I had no siblings.
“But, in my mid-20s, I received a message on social media that changed my life. A stranger about a decade older than me got in touch to tell me that he was my brother.
“He also told me that I had at least three other siblings. Perhaps most astounding was the fact that he lived in south Bermondsey – the same part of London as me.”
They did not meet up but then he recalled visiting the hospital for a check-up for his child: “I spotted a man outside the building,” he said. “We locked eyes.
Weirdly, perhaps, I recognised him instantly. He was the brother who had got in touch all those years ago. He looked exactly the same in person as he did in his profile picture.
“We stood there, outside the hospital, chatting. Time stood still. In that moment, it felt as if we had known each other our whole lives.”
Following the Ashley’s talk at the school, year 7 student Laszlo Sourie was interviewed by BBC London Radio: “I found Ashley’s story and all the challenges that he overcame at the start of his life a real inspiration. He made me feel like I can achieve anything I want provided I am focussed on my goal.”