Katie Piper OBE remembers time at BCoT with real fondness

Star author and campaigner calls her time at BCoT incredibly formative.

A best-selling author, broadcaster and charity campaigner has described her time at Basingstoke College of Technology as “incredibly formative” and a time she looks back on “with real fondness.”

Katie Piper OBE, 42, grew up in Andover and attended BCoT in 2000 to study hair and beauty NVQ levels 2 and 3.

Katie said: “I genuinely enjoyed being there – it was a place where I felt I could be creative, curious and hands-on, while also building practical skills that felt relevant to the real world. One of the highlights for me was learning in such a supportive environment, surrounded by people who were passionate about beauty, wellbeing and helping others feel confident in themselves.”

Katie is speaking about her time at BCoT as the college marks a major milestone of educating students in the town for more than 75 years.

In partnership with the Basingstoke Gazette, BCoT has launched a campaign to build a vibrant alumni community that not only celebrates the college's impact on the careers and lives of people across Basingstoke and Hampshire but also allows former students to inspire the next generation through work experience placements, apprenticeships, mentoring and speaking at student events.

BCoT is calling on former full-time and part-time students to get back in touch and share their stories.

Katie added: “What I loved most about studying at BCoT was the balance between technical training and personal growth. It gave me a sense of purpose and independence, and helped me understand the importance of professionalism, resilience and self-belief – lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life and career to this day. 

“When I look back now, I see that time as an important stepping stone. It gave me confidence and a foundation that I’ve continued to build on in ways I could never have imagined at the time. My advice to anyone starting college would be to fully embrace the experience – be open to learning, ask questions, make connections and believe that this chapter really can shape your future in meaningful ways.”

Katie is now a campaigner for comprehensive rehabilitation and lifelong support for survivors of burns and traumatic scarring. In 2008, her world was turned upside down when a life-threatening acid attack left her physically and visibly scarred at just 24.

She took the brave decision in 2009 to waive her anonymity and share her story on Channel 4, in a documentary for Cutting Edge called Katie: My Beautiful Face.

Through the Katie Piper Foundation, she advocates for improved physical and psychological recovery beyond hospital treatment and social reintegration.

Katie has gone on to present various television shows and documentaries and is a best-selling author and charity campaigner.