A Benenden School student who has secured a place at Oxford has praised the support she has received during her five years at the School.
Anna, 18, will be studying Ancient and Modern History at Magdalen College after securing a clean sweep of A* grades in History, French and Biology.
After opening her results today, she said: “I can’t really believe it, I’m very happy that everything paid off – the waiting was really difficult.”
Anna moved from a London day school to Benenden for the start of Year 9. She said: “I had always wanted to board and I was important to me to be in the countryside and to get that traditional experience.
“When we looked around, which must have been seven or eight years ago, I remember the atmosphere of the place so well – it felt like a really nice place and it’s a really supportive environment.”
In addition to her academic success, Anna said that a major highlight of her time at Benenden was serving as one of the two Captains of School for her final year, which involved working with the Head Girl to lead the student body.
Anna has learnt to live with anxiety and said the support from Benenden has been pivotal.
She said: “Every single one of my matrons and Housemistresses have been amazing, along with incredible support from the Academic Support team, with teachers and tutors.
“They have all helped me as I have made sure anxiety doesn’t get the better of me.
“Every time it would flare up or get bad there were loads of people who would help me. I wouldn’t have done what I’ve done today without the support of everyone at School over the years.”
Asked for any advice for others living with anxiety, Anna said: “Over the years what I have learnt more than anything else is that any worry or anxiety will always fester and get worse if you don’t tell someone. Often you can be your own worst enemy and speaking to someone else can help put things in perspective.
“Find a trusted adult to reach to for that support.”
Anna is now looking forward to three years at Oxford and is pragmatic about a future career path, saying: “I love History and wanted to continue to do something I really enjoyed doing at School. It’ll be nice to see how things progress.”
Firstly, though, she is looking forward to celebrating with friends from Benenden in London!
Join us for our Sixth Form Open Event on Thursday 10 September.