Welcome to our new students!
In September 2025, The Scottish College will welcome three new United Reformed Church students, all joining us from south of the border. We are excited to welcome three new students to join our Education for Ministry phase 1 (EM1) group.
A brief introduction from each of Tim, So Young and Ann:
My name is Tim Hopley, and I have recently moved to my new home, just north of Preston, with my two dachshunds Mini and Dottie. I spent the first 30 years of my working life in crime! I was a criminal defence lawyer, for the first 20 or so years working in the Magistrates’ Court and the last 10 years appearing in the Crown Courts around Greater Manchester. A fascinating, challenging and eye-opening career! I retired from a legal career five years ago and, entirely unplanned, became the Synod Clerk for the North Western Synod of the United Reformed Church – a job which I have loved from the moment I started, and continue to find it hugely rewarding. And now, the next ‘bit’ of my life changes begins with excitement and anticipation at beginning training at the Scottish College. I look forward to the study, and the learning, and the chance to meet so many others associated with, and training at, the Scottish College.
My name is So Young Jung. I have been serving in the New Malden and Kingston United Reformed Church since 2019, working as a Partner in Mission through the Council for World Mission, sent by the Presbyterian Church of Korea in partnership with the United Reformed Church. My ministry has focused on sharing God’s love and building community among people from North and South Korea, British locals, and neighbours from diverse backgrounds. I am deeply grateful to begin this new journey at the Scottish College, where I hope to grow in pastoral maturity and theological depth, while learning with humility and joy.
My name is (Elizabeth) Ann Sinclair. I was born in Edinburgh and brought up in East Lothian. On my marriage, I joined my husband Jim in London but we moved north again settling in the North East of England. I live on the outskirts of Whitley Bay. I have two daughters, and three grandchildren . . . all of them taller than me! I am a Member and Elder of St Andrew’s URC Monkseaton, an Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher and Lay Preaching Advocate in Northern Synod. Most Sundays I am out and around the Coast and Newcastle area sharing in and leading worship. I am a bit of a wanderer. However, I am very excited to be coming back to my roots and studying at the Scottish College.