Celebrating the outstanding achievement of Greta S, who has secured a highly competitive place at the University of Oxford to read Arabic

This exceptional achievement reflects Greta’s academic ambition, intellectual curiosity and sustained dedication throughout her time at King’s.

Joining the school in Year 10, she was drawn by its strong Classics provision and outstanding sporting opportunities. Alongside her academic studies, Greta made a significant contribution to school life, representing the 1st XI hockey team for three years and playing a key role in both the football and swimming teams, where she was a much-valued member.

Personal growth and a rich co-curricular programme

A scholar and highly dedicated pupil, Greta made the most of every opportunity and layer of support available to her.

Reflecting on her time at school, she describes feeling “challenged, supported and always encouraged to push myself to my individual limits,” crediting the school’s stimulating academic environment and strong pastoral care with helping her reach ambitious milestones.

Speaking about her achievement in securing a place at Oxford, Greta highlighted the breadth of co-curricular opportunities she embraced at school and the role it played in developing her soft skills and strengthening her university application. She particularly valued specialist courses such as Languages with Business and the encouragement to study languages beyond the curriculum, such as Ancient Greek, which allowed her to explore her interests in greater depth while providing clear, demonstrable evidence of her commitment to languages, ultimately strengthening her CV and her Oxford application.

Inspiring teaching and tutors going above and beyond

A key strength highlighted in the King’s recent ISI inspection was the positive impact teachers have on pupils’ development of knowledge and skills, combined with their enthusiasm, good subject knowledge and varied teaching techniques. Greta’s experience is a powerful reflection of this. She speaks warmly of the teachers who supported her throughout her A Levels and guided her confidently through the highly competitive Oxford application process.

Greta expressed heartfelt gratitude to her tutor, Mrs Cashmore, whose calm encouragement and practical support made a significant difference. From meticulous organisation and timely reminders to always having her door open for a quick “check-in”, Greta credits this consistent pastoral support as crucial in helping her stay on track, not just with her Oxford application, but with school life more broadly.

When it came to interview preparation, Greta felt wholly supported by the wider teaching community at King’s. “I had lots of help during the process,” she explained. “Mrs Cashmore was still printing things off for me even after I’d left school, and other teachers were always available. During my A Levels, my timetable was even rewritten to allow me to pursue the subjects and languages I really wanted.”

Greta also spoke with great appreciation of Mr Shamseddine, who taught her Arabic each week in his own free time. This exceptional commitment deepened her understanding of language and played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for the subject, a passion that ultimately supported her successful Oxford application.

Navigating the University of Oxford application process

Greta described the Oxford University application and interview process as demanding, but ultimately deeply rewarding.

“It was definitely challenging, but I was really glad I applied after my A Levels,” she explained. “I had time to prepare properly, and I enjoyed the process because I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. I went into it thinking, ‘why not?’  I wanted to experience it. That mindset helped me stay relaxed and make the most of the opportunity.”

Advice to future pupils thinking of an Oxbridge application

Reflecting on the process of applying to Oxford University, Greta speaks with a real sense of maturity as she encourages younger pupils who may be considering Oxford to focus on enthusiasm and authenticity rather than pressure.

“Choose a subject you genuinely love and apply with passion, Oxford really values that,” she said. “And get involved in as much as you can at school. All those experiences, big and small, really do make a difference.”

Looking ahead to the future

Now enjoying a well-deserved gap year, with travel planned across Central America, New Zealand and Japan, Greta is fully embracing new experiences as she prepares for the exciting move to University of Oxford next year.

“I’m really excited about living in a new city and becoming more independent,” she said. “I’m loving my gap year, but I’ll admit I’m slightly jealous of everyone already at university, it looks like such fun. That will be me next year!”

When it comes to her future career, Greta is keeping her options open. “I want to learn as many languages as I can,” she explained. “I’m not entirely sure where that will take me yet, possibly law, but that’s what’s so exciting about languages. There are so many different paths this degree could lead to.”

Whatever direction Greta chooses, we are confident her future will be a bright one. As with all our Old Aluredians, King’s doors remain firmly open, and we very much look forward to welcoming Greta back and following her journey in the years to come.