History - Chris Barnes

Chris Barnes comes from London and went to Dulwich College where he took A levels in Economics, English Literature and History.

'I was unusual in being given my chance to come to John's through the pool system, having originally applied to Pembroke - in that respect I was also incredibly fortunate. Though nerve-wracking and involving another set of interviews in January the system of pooling operated between the Colleges gave me the very luckiest of breaks.

John's has many virtues - its facilities, location and extra-curricular activities - but perhaps the most surprising, given its size, is the degree to which you are supported as an individual and encouraged to find your own place in the wider college community.

Studying history at Cambridge is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. All tastes are catered for but whatever you choose- in my case ancient and medieval history - you will be able to benefit from one-on-one supervisions; something for which Cambridge is rightly renowned. Nothing before or since has quite compared as a challenge or an intellectual opportunity.

After graduation I decided to pursue my long standing interest in law taking the Law Conversion (CPE/GDL) at City University and the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law. In going to the Bar I have benefited from scholarships from Gray's Inn, of which I am a member, and having finished my academic training I am now looking forward to starting a pupillage at 42 Bedford Row.

Ultimately whether you pursue a career in academic history or in some other field there can be no better preparation than studying history at Cambridge and no better place to do it than St. John's.'

  - Chris Barnes, graduated 2006