A teenager who lost her mum suddenly and has lived independently for two years was celebrating today after her hard work was rewarded with the top grades she needed to go to Oxford University.
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) student Funmi Ogunde, 18, said she had focused on her dream of securing a place at the prestigious university to get through the last five years since her mum, Cheyvonne, died from a heart attack aged 47.
The teenager, of Wibsey, said she had drawn on the support of her friends and BGS teachers while studying for her A Levels in chemistry, French and Spanish for which she received an A* and two As respectively.
Funmi, who has enjoyed playing netball and learning the piano and violin at BGS, said: “I’ve lived independently since I started the Sixth Form and I just kept my head down and focused on what was important, which was getting the grades I needed to go to Oxford.
“Mrs Chapman (BGS’s Assistant Head, Pastoral) and her husband have been really good, helping to cut my lawn and help me get groceries, and my friends have been great and have always been there if I’ve needed anything.
“I would say to anyone in challenging circumstances to set yourself a goal. No matter what is happening in your life, keep striving for what’s important for you. It makes it a lot easier and gives you the motivation to keep going.
“I pushed myself to get into Oxford. It’s been hard, and I did have some really bad weeks, but with the help of the school and through school counselling sessions, it’s been a lot easier.”
Old Bradfordian and Funmi’s brother, Seun, was studying maths and physics at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in America while she was in Bradford, but he was delighted to be with her today as she picked up her results.
Funmi will now head off to Oxford to study French.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster at BGS, said: “Funmi has shown such courage and fortitude over the last few years. She’s lived on her own throughout the pandemic and her hard work and diligence, along with the support of the BGS family and her friends, has seen her achieve her goal of a place at Oxford University. Our heartfelt congratulations go to this incredible young woman and we wish her every success for the future.”
““I would say to anyone in challenging circumstances to set yourself a goal. No matter what is happening in your life, keep striving for what’s important for you. It makes it a lot easier and gives you the motivation to keep going.”
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