Impact Report 2022-2023

19 IMPACT REPORT

Bursaries

Below we hear the stories of three brilliant bursary pupils, all from different backgrounds. All pupils and teachers who came into contact with them learnt and gained from their range of experiences.

Josh Brangan Currently studying Mechanical Engineering on a Scholarship at Harvard University, USA It was a substantial change for me to transfer from Highcliffe School, my regular state day school in Dorset, to an independent boarding school in Oxford. However, it was made simple by all the wonderful people I met along the way and the incredibly supportive community. I will always be thankful for all the new and exciting opportunities that the School gave me because they completely changed the course of my life. The awesome teaching staff and depth of support really helped me to make the most of the education available to me. And then there was the rowing. Through hard work, rowing at Teddies and my amazing coaches I became the best athlete that I could be. Teddies also showed me the world of international rowing and competing for GB. The combination of academic and athletic opportunities introduced me to the US college system, which was

Armela Lasku Currently working for an international criminal defence team at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, after studying Law at the University of Oxford I joined St Edward’s from Matthew Arnold, a secondary school in Oxford, and the thing that surprised me most about Teddies was the real opportunity to get involved in so many different activities. During my time at St Edward’s, I tried hockey and rowing for the first time, and took part in both the RAF and Army sections of the Combined Cadet Force. I also enjoyed one-to-one piano lessons in the Music School as well as seeing plays and exhibitions at the School’s North Wall Arts Centre. One of my top highlights was the close-knit environment of my boarding house. I made friends for life that I will cherish forever. Further, it was amazing to win the Adams Award at Gaudy in the Upper Sixth. The award was recognition of dedication to studies, consistent hard work and genuine interest in knowledge. I currently work for an international criminal defence team at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which is something that I am passionate about and really love! I have also just finished Bar School and look forward to developing a career at the Bar. I would advise anybody considering applying

something I had never even considered before attending Teddies. As a result, I am now a mechanical engineering major at Harvard, rowing as part of a great squad, and pushing myself to be the

best I can be. If I were to say anything to families or pupils thinking of applying for a bursary to study at St Edward’s, I would say that it is an incredible school that can change your life like it did mine. For that to happen you must make the most of every opportunity that is available to you, try new things and work hard! I have so many things to thank St Edward’s for, so if you get a chance to go there, be sure to cherish your time as they will be some of the best years of your life.

for a bursary to go for it! It is a

once in a lifetime opportunity, and at Teddies your life will completely change.