“Getting lost at Dame Allan's for cricket led to a lap of the school and Sixth Form dreams.”

I’m relatively new to Dame Allan’s, having joined in the Sixth Form at Year 12. Previously, I was at St Cuthbert’s - I actually decided I wanted to attend Dame Allan’s after I came to the sports hall for cricket training and got lost! A lap of the school inspired me to look into attending the Sixth Form. 

Here, I feel very academically supported, which I think is really helped by the smaller class sizes. I’m studying maths, economics and psychology at the moment, and hoping to start a degree apprenticeship after leaving school. 

I’ve always been a keen cricketer, but Dame Allan’s encouraged me to try other things too. I’m now a member of the school football team, which is something I had not really explored before coming here. I’m also passionate about Indian classical music, I sing and I play the tabla - both outside school and in regular concerts. I was recently a finalist in the Dame Allan’s Young Musician of the Year Competition. 

One of the big things that makes Dame Allan’s stand out is how welcoming it is. Even though I am ‘newer’ I can chat to everyone, and my teachers too have always been there when I needed help - particularly my Form Tutor, Mrs Dresser. 

I can definitely say that since I started at Dame Allan’s, I have become more independent and resilient. I’ve made great memories too, from football matches and musical concerts, to having a snake on my head during a phobia workshop in a psychology class! None of this would have been possible without my bursary award. 

To anyone thinking about joining Dame Allan’s, I’d say don’t be scared and take the risk!