Two Newham Six Form College (NewVIc) students supported by a special programme to eliminate social disadvantage have won places in Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

Craig Bukenya and Aisha Rashid, both 17, are A Levels students; Craig in English Literature, Philosophy and Sociology, and Aisha in History, Psychology and Biology. They are both part of the NewVIc Honours Programme, which supports and prepares students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds with high academic potential in their applications to elite universities.

Craig was offered a place at Cambridge University’s Homerton College where he will be studying Education, International Development and Policy. Aisha will be studying Classics at Worcester College, Oxford University.

Craig said:

I could not be happier. My mum literally started crying when I told her. Getting this offer was heavily characterised by a great deal of hard work, perseverance and faith. I set my sights on Cambridge, right at the beginning of Year 12.

Craig, who aims to make a career in politics so he can work on the issues in the educational system and influence its policy making, is the first child in his family to get a chance to study in a university from the prestigious Russell Group. Aisha is the second.

She said: “I am very excited! I was hugely shocked when I received the offer as I was convinced I would be rejected, and it still hasn’t sunk in yet. I was competing with private school students and I thought my interviews did not go great.”

Carina Ancell, Honours Programme Manager and Teacher of History, said: “Being an Oxford University alumni myself, I have been able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the students directly which has benefitted them all.”

The Newham Six Form College has recently announced another initiative that aims to support more students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds into academic and professional success. A five-year partnership with the University of Law will allow a £1,000 scholarship to one student each year and support them with their higher education progress.

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