“Coming to Dame Allan’s has transformed my confidence. Studying here has been a genuine privilege.”

I come from a large extended family, where I am one of only two people to attend an independent school. This probably would not have been possible without my bursary place, and I can really see the difference in resources and opportunities that I have enjoyed.

When I began my education at Dame Allan’s in Year 7 I was very shy. Over time, teachers and my peers encouraged me to come out of my shell, and seven years later, I can happily say that coming to Dame Allan’s has transformed my confidence. 

Studying here has been a genuine privilege, and I have gone from that shy young person, to someone who enjoys debating and public speaking competitions! 

I have made friends who come from completely different backgrounds to me, and had the opportunity to try so many different things; from fencing, to art club, and even astronomy. I have been a House Captain, and Vice Chair of the Sixth Form Council, and have relished the opportunity to get stuck into life at Dame Allan’s. These experiences have opened up my world and have allowed me to expand my perspective. 

Academically, I really enjoy history, to the point where I do a lot of extra reading around the subject - my lessons have been really inspiring. I’m also very keen on politics, and hope to study International Relations at Newcastle University or Durham University.  

The camaraderie at the school and the sense of community is like no other. I have been taught to value myself, and my self-belief is now ‘ironed in’. 

I think another element that has truly shaped me is the encouragement to always be kind, to build up your fellow students, and to also be proud of your own achievements. I know that these lessons will stay with me.

To find out more about Giving Day, and how it supports our bursary award programme, click here.