It was suggested that an independent school education may be more suited to me by the head teacher of my primary school, but it had been completely out of the question due to my family’s financial situation. My local high school was a poor performing school and my parents felt it would not help me to achieve my potential. Luckily, we were made aware of the Ipswich School bursaries.

After visiting the School my family and I didn’t dare to dream it would be possible for me to attend. The day the letter arrived confirming my place, I was excited, but at the same time I was nervous; coming from a completely different background made me wonder if I would fit in. I couldn’t have been more wrong, I felt welcome from the moment I crossed the threshold. Ipswich School seemed the perfect place that would allow me to flourish by providing the opportunities, challenges and support that I needed.

In year nine my family had to move away from the area and continuing at the school seemed impossible. It was at this point that the generosity of my bursary exceeded all expectations and I was offered the chance to board until the end of sixth form. The boarding house became my second home.

During Thursday afternoon activities I immersed myself in primary school volunteering for four years and gained valuable work experience. I believe that contributed to being offered all five university places I applied for.

“Ipswich School has provided me with extensive support and a wide range of opportunities which would not have been available to me elsewhere.”

I am the first member of my family to ever go to university and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School and the bursary fund for all it has done for me.

Without the assistance of my Ipswich School bursary, I could never have imagined achieving as much as I have.

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