Future Fiona Bruce, 15, made Head Girl of Jill Dando’s old school.

Story and photo by Jill Dando News

Enthusiastic Olivia Finch, 15, of Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) was made Head Girl after four outstanding years at the high achieving and caring Academy.

Olivia was part of the first group of students to set up the Jill Dando News Centre in 2017, in memory of the former student and national BBC news presenter. The JDNC has since expanded and flourished across Somerset and even to Malawi, breaking really excellent news stories that other media pick up.

Olivia has led teams of dozens of student reporters to unearth good news stories, and she has won medals and commendations for her work, both academically and in the community.

Last year, Olivia scripted, produced and presented her own TV piece for BBC TV Points West. She has also interviewed Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and many more.

She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and ambition, whilst remaining kind and humble.

Principal Jacqui Scott said “Olivia is not only extremely talented but also a wonderfully caring person. She looks after the younger students across the school, comes up with ideas and also hosts Jill Dando TV zoom conversations with excellence and maturity. She has a fantastic career ahead of her.”

WCSA is a brilliant academy which challenges students to achieve their best.

Olivia said “Being a part of the Jill Dando News Centre has opened up so many fantastic opportunities  for me.

“I’ve had the chance to interview and receive advice from so many inspirational people. 

“I’m very proud to be the next Head Girl of WCSA and I’m looking forward to the experiences ahead.”

Jill Dando News also has Jill Dando TV which was launched in April 2019 – on the 20th anniversary since Jill died. Jill Dando TV then went into operation in July 2019 and August of the same year, with two interviews with Boris Johnson.

In the August interview students made their way to Downing Street in front of most of Britain’s TV media, to interview the new Prime Minister.

Jill‘s brother Nigel helps out with the training of students who are aged from 8 to 18. Nigel was a journalist for 48 years on the Bristol Post, the Weston Mercury and for the BBC.