Bursary opportunities ‘can break down barriers to social mobility’

BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES can only help in breaking down barriers around social mobility, Blaine Thomas says today, as he is offered a place at one of the world’s best universities.

The Bradford teenager, who until the age of 14 lived in an area rated among the country’s most disadvantaged, says he could never have imagined a chance at an independent education.

And while it should never matter what kind of school you go to, he stresses, he believes the scholarship has helped when it comes to confidence and a support team.

“The Oxford interview was quite daunting,” he says. “More than anything it was that support which encouraged me not to feel overwhelmed by the big buildings, or scary professors.

“The preparation, and the support system, is what stands out,” he adds. “I don’t think that it should make a difference what type of school you go to. It’s the opportunities you get, that prepare you for the interview. I had so many people that wanted to help me, in preparing for an environment that I wouldn’t necessarily be prepared for.”

Blaine joined Bradford Grammar School on an assisted place in the sixth form, becoming head boy within just months after being nominated by his fellow students and teachers.

It has always been his ambition to attend Oxford University. He now has an offer, conditional on his achieving three As in History, Politics and Literature.

“I never really thought this school was somewhere I would go to, but my mum said I might as well give it a try,” he says. “I had to work hard, to get the place. I was required to get six [grade] eights, which was quite hard. I am glad that I came.

“I’ve always known I had high ambitions for myself, for my future,” he adds. “Opportunities like the bursary can only drive forward that social mobility.”

Bradford Grammar School says it has ambitious plans to increase its assisted places provision so that more students like Blaine can inspire the next generation. Dr Simon Hinchliffe, the school’s headmaster, said: “A good education can transform the prospects of young people which is why we strive to help as many as possible.

“Only with the support of partners, including existing and prospective benefactors, are we be able to make a difference to children of great potential who are keen to attend BGS.

“We’re so delighted Blaine has been offered a place at Oxford University. It is richly deserved.”