Disrupting the Pattern 2025‍

Mahdeia Hidary

I am incredibly grateful for and have thoroughly enjoyed every second at Trinity. I had never experienced such dedicated teachers or the positive work ethic that was apparent in every lesson at Trinity. I have wanted to attend Trinity since visiting in year 5 with my primary school. However, there were two main hurdles – one that I was a girl and would have to wait until sixth form and then the financial aspect of an independent school. I anxiously awaited for the email that confirmed I was awarded a bursary rather than my acceptance letter. Without the bursary award, I would not have been able to attend trinity and in turn get into Cambridge. I don’t mean it lightly when I say that attending Trinity taught me so much. Alongside my academic subjects, I could try as many extra curriculars as I wanted in a welcoming and safe environment. I loved learning to sing and joining in the professional level choirs, or planning stargazing evenings for the lower school and being able to try out squash.

My main worry before joining Trinity was the other students. I was nervous due to the different financial backgrounds and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to relate. But I didn’t realise that many students come from state schools in sixth form (possible statistic) and we were all just young adults with similar interests. Everyone was supportive of each other and I felt very close to my classmates who are now some of my best friends. I never felt disadvantaged by being a bursary student or that I was previously at a state school. It simply didn’t matter. My teachers were more than willing to help and with the additional lessons they provided, I quickly adjusted and came to love Trinity.

Ms Geldeard said on our first day that I hope sixth form will be an enjoyable experience despite its challenges but I can proudly say that for me, it has been the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my education. I am incredibly thankful for the bursary scheme as it made a huge impact on my life and I know, from experience, that it will continue to change the future of many more students.