The Henley College Alumna Sophie Brownlee Builds Career in Politics and Public Affairs

Former student Sophie Brownlee, who studied at The Henley College from 2011 to 2013, has built an impressive career in politics and public affairs.

During her time at the College, Sophie studied A Levels in English Literature, History, Politics, Ancient History and Photography, developing a broad academic foundation before progressing to higher education. She went on to study History at the University of Manchester and later completed an MA in History at SOAS University of London.

Sophie is now an Associate Director at a public affairs agency and has spent the past 10 years working in politics and public affairs roles. Much of her work involves advising organisations, including Specsavers and Kellogg’s, on how to engage effectively with Government and achieve policy change.

After university, she volunteered at a local charity and completed internships at think tanks and public affairs agencies before moving into party politics. During the 2019 General Election, she worked for Change UK (The Independent Group for Change), running the party’s campaign on the ground in Ilford and managing its parliamentary office in Westminster.

A significant part of Sophie’s career has focused on the creative industries. She worked with Music Venue Trust to help secure the introduction of a £1 ticket levy, now applied to all arena and stadium tickets for live concerts. She is also a member of the London Mayor’s Independent Nightlife Taskforce and, over the past year, has worked with fellow members to engage more than 3,000 Londoners and produce recommendations for the Mayor on the future of nightlife in London.

Former student Sophie Brownlee is pictured back row, second from right.

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