Sarah, a bright student from Westcliff High for Girls, initially aspired to study medicine at Oxford. However, her journey at Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (The NCS) redirected her passion towards law. Our holistic approach to education, including the Super Curriculum classes, and NCS Law School introduced Sarah to the captivating world of law. The NCS Law School provided interactions with barristers further solidified her interest.
Our supportive environment, coupled with a plethora of guest lectures and work experiences, such as her time at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, allowed Sarah to delve deep into areas like immigration law and intellectual property. The unique teaching methods at The NCS, such as the “no hands up” approach, not only enriched her academic experience but also prepared her for professional challenges. Furthermore, the guidance she received for her US university applications was invaluable, culminating in a prestigious offer from Stanford University in America.
Reflecting on her transformative journey, Sarah states, “Being at The NCS just gives you a different outlook on the world. Before joining The NCS I never thought I would have been able to get into Stanford. But now I realise if you have enough confidence and if you have enough people in support of you, you can do anything. When I look back in ten years I’m really going to think about all of the opportunities that The NCS gave me.”
Dawood’s journey at The NCS was transformative. Joining from Ilford County, he was initially drawn to our modern approach to learning, notably the use of iPads, which not only streamlined his academic process but also facilitated remote learning after school hours. Beyond the technological advantages, The NCS provided Dawood with a community of like-minded individuals, all driven by high aspirations and mutual support. The dedicated teachers, who often went above and beyond, played a pivotal role in his academic and personal growth.
Our comprehensive Oxbridge supervision, ranging from exam preparation to interview training with external professionals, was instrumental in Dawood’s successful application to study physics and philosophy at Oxford’s Balliol College. Furthermore, the holistic approach to education we offer was evident in the NCS Finance School, where Dawood gained invaluable experience presenting to board members of a prestigious banking institution, and their emphasis on work-life balance and well-being support, ensuring students like Dawood thrived without the risk of burnout.
“After seeing all the help that was given… it certainly made me think that maybe it isn’t so scary after all and I can do this.”
Sophia’s journey at The NCS was inspirational. Initially unsure about joining, she was drawn to our rigorous academic program and its reputation for breaking down societal and internal barriers. The NCS not only provided her with a robust academic foundation but also nurtured her self-confidence and self-esteem. Surrounded by uplifting peers and supportive teachers, she learned to overcome her internal barriers and realise her true potential.
The NCS Law School, with its dedicated law programme, played a pivotal role in solidifying her passion for the subject. Experiences like the Gray’s Inn programme demystified the legal sector for her, making prolific positions and careers more accessible. The NCS also changed her perspective on Oxbridge, breaking down misconceptions and showcasing the success of alumni with backgrounds similar to hers. Throughout her time, the personalised and student-centric approach of the institution, combined with the unwavering support of her teachers, both academically and pastorally, guided her towards her goals.
“Through talking to teachers, through talking to peers, being surrounded by peers that are uplifting and also have these really amazing goals, you can learn to remove those barriers from yourself and excel.”
Jumoke’s time at The NCS fostered discipline, passion, and Oxford aspirations. From a student who was unsure about her career path and battled with procrastination, she evolved into a confident and self-assured individual, ready to tackle the challenges of the world. The NCS’s holistic approach to education, with its emphasis on passion-driven teaching, played a pivotal role in her growth. Teachers at The NCS are not just interested in their subjects; they exude a raw passion that inspires students like Jumoke to delve deeper into their studies.
Our unique programmes, such as the Emerging Talent Programme, allowed her to explore various fields, ultimately guiding her towards her true calling. Furthermore, the etiquette classes and networking opportunities equipped her with the skills to navigate unfamiliar environments with grace and confidence. The unwavering support from her teachers, both inside and outside the classroom, coupled with the school’s nurturing environment, instilled in her the courage to dream big and apply to prestigious institutions like Oxford.
Jumoke’s time at The NCS can be best encapsulated in her own words: “Two years ago, I would have never dreamt of applying to Oxford. What changed that here at my time at NCS was the mindset of just give something a try. Just give it a go. Try your best and see how it works out.”
Joining The NCS from Westcliff High for Girls with an impressive array of GCSE results (9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8), Anna’s journey with us has been nothing short of transformative. Initially drawn by our renowned track record of sending students to Oxbridge, she found much more than just academic rigour. The holistic approach to A Level education we focus on, encompassing super curricular sessions, workshops, and the elite university preparation, allowed her to delve deep into subjects beyond the standard curriculum. These sessions, particularly in politics, expanded her understanding of thinkers like Locke and Hobbes, challenging her to critically analyse the world around her.
The NCS’s unique teaching style, emphasising dialogue over one-way instruction, fostered a space where Anna could engage in meaningful conversations, refining her perspectives and honing her critical thinking skills. Moreover, our emphasis on employability skills and work experiences, such as internships at investment banks, provided Anna with invaluable insights into her chosen career path. Through The NCS, Anna not only solidified her academic aspirations but also developed a comprehensive understanding of her place in the world. Reflecting on her time, Anna states,
“The way that we work here is that it’s more of a conversation between the teachers and the students… They give us a rebuttal and challenge us on our thinking, which really helps you to grow as a critical thinker.”
Yusuf’s journey at The NCS was marked by a blend of rigorous academic preparation and unparalleled extracurricular opportunities. With a burning ambition to secure a place at Oxbridge, he found The NCS’s specialised Oxbridge supervisions invaluable. These sessions, led by teachers who themselves had experienced the Oxbridge journey, provided him with the depth of understanding and the ability to articulate complex academic concepts, essential for the challenging Oxbridge interviews.
Beyond the classroom, Yusuf’s experience was enriched by unique programmes tailored by The NCS in collaboration with renowned firms like Baker McKenzie. These programmes not only broadened his horizons but also equipped him with experiences that would set him apart in future endeavors. As he reflects on his time, Yusuf notes:
“All the programmes I did, I didn’t know that the NCS offered that level of programme. And so doing that, that set me up quite well for after university.”
Darshana’s journey at The NCS has been transformative. Joining from Seven Kings High with an impressive academic record, she sought an environment that would challenge her intellectually and surround her with like-minded peers. The NCS not only met but exceeded her expectations. Here, she found a consistent and structured curriculum, where every lesson was synchronised across classes, fostering collaboration among students.
The passionate educators at The NCS played a pivotal role in her academic and personal growth. Particularly, her physics teacher’s dedication and the university-style lectures on advanced topics solidified her love for physics, leading her to pursue it at the university level. Beyond the classroom, we provided Darshana with invaluable experiences, from the Higher Education Day that clarified her academic aspirations to mentorship opportunities and industry trips that broadened her horizons. The unwavering support and the myriad of opportunities at The NCS have not only refined Darshana’s academic pursuits but also reshaped her outlook on life.
“NCS is an educational institution where there are so many academically gifted people in so many different arts and sciences, and it’s really just a place for everyone to collaborate and just share their opinions and feelings without being judged in any way.”
Judith arrived at The NCS with a strong academic foundation but an uncertainty about her path in the STEM field. While she initially leaned towards mathematics, her experiences at The NCS, from the diverse programmes to the passionate teaching staff, shifted her focus towards physics. The holistic approach to education at The NCS, which went beyond mere exam preparation, allowed Judith to explore areas of physics she hadn’t known about before via our Engineering School.
This exploration, combined with the school’s emphasis on seizing opportunities and its supportive environment, transformed Judith’s perspective on education. She became more confident, willing to take risks, and eager to delve deeper into subjects. The NCS’s unique approach, which included exposure to opportunities like Project X and research placements, and our elite university preparation broadened her horizons and prepared her for the global stage, culminating in an offer from NYU.
Judith’s time at The NCS was marked by growth, both academically and personally. Our culture of passion for subjects, combined with a community of like-minded peers, cultivated her interests and made her value education in a new light. As Judith reflects on her transformative journey, she states,
“If there was one major thing that I learnt from the NCS is, if I wasn’t struggling or if I wasn’t scared to do something, then I wasn’t pushing myself hard enough.”
Earlier this year we were visited by the team from the Good Schools Guide, the notable publication that’s written by educational experts, for parents.
Below are a few quotes from their report on the work we’re doing to raise student ambitions and affect social mobility in our community.