Raffy

Christ’s Hospital is proud to celebrate Raffy, a leaving Grecian (Year 13) who has achieved an outstanding four A*s at A level and secured an offer to study Geography at the University of Cambridge.

‘I have loved my time at CH. I have been a boarder and a day pupil. Boarding is fun and you get incredibly close to your friends. There is always something going on. It is full-on and I have many great memories of Saturday nights, random adventures around the site and hilarious moments with friends. CH has allowed me to be busy, challenged and connected all at once.

Music and sport
‘I arrived focused purely on sport, but CH has helped me discover music, develop academically and gain a broader view of life and the world. When I saw the bands here, Marching Band, Big Band and everything else, something just clicked. If I had gone to a different school, I doubt I would be involved in music at all, but here, it has given me structure, discipline and joy. I’ve loved performing. The Lord Mayor’s Show, where we performed in front of thousands of people in London, was a real highlight, but I also loved our Big Band concerts, especially one in Greater Erasmus where I had a solo.

‘Being Head Drummer last year was a big challenge, but also incredibly fulfilling. It has taught me leadership and how to bring people of different skill levels together. Similarly, being a Monitor helped me refine my time management skills and gave me new friendships, although one of the most rewarding aspects has been engaging with younger students.

‘Cricket has also become a real passion. I have been Captain of the First XI, which has been challenging but fun. We have not always won, so when we did, it was especially sweet. I am also really proud of my Steeplechase wins. I won in Upper Fourth, Deputy Grecians and in Grecians. Running was not something I came here loving, but I have really embraced it.

TikTok fame
‘After chapel one day I got asked to help film a video. I agreed, and somehow that five-second TikTok clip went viral. It now has more than 55 million views. It is fascinating to see what goes viral and why, although I do not actually use TikTok myself.

Last words of advice
‘My advice to anyone just starting at CH is to take every opportunity. Not everything will work out, but the more you put yourself forward, the more you will gain, from friends to skills to experiences.’