Taylor’s Story

KAA alumnus Taylor, was supported by the Bridging Project, a new initiative set up by KAA teacher Phoebe Praill in 2019, to prevent vulnerable students from dropping out of their first year at university, through regular advice and mentoring.

Taylor at Oxford

We have seed-funded the Bridging Project since its inception to support the transition of over 30 students from KAA into university, many of whom are the first in their families to do so.

“The Bridging Project has enabled me to experience the full potential of university life, in a smart and proactive way, and I would even go so far as to suggest that through our one-on-one meetings in a relaxed, and comfortable environment that Phoebe has become a valued friend, and unwavering source of encouragement and motivation.”

Oxford might seem elusive, and very prestigious to anyone who doesn’t go, but after my first term I can assure you it is anything but. Oxford was always my lifelong dream, since I knew what university, or further education was, and I cannot express enough how important it is to chase those dreams – when you get to a position when you actually achieve something after a life of work and dedication, it is incomprehensible.

There are a plethora of events and societies for people to join, which help commandeer your social life perfectly, meeting people from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. For me, I found my place in sport, such as Rugby, and Aikido which has allowed me to get more involved in other aspects of university life outside of the work, and libraries - which is incredibly important as it’s so easy to get bogged down in work, staying away from things you enjoy.

University, particularly Oxford, is a place for you to truly discover yourself and figure out what you really find exciting. Phoebe, or Ms. Praill, has initiated her Bridging Project since September, and I can’t quite express how invaluable it is: not only are you stripped of the adolescent treatment of school, but it has helped me academically, socially and financially, all of which are imperatives for university.

She is an indispensable source of support, encouraging you to do things that are necessary, but might make you slightly uncomfortable - for me it was organising meetings, and making contact with pastoral support around my college at Oxford. My transition to university has become far easier, and a lot more fluid, since her Project’s support, providing me with a solid constant that I could return to if any issues arose.”

Read more about the Bridging Project and other projects supporting vulnerable students.