A teenager who grew up on a Bradford council estate before securing an assisted place at one of the top independent schools in the North is celebrating after receiving an offer to study law at Oxford University.
Blaine Thomas, 17, who lived on the Canterbury estate until he was 14, was able to join Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in the sixth form thanks to an assisted place established in the memory of the late Sir Ken Morrison, of Morrisons supermarkets fame, who was a former BGS pupil.
Within only a few months of joining BGS a year ago, Blaine, who now lives in Clayton, became head boy, a privilege awarded following a nomination process by his peers and by staff.
Blaine said he never thought ‘someone like him’ would be travelling to Washington DC with his politics class and be successful in applying to one of the best universities in the world.
He said: “I’ve wanted to go to Oxford University since I visited the city when I was 11 years old, but I never thought when I lived on a council estate, that I’d ever get to go. Studying the law has always been close to my heart and it’s definitely the career I want to pursue.
“I grew up in a single parent family and my younger brother, Ramone, nine, now says he wants to follow in my footsteps. I’m committed to help him follow his dreams, like so many people have helped me. He sees the value of hard work and he says he wants to be a lawyer too.
“I’m truly grateful for the benefactors who allow students like myself to make the most of the opportunities that BGS offers. At first I thought the other kids would be posh and I wouldn’t fit in, but they’re all so down to earth and have been so welcoming. I’ve made so many new friends – who will be my friends for life.
“It’s thanks to Old Bradfordians, such as Sir Ken Morrison, that I’ve had such a rich education – both academically and socially – and I can’t stress enough how important I think it is that institutions like Bradford Grammar continue to contribute to social inclusion and social mobility. One day, I hope to be in a position to give back so someone can have the same enriching experience I’ve had.”
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, the school’s headmaster, said: “A good education can transform the prospects of young people which is why we strive to help as many as possible. Only with the support of partners, including existing and prospective benefactors, are we be able to make a difference to children of great potential who are keen to attend BGS.
“We’re so delighted Blaine has been offered a place at Oxford University. It is richly deserved. I’m even more pleased to hear that he already wants to give back to the community, because that’s what a BGS education is all about, learning how to do good in life for the benefit of others.”
“We’re so delighted Blaine has been offered a place at Oxford University. It is richly deserved. I’m even more pleased to hear that he already wants to give back to the community, because that’s what a BGS education is all about, learning how to do good in life for the benefit of others.”
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