Ark Putney Academy

'I want to thank all my teachers who were so helpful’

Student Daria joined Ark Putney during Key Stage 4 late, as a refugee from Ukraine. Despite having As a result, she was only able to access a limited number of GCSE subjects, including foundation level science. It was, however, her ambition to pursue studies in Biology at University. , and she has been supported from the by 6th sixth form staff, and demonstrating exceptional perseverance, she took to access science at A Level and today. Today she celebrates an incredible 4 A*s and a place at Durham University to study Biology she says ‘I’m still trying to process this. Even though the exams were stressful I tried my best and made sure I was confident in my topics. I am really interested in life sciences but chose Biology as it acknowledges all concepts. I want to thank all my teachers who were so helpful’.

Ronaya says ‘I am so grateful to the donors for this opportunity. The bursary was so motivating to pursue more. I can’t wait to start my journey at University’.

Ronaya Gayle is a £9k Ark Bursary winner looking forward to studying Radiography. Ronaya began living independently in the Summer of Y12, managing a rigorous A Level timetable with significant personal and family difficulties. The bursary is a significant sum that can be put towards tuition, accommodation or cost of living fees.

He says ‘if it wasn’t for the help of my teachers across academics, destinations and pastoral I genuinely wouldn’t be here today. I was reluctant to tell Universities about my stutter ahead of my interviews, but I made sure I owned it on the day and advocated for myself. For anyone in a similar situation applying next year, please be brave!’

Cear is another £9k Ark Bursary winner celebrating AAB grade. Cear has overcome significant economic hardship in addition to speech and language challenges. Refusing to let this be a barrier, he fearlessly tackled numerous interviews and UCAT exams head on. He is looking forward to starting a Dentistry course at Kings College London in September.

She says ‘I am really looking forward to building on my knowledge of business and finance at Nottingham University. I really feel like my course has prepared me well for university as I am constantly working on technical units, collaborating and presenting with peers. I really want to dispel the myth that you can’t get into a Russell Group with a BTEC. I am so happy that my teachers were so supportive’.

Business BTEC student Dorothy celebrates Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction for her triple qualification. She is one of many Business students progressing on to Russell Group Universities in September.

She says, ‘Throughout 6th form I had the opportunity to meet employers, try different work experience placements and consider different pathways helping me to realise that an apprenticeship was the right one for me. I am really excited for the opportunity to grow and develop new skills and find my specialism within insurance’

Student Hana Ayache will be joined QBE Insurance Group as an apprentice Underwriter in September 2025.