Assisted Place student Courtney Ellis-Stoneman realised her dream of attending Cambridge University after securing an assisted place at BGS.

Courtney 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, enquired at BGS about her daughter attending the school on an assisted place and the family were delighted on results day when they discovered Courtney’s hard work had paid off.

The teenager received 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: “I’m so happy I got the grades I needed to take up my place at Cambridge. 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.” Mum, Tracey, said: “I realised when Courtney was only young that she was about four or five years further ahead than any of her classmates. When she joined BGS, everyone was lovely. 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.”