IN THE SPOTLIGHT
KERRY’ S LITERARY DEBUT
30s. As their lives, priorities and expectations diverge, the novel explores how their once-solid friendship begins to unravel.“ The book is a very personal project,” Kerry shared.“ I’ m proud to finally see Daisy and Sam come to life in print.”
Originally from East Yorkshire, Kerry now lives in Brighton and works as an NHS audiology lead. Her path into writing began during the Covid pandemic in 2020.“ I got onto a selective Curtis Brown novel writing course during lockdown and everything went from there,” she explained.
Thank you to Kerry for donating a copy of her debut novel to the school archives – we’ re thrilled to include it in our OP authors’ collection.”
Further information about Kerry’ s novel can be found on the HarperCollins website, and copies or downloads can be purchased from all good bookshops.
Now balancing her audiology career with her growing reputation as a writer, Kerry is currently editing her second novel, due for release in 2027. She’ s also actively involved in promoting the first novel, writing features for The Guardian and Stylist, and appearing at author events and bookshop talks, including at Waterstones.
OP Kerry Downes( 96-05) has made an impressive literary debut with her novel, That Time Everything Was on Fire, published in May 2025 as part of a two-book deal with HarperCollins.
The story centres on best friends Sam and Daisy, who go down different roads when they hit their
Pocklington School was delighted to welcome Kerry back to her alma mater for the Summer Reunion on Sunday 22 June 2025. Kerry was attending the event with her contemporaries to mark 20 years since the Class of 2005 left School. A copy of That Time Everything Was on Fire has now been added to the collection of published books written by OPs. Doc Dyson, volunteer archivist and former staff( 88-18), said:“ It’ s always inspiring to see our former pupils pursuing their passions and achieving success.
CHANNEL 4 SCREENS NEW CRIME DRAMA BY OP WRITER
OP Matt Baker( 79-86) is the writer of a brand new, Channel 4 crime drama Patience, which aired in the UK on 8 January 2025.
The six-part series, adapted from the popular French show Astrid and Raphaelle, is set against the historic backdrop of York.
The programme stars Laura Fraser as Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf, who befriends a young autistic woman, Patience Evans, played by Ella Maisy Purvis. Patience works in the Police archives and the two women team up to startling effect.
Matt attended Pocklington School before studying English Literature and Drama at Goldsmith’ s College, University of London. He started his career in journalism, specialising in media and entertainment. He subsequently worked in communications for a variety of high-profile companies and organisations including Channel 4, Oxfam GB and Viacom / CBS( now Paramount Global).
During the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Matt took the decision to start full-time writing. So far, aside from Patience, his impressive portfolio includes: Suspect Season 1( Channel 4),
Hotel Potofino Season 1,2 & 3( BritBox, ITV), Before We Die Seasons 1 & 2( Channel 4), Professor T
Seasons 1 & 2( ITV), and Quentin Blake’ s Clown( Channel 4).
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