Outstanding academic success for Wellington College Bursary Scholars

After an unprecedented few years in the UKs education system, two remarkable pupils from Wellington College, Berkshire, have achieved the ultimate outcome in their A Levels.

Alexandra Tiantova and Thierry White are both Prince Albert Foundation scholars at Wellington College. The Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) aims to widen participation to families who would not normally consider, or be able to access, independent education, and for whom the College can offer a genuine shift in opportunity.

Alexandra achieved A Level results A* A* A for Economics, Art History and Politics. She outstripped the grades required to attend St Andrew’s University from September 2022 to read International Relations. She is also awaiting the outcome of her application to Cambridge University to read HSPS (Human, Social and Political Sciences).

When she was in Year 11, Alexandra was competing for her then state school, Collingwood College, in a debating competition when she was spotted by Wellington College’s Head of Sixth Form, who encouraged her to apply for the PAF programme. Alex secured her place and arrived as a day student but moved to boarding in February of her Lower Sixth year.

The Prince Albert Foundation offers a breadth of extra-curricular opportunities, alongside additional pastoral support and access to further academic tuition. Alex played trumpet and euphonium for the Wellington College Concert orchestra and participated in inter-school debating, and, during her Upper Sixth year engaged with academic support, including 1:1 tuition and the Easter Revision course, enabling her to achieve these impressive results.

Alexandra commented on her experience of the PAF programme: "I have never seen a programme like it before. The support was unbelievable. When I needed somebody to help there was always someone I could turn to academically or personally. They supported me in every way possible. The Prince Albert Foundation programme has been my gateway to university and I would not have got these grades without their support."

Alexandra went on to talk about her hopes for the future: "The dream is to work hard at university and get good grades there. Then I hope to go on to a career in politics and create some sort of positive change in the world."

Thierry White, from South London, who is a talented rugby player and played hooker for London Irish Academy, joined the PAF programme in the Lower Sixth Form. He achieved A Level results of A* A* A for Biology, Economics and Maths and has secured a place at Bath University to read Accounting and Finance.

Thierry commented on his experience of the PAF programme: "The extra support you get on the PAF programme is something special. Wellington has given me the best opportunity to achieve well in my academics as well as a balanced life outside the classroom."

The College offers 25 PAF scholarships per year and is on target to have 40 PAF scholars at the College by September 2025.

If you meet the criteria and are interested in applying for the Prince Albert Foundation please visit www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/admissions/bursaries/