From studying Military History to serving as a United Nations Peacekeeper and training Ukrainian recruits, Old Cokethorpean Dominic House (OC 2019, Queen Anne) has certainly packed an extraordinary amount into the years since leaving Cokethorpe. We caught up with Dominic to hear about his journey, the lessons he has learnt along the way, and the advice he would give to today’s pupils.
Tell us what you’ve been up to since leaving Cokethorpe.
After leaving Cokethorpe, I spent the first half of 2020 playing rugby in Indiana, USA. I then studied Military History at the University of Kent in Canterbury, where I also completed my basic training with the British Army Reserve during my first and second years.
I graduated with a 2:1 and achieved the highest dissertation mark in the School of History before mobilising to become an instructor on Operation Interflex, training Ukrainian military personnel for six months.
Following that, I deployed on Operation Tosca 42 for nine months in Cyprus as a United Nations Peacekeeper, operating within the buffer zone between North and South Cyprus.
Since returning in October 2025, I have been seconded to the Centre for Army Leadership at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where I work as a Media Co-ordinator. Most recently, I completed a month-long Close Protection course, earning my Level 3 SIA Close Protection Licence, which enables me to work internationally as a Close Protection Operative.
What inspired you to pursue this path?
I always had the itch to join the military, particularly as an infantry soldier. I knew I did not necessarily want a full-time military career, so joining the Army Reserve while at university allowed me to experience it while continuing my studies.
Over the past six years, I have taken every opportunity that has come my way, including two operational deployments. That ambition has now been fulfilled, and I am looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my career in the Close Protection industry.
What are your fondest memories of Cokethorpe?
Without doubt, the school trips stand out, especially the Cricket tour to Barbados and the Rugby tour to Biarritz in 2018.
I also loved rugby training every Monday and Wednesday. As someone who has always been passionate about sport, I think Cokethorpe gets that balance right. Sport played a huge role in my education and in shaping who I became.
Were there any teachers who made a lasting impact on you?
There were many. As someone who went on to study History at university, Mr Carter was a real academic role model. My Housemistress, Mrs Orton, and my Form Tutor, Mrs Gregory-Newman, also had a hugely positive influence through their kindness and guidance.
To be honest, the majority of my teachers at Cokethorpe were incredible people who were always willing to go the extra mile to help.
How did your time at Cokethorpe shape who you are today?
Cokethorpe excels at giving pupils access to a huge range of opportunities outside the classroom, creating a genuinely well-rounded education. No school can guarantee success, but Cokethorpe gives its pupils every opportunity to achieve it if they are willing to make the most of what is on offer.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Passing Army basic training was a significant milestone, but I am equally proud of the role I played during Operation Interflex, helping to train Ukrainian personnel during a critical period.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding my niche within the Close Protection industry.
The last couple of years have helped me grow enormously, both professionally and personally. Deployments, relationships, earning my own income and simply experiencing adult life have taught me to be adaptable, resilient and confident in unfamiliar situations.
What advice would you give to current pupils and recent leavers?
Firstly, read. A quote that has always stayed with me is: “An intelligent man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from other people’s mistakes.”
Some books that have had a big impact on me include:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
Secondly, learn about personal finance. Understanding how money works, investing, building businesses and turning your skills into income gives you options in life. It is something I believe should be taught to every young person because financial literacy can prevent many of the challenges people face later on.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you were starting out?
Life teaches you lessons through experience. The more you get out there, try new things and make mistakes, the more you grow. Looking back, there are plenty of lessons I wish I had learnt earlier, but they have all shaped who I am today.
What skills are most important in your field?
Interpersonal skills are essential. Knowing how to communicate effectively, de-escalate situations and conduct yourself professionally is invaluable. Alongside that, being able to think ahead, plan strategically and remain calm under pressure has helped me throughout my career.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy keeping fit and spending time in the gym. I also appreciate slowing down now and then – finding a good coffee shop, sitting with my journal and feeling productive. I suppose I am getting older!
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?
Steve Irwin, Marcus Aurelius (provided someone could translate the Latin!) and Alexander the Great.
What’s next?
My immediate goal is to transition into the Close Protection industry and work with interesting people around the world. Personally, I also have an exciting move planned, relocating to Edinburgh in May, which I am very much looking forward to.
