Mimi

Mimi achieved A*A*A*A at A level and will be doing an Engineering Apprenticeship at the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.

I’m heading to the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, something I’d been working towards for a while. Christ’s Hospital’s partnership with Dyson first introduced me to the course and I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to apply for that one day.’ The application process was challenging, but the support from staff was incredible. Teachers gave up evenings to read personal statements, run interview practice and help me prepare for every stage.

Engineering has been one of the defining parts of my time here. It began with an active which encouraged you to sign up and try things. At the time, I was doing Community Action in a care home and noticed that many residents struggled with dementia. I designed a timed medicine dispenser that could help people remember when to take their medication. That project sparked a love of solving real-world problems and led me to the Science and Engineering Club. Whenever I thought of something interesting, I’d take it to the teachers and ask, ‘Do you think I could make this?’ They always encouraged me to try.

My biggest project was CanSat, a national engineering competition to design and build a working satellite small enough to fit inside a drink can. It was actually my idea to enter. None of us had done anything like it before, but with an incredibly dedicated teacher supporting us, we reached the national finals and won the award for Highest Technical Achievement. What I loved most was that the school trusted us to take an idea and make it happen.

Sport has been equally important, particularly netball, which I’ve fallen in love with, captaining the Second Team this year. I also tried triple jump. I’d never done it before, but I went on to qualify for the county championships. What I really appreciated was that you could try something completely new and nobody would tell you that you weren’t good enough. If you wanted to learn, people were willing to teach you.

I surprised myself by joining Gospel Choir. I’m almost completely deaf in my left ear, so singing wasn’t something I ever imagined I’d enjoy, but it led to unforgettable performances at the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.

I’ve loved taking on leadership roles as house captain, EDI monitor and peer mentor. Recently, we have been working with the Church of England on proposals to tackle racial injustice. Being involved in conversations like that has been an incredible opportunity and has taught me confidence, organisation and the importance of giving something back.

I genuinely believe this is one of the most special places imaginable because everyone here is passionate about something. The students are extraordinary, the teachers genuinely care about their work and the traditions create a sense of identity that is unlike anything else. The uniform, the marching, the traditions. People often say they’re strange, but that’s exactly what makes them wonderful.

Coming here doesn’t just feel like going to school for seven years. It feels like gaining a whole new part of your identity. It’s an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.