Where Are They Now?
We look for, and help our pupils to find, the best within themselves, not simply academically, but in giving them opportunities to become fulfilled, skilful and happy individuals who have 'Confidence for life'. Skills, confidence and an intellectual curiosity that will stay with them always and helping them to fulfill their dreams.
Kelly
Kelly (YH 13-18), joined the Senior School in 2013 and quickly became a prominent member of our boarding community making the most of the opportunities available to her during her time at the College.
Kelly aspired to study Medicine at university, and was supported and guided through the application process and her Sixth Form A Level studies by current Head of Biology, Mrs Wheeler, her tutor at the time. Although Kelly did not succeed in her initial application to study Medicine, she went on to study Medical Physiology and Therapeutics at Nottingham University and is now in her final year. She recently (early 2021) received a Research Masters offer to study Oncology at the University of Oxford.
Kelly got back in touch with Mrs Wheeler to share her good news, "I would just like to thank you for all the help during A Levels. I still remember how you supported me through Sixth Form and helped me so much with the medicine application. Although I didn't get in at the end, you kept reassuring me 'don't worry, everything will be fine, it's not the end of the world'. I really appreciate all the support from you at the time."
Surrounded by inspiring role models, it is often these kinds of impactful staff-pupil relationships that give our pupils the confidence to strive to be the best possible versions of themselves. Kelly was supported and inspired by our Higher Education and Careers team and our specialist programme for students interested in studying medicine, veterinary science or dentistry. That support continues after leaving the College if required.
We are extrememly proud of Kelly and her achievements and we look forward to following her progress to Oxford University.
Elinah
Old Stortfordian, Elinah Phillip (BH, 15-19) joined the College in 2015 after gaining a sport scholarship award for her swimming talents. Elinah was a participant of our Elite Sports Programme, a specially designed training, health and fitness regime which furthers pupils' skill development and sporting talent.
Whilst at the College, Elinah took part in various local, national and international swimming competitions, including representing the British Virgin Islands in the 2016 Rio Olympics and swam a national record for the country.
Elinah is now studying Natural and Applied Sciences on the Pre-Dentistry track at Florida International University where she is also a student athlete in the sport of swimming.
Elinah is a talented swimmer who recently returned to the pool after 8 months out of the water due to training restrictions caused by the pandemic. She returned to her university and their strict athletic bubble to resume training in January. Elinah explains that although it was challenging building fitness and becoming competition ready, the coaches and team have provided the right support and environment that allowed her to regain momentum quickly after a prolonged hiatus in training. Elinah is loving the atmosphere of the team and the support of like-minded student athletes.
After training for two months she is already close to her best times in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events. Her dedication and determination allowed her to win a second place individual silver and two relay gold medals in the Conference USA Championships which includes universities from the southern states.
Her training base and the progress she has made in such a short time have meant that she can now shift her competitive focus to preparing to meet the Tokyo Olympic Games qualification standards. We are tremendously proud of Elinah and we wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours.
