News Stories

We were pleased to welcome two Harris alumni, Manelle from Harris Rainham and Leanne from Harris Riverside, to Harris Academy Rainham this week. They returned to lead inspiring assemblies for our Year 10 and Year 11 students.

Both Manelle and Leanne shared their personal stories of perseverance, dedication, and ambition that took them from Harris Academies to being accepted into Oxford University, where they will begin their undergraduate studies this September. Their journeys highlighted the importance of setting ambitious goals, working hard, and believing in your own potential.

The assemblies not only inspired our younger students to aim high but also provided practical insights into what it takes to apply and succeed at top-tier institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. Manelle and Leanne spoke about the academic standards, personal qualities, and preparation required for Oxbridge universities, giving our students invaluable advice on how to start preparing now.

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Year 11 workshop

In addition to the assemblies, Manelle and Leanne led a special workshop for a group of Year 11 students who aspire to attend Russell Group universities, or even Oxford or Cambridge themselves. The workshop offered a more in-depth discussion on the application process, personal statements, and how to stand out as a candidate for these prestigious universities.

Some of the questions students asked include:

• ‘How did you prepare for the interviews?’
• ‘What revision techniques have you found most effective to help you be successful?’
• ‘How do Oxford and Cambridge differ?’
• ‘Do Oxford favour certain A-level subjects for specific course and in general?’
• ‘What advice would you like to have been told when you were in Y11?’
• ‘Are work placements important on your personal statement?’
• ‘Do you have to do a law degree to become a lawyer?’
• ‘Did you find Sixth Form College more intense than school?’

Feedback from both the assembly and the workshop has been overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed that they feel more informed, inspired, and better prepared to pursue higher education, including applying to prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and other top universities.

We are incredibly grateful to Manelle and Leanne for taking the time to return and share their experiences with our students. Their success serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. We hope their stories inspire the next generation of Harris students to believe they can become by pursuing their goals with confidence.