From Music to the Met: Miriam’s Remarkable Journey 

When Miriam Chapman-Rosenfeld left KES in 2015 after Upper Sixth, few could have predicted that this talented musician would one day be managing murder investigations in Croydon. 

Her journey from the Dobson Theatre to the front lines of policing is a testament to the breadth of opportunities that KES helps to unlock.  

Building Strong Foundations  

Miriam joined KES in Year 8 and quickly found her place -  not just academically, but especially in the music department. “I loved being in the music department,” she recalls. “I remember performing in the Dobson Theatre, being part of the choir, and spending hours in the music tech room composing and producing. That was a huge part of my KES experience.”  

A real highlight was winning the Royal Opera House Fanfare Competition. “I wrote a fanfare, and it was performed by the Royal Opera House Orchestra. But it wasn’t just about writing the music -  it was working with the orchestra, with Antonio Pappano, and meeting other composers. It was so exciting.”  

That experience opened Miriam’s eyes to her own curiosity and love of variety: “It made me realise I wanted to meet new people, work with different teams, and not just sit still. That’s still what I do every day.”  

Beyond the Classroom  

Music was just one part of Miriam’s school life. She played tennis for KES, joined clubs, and made friends who are still a big part of her life. One memory stands out: “Going to Madagascar was incredible - scuba diving, exploring somewhere totally new. It’s not something you get to do every day.”  

Looking back, Miriam says, “I didn’t know then that I wouldn’t follow just one path. But KES opened my eyes to so many interests. I loved being involved with different people and projects I just couldn’t sit still!”  

A Change in Direction  

After studying music at University, Miriam paused to think about what she really wanted. “I made a list of what mattered to me, being out and about, not stuck at a desk, working with a team. Policing just made sense.”  

She joined the ‘Police Now’ graduate leadership programme and soon found herself tackling crime in some of London’s toughest areas. “I wanted to be in London, in the thick of it.” 

Unexpected Connections  

Switching from music to policing might seem like a leap, but Miriam found surprising similarities. “In a big production, you’re bringing people together - musicians, singers, a whole cast. It’s a lot to coordinate. Policing is the same: you’re working with people from all walks of life, bringing out the best in your team.”  

Both music and policing, she says, are about giving people a voice.  

Rising Through the Ranks  

Now an inspector in Croydon Police, Miriam leads a team focused on tackling knife crime and violence against women and girls. She remembers a tough early challenge: “Managing a murder investigation as a new inspector was intense. I had to pull together a team and work with the major investigation unit. It was tough but incredibly powerful.”  

Giving Back to KES  

Miriam often returns to KES to share her story with students. “I want people to see you can do anything - even something completely different from what you studied. What matters is following your values.”  

Her advice to current pupils: “It can be daunting to want to do everything. I took a year out after KES, worked part-time, and really thought about what mattered to me. Let your values guide you.”  

Redefining Success  

For Miriam, success isn’t about job titles or pay, but about finding something that matters. “I know people with amazing careers, but they only live for the weekend. Success is finding work that means something to you.”  

Asked to describe KES in three words, she says: “engaging, diverse, collaborative” qualities that shaped both her childhood and her career.  

Boundless Futures in Action  

Miriam’s story shows what’s possible when you keep an open mind. “You don’t have to stick to one path. Go with what matters to you.” Looking ahead, Miriam is open to wherever life may lead, but she remains grounded in the values she took from KES. “What I’ve realised is that it’s important to keep an open mind. I don’t want to set my future in stone.”  

Her journey is a reminder that with confidence, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, there really are no limits to where a KES education can lead.