Sam shares his CH story

For a lot of people in my neighbourhood, the opportunities I have received at CH would be simply unattainable in ordinary circumstances. Growing up in London, I am well aware of the lack of opportunity for a lot of children just like myself, through no fault of their own. Had it not been for CH, I would never have had the chance to discover my passion for rugby or my deep interest in politics, as the resources needed to cultivate these interests are unfortunately unavailable to a large number of children. CH has opened doors of opportunity to me that beforehand I did not even know existed.

What strikes me about CH is how true the School has stayed to its original purpose; no matter what race, class or ethnicity we are, we are all equal and given the same life changing opportunities regardless of our family’s household income. This is something that is truly unique and makes CH such a distinct institution.

However, the impact CH has had on me is not wholly academic – I have especially benefited from the numerous sports teams I have been involved in. Last year the 1^st XV had a remarkable season, reaching the semi-final of a national competition. However, for me, the value gained from this experience was not the final match but rather the journey to the final match. I took away crucial lessons about teamwork and cooperation as well as perseverance both physically and mentally. These are important principles I have been able to apply to other areas of my life at CH.

Growing up in a boarding house, you naturally overtime grow a strong personal connection with the house and more importantly, the people you within it.  I found there was always a strong sentiment of comradery and unity which I valued greatly and benefited from personally. And so, in my last year in Maine A, being appointed house captain was a truly humbling but also a very proud moment for myself. Being a monitor (school prefect) has afforded me a privileged position to be a mouthpiece for the extended pupil body. In doing this, I have been able to learn key lessons about teamwork and leadership through enacting different initiatives the monitor group has thought of. Receiving the Academic Scholarship in Philosophy was a great achievement for me as it has helped me to further push my academic inquiry whilst also granting me special privileges such as having a private audience with very established philosophers like Dr. Stacie Friend who came to give a lecture in the Michaelmas Term. I have found these opportunities extremely enriching and educative.

One of the greatest opportunities I have received at CH is the exposure to the vastly diverse school community. It is this diversity that has helped me to greatly expand my worldview and appreciation for different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. In this way CH is a truly special place as the education it gives you stretches far beyond your academic subjects. The vast choice of extracurricular activities has been a great benefit for me. Through my participation in various extracurricular activities such as: The Model United Nations, CCF and the Band have each provided a unique learning experience that has helped me to become a more faceted person.

Due to the highly competent and passionate teachers at CH, I have always felt supported in an academic sense as their consistent commitment has meant that throughout my time at CH, any academic support I needed was readily and gladly given. However, the strong community ethos of the school has meant that I have been able to develop myself into a more conscientious and caring person.

Countless times at CH I have found myself very much in the deep end, totally out of comfort zone, whether it is starting my first match for the 1^st XV Rugby team, or delivering my first speech at MUN or my first time marching out with the band; these challenging experiences have molded me into a more ambitious and resilient character by giving me the opportunity to learn how to embrace new and initially daunting experiences.

CH as an institution has opened an expansive network of support which have helped me gain deeper insights into the various industries that I am interested in entering. Old Blues are always very keen to assist in any way they can, even if that is just giving advice from their own experiences.

I believe that the academic rigor encouraged from a young age at CH has pushed me to be more inquisitive and taught me to really challenge myself to broaden my current understanding of not only academic subjects but of the world around us. I think these traits will be indispensable in any career area and I feel CH has really equipped me well with these skills.

I hope to read politics and international relations at university and then undergo training with the end goal to become a barrister. More importantly, I wish to be in a position where I can provide support to CH and its future pupils in the same way I have been supported.

You can give more young people like Sam the opportunity of a CH education. Donate today, or contact the Development Office via 01403 246570 or email for more information.