Ratcliffe Language Scholar gains place at Oxford University

Congratulations to Year 13 language student, Humzah Ali, who has been offered a place at Oxford University to read French! At Ratcliffe College we pride ourselves on Encouraging Big Ideas and we are extremely proud of him for being offered a place at such a prestigious university on a much-coveted course.

Humzah said: “It all feels a little surreal, I don’t think the news has fully sunk in yet! I have always been fascinated by languages, growing up as part of a multilingual family. For me, language is an integral part of my own culture, with a role in shaping my identity; So I am really happy to take my studies further in this field”

Headmaster Jonathan Reddin said: “His offer is very well deserved as he has worked conscientiously throughout the various interruptions to his education brought about by the pandemic. Despite learning remotely for much of Year 12, he has demonstrated exceptional resilience and fortitude to hold on to and achieve his ‘big idea’ – Well done.”

It is no surprise that Humzah has been doing so well in his studies, he clearly has a thirst for knowledge and a drive to improve his language skills, even reading novels and studying films in French. He took part in the Business Language Challenge and participated in the Model United Nations last year, representing the school with great distinction at the conference in Bath. He is also, unsurprisingly, a Language Ambassador, and contributed to an excellent whole school assembly to celebrate International Day of Languages last term.

Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Mrs Cushing said: “Students like Humzah are like a gift, Mrs Crebbin and I are privileged to have played a part in nurturing his exceptional linguistic talents. We are sure he will thrive amongst like-minded students at Oxford, where he will learn and continue to grow with the very best”.  

Humzah is a recipient of a Sir Thomas White Scholarship. The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) awards scholarships to a limited number of exceptional students who achieve a high standard of academic performance. Ratcliffe College has a track record of successful students who have been awarded the scholarship and attained places at high profile universities.

Humzah said: “Being a Sir Thomas White Scholar allowed me to take advantage of the many opportunities offered at Ratcliffe. It has enabled me to move outside of my comfort zone and excel in my linguistic competence. I’m really hoping long term to study at Masters level in the future.”

If you’re inspired by Humzah’s story, you may be interested in our forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 6th March 2021 so click here to book your place and find out more about all aspects of Ratcliffe College life.