Three pupils from an independent school in Bradford hope to secure jobs in the medical profession after receiving support from assisted places.
Saffah Farooq, Ans Muhammed and Nouman Zahid are hoping to secure professions in dentistry and medicine thanks to the places at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), which are being sponsored by Sovereign Health Care in Bradford.
Saffah, 17, of Bradford, is studying for A Levels in biology, chemistry, maths and an EPQ (extended project qualification). Ans, 17, of Huddersfield, joined BGS in Year 12 from Heckmondwike Grammar School and is studying for A Levels in biology, chemistry and RE. Nouman is studying for A Levels in chemistry, physics, biology and maths and joined the school from Dixons City Academy in Bradford. Nouman has aspirations of becoming a neurological surgeon.
These funded places gave three students, who would never normally have been able to pursue an education in the independent sector, a chance at an award-winning school.
The places do more than provide access to an outstanding education – they also open up access to a network of supportive peers and alumni. We wish Saffah, Ans and Nouman every success in achieving their dreams and forging fulfilling medical careers
– Lindsey Davis, Bradford Grammar School
Saffah said: “I was so happy to get a place. I never thought I’d study at a private school and it brought a lot of happiness to all of my family, especially my dad who’s had to endure chemotherapy and has been in and out of hospital.
“My mum encouraged me to keep focused and work hard. I was nervous before joining but the people were really welcoming and the teachers were all nice. You get a lot of support from the teachers to help you succeed, especially if you find something difficult.
“With everything going on with dad it’s made me even more certain that I want a career in medicine.”
Lindsey Davis, development director at BGS, said: “We are so grateful to Sovereign Health Care who have funded these assisted places. They, and many of our Old Bradfordians and other organisations, make a huge difference to the lives of young people by funding assisted places to attend BGS.
“The places do more than provide access to an outstanding education – they also open up access to a network of supportive peers and alumni. We wish Saffah, Ans and Nouman every success in achieving their dreams and forging fulfilling medical careers.”
According to the latest annual ISC Census, £440 million was provided in means-tested fee assistance for pupils at ISC schools. Nearly half of all pupils on means-tested bursaries have more than half of their fees remitted. The total value of means-tested bursaries and scholarships has increased by £175m since 2011.
Russ Piper, chief executive at Sovereign Health Care, said: “By providing this assistance, not only does it give these three young people a tremendous opportunity in their own lives, we are hopeful their chosen careers will make a real difference to many more people in the future. While Sovereign has provided the assistance, the hard work and dedication is all their own and we wish all three the very best as they embark on their final year of A levels.”
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