Amer

Amer is going to Cambridge University to read Natural Sciences, having achieved A*A*A*A   at A level.

I’ve been at Christ’s Hospital for seven years. Growing up in inner-city London meant coming here was a real breath of fresh air – quite literally. The traditions never put me off. In fact, I quite liked the idea of wearing a uniform and feeling part of something.

Before coming here, I’d never played an instrument and didn’t really expect to. I thought about learning the piano, but there was a waiting list, so when my teacher mentioned there was a space for trombone, I simply thought, ‘I’ll play the trombone then.’

That one decision completely changed my school experience. Five years later, I achieved my ARSM Diploma, a performance qualification roughly equivalent to first-year undergraduate level. Most people take around ten years to reach that stage. Learning to balance music with my studies taught me discipline, while playing in London and touring Europe gave me opportunities I never expected to have.

Leadership has also become an important part of my time here too. As house captain and later EDI monitor, I’ve enjoyed supporting younger students and helping contribute to school life. It’s been my way of giving something back to a school that has given so much to me.

Another unexpected opportunity came when I was sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Salters for my studies in chemistry. I wasn’t even planning to study chemistry at A level when I received the email telling me I’d been selected. That support encouraged me to explore the subject more deeply and ultimately led me towards Cambridge.

A few years ago, I would have never imagined that going to Cambridge would be a possibility. The university application process was challenging, but the support from my teachers was extraordinary. They helped me prepare for admissions tests, interviews and introduced me to people who had studied the course before me. By the time I pressed submit, I knew I’d done everything I possibly could. When I found out I’d been offered a place, I was completely stunned.

One image sums up my journey here perfectly. Growing up in East London, I used to cycle through the City without ever knowing what was behind the doors of its historic buildings. Today, I march through those same streets in Tudor uniform, playing the trombone with Christ’s Hospital.

For me, that’s what the school is all about. It’s a place where opportunity is open to everyone, whatever their background. You don’t have to arrive knowing exactly who you want to be. If you embrace what’s on offer, you’ll probably discover interests and abilities you never knew you had.

I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with ambitious people who make the most of opportunities and encourage you to do the same. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.