Hannah-Maria’s Story (LHS 2021)
Hannah-Maria joined LHS in Year 7 and became Head Girl while navigating her A-Levels during the pandemic. All of this was made possible with thanks to a bursary Hannah-Maria received. Since leaving the High School Hannah-Maria has taken a gap year and is now ready to settle in to her first year at the University of Edinburgh to study Medicine.
“Loughborough High School gave the best school experience I could have asked for, and it has enabled me to be able to try out lots of new things I wouldn’t have done in other schools. Some of these were extra-curricular, but others were subjects like Latin and classics. If I weren’t off to Edinburgh to study medicine, I could definitely see myself pursuing classics.
One of the greatest things about Loughborough High School, and my opportunity to go to school there, would have to be the incredible teachers you get taught by. No other school could rival the fun and passion for the subjects that the teachers inspired in me and the joy that I got to experience in learning.
The school does so much more than just teach well. The things that have given me the fondest memories, apart from the amazing friendships I’ve made, would have to be the house events and inter-form competitions. There’s nothing quite like getting together as a year to have a (albeit mostly freestyle) dance, dodgeball, or iMovie competition, where everyone probably gets slightly too invested and competitive. You can imagine how this helped us to bond as a year group, which you really can’t underestimate the value of.
Loughborough was a place where I was able to work hard but there was always a sense of fun, creativity and enthusiasm for education and learning; having since met people who have not had this environment, I feel even more aware of this. The school feels like a family, and I especially experienced this when my family’s financial circumstances changed. Following conversations with the school I was able to continue because the alumni chose to invest in me through a bursary. I suppose I have been especially aware of the responsibility of receiving this and have been grateful to those who made this happen.
I’m just starting my first year of studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh, which is so exciting and I’m sure it’s largely been possible because of my education at Loughborough High School. I feel a more rounded person because of having been to Loughborough High School and am ready for this next challenge. I am so thankful for those who have generously supported the bursary scheme and helped me get into med school.
Education is one of the greatest legacies of our country, and I personally cannot imagine being without my time in Loughborough. The bursaries you are providing do change people’s lives and help them actually feel like they can work towards what and who they aspire to be.”
"Hannah-Maria flourished during her time at Loughborough High School and has been able to be more herself because of the school environment. There are so many unbelievably special teachers who inspired us too - even though we are just the parents. More than anything we have appreciated the high level of challenge combined with such a sense of fun and enthusiasm, simply because the school backs itself in what it is doing. We are so grateful to the school for making it possible for her to carry on with her studies, despite a financially challenging time for us as a family."
Hannah-Maria’s time at LHS was supported by a bursary funded by alumni and friends. More information on bursaries and their impact can be found on our website.
