AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who secured an assisted place at one of the best independent schools in the North was celebrating today after realising her dream of attending Cambridge University.
Outstanding Bradford Grammar School (BGS) student, Courtney Ellis-Stoneman, 18, could recite the poem The Owl and the Pussy Cat at age three and could read before she started school. Recognising her talent, her mum, Tracey, of Greengates, enquired at BGS about her daughter attending the school on an assisted place and today the family were delighted after Courtney’s hard work paid off.
The teenager was thrilled to recieve two A*s in English Literature and History, and an A grade in Politics to pursue her dream of attending Cambridge to study English Literature.
Said Courtney: “Coming to BGS has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve made so many friends.
“I definitely think I’ve been pushed academically – and also in terms of extra curriculars, doing things like debating and public speaking. It’s afforded me so many opportunities. I’m so happy I got the grades I needed to take up my place at Cambridge.”
Mum, Tracey Stoneman, a childcare officer, said: “I realised when Courtney was only young that she was about four or five years further ahead than any of her classmates. Everyone at BGS were lovely and I never felt throughout the whole experience that we were any less as a family than anyone else. There’s no snobbery. They get behind young people and they nurture and care for them. It’s been an amazing experience for Courtney and for me as a mum.”
Courtney biggest achievement has been securing her place at Cambridge. She was ecstatic with the outcome of her hard work and in a message to other students considering applying for an assisted place she said: “If you have a chance, take it.”
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster at BGS, said “We’re delighted that all of Courtney’s hard work has paid off and she’ll be heading off to Cambridge.
“She’s shown just how transformative a BGS education can be, which is why we want to help as many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as possible through our growing assisted places programme.”
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