From a College Open Day to Oxford

Sometimes, everything changes in a moment, and you do not even realise it at the time.

For Hareem Qaisar, that moment came while she was still a Year 11 student at Swanshurst School, beginning to consider what might come next. Already demonstrating strong academic potential, she was on track for excellent GCSE results, with particular strength across the sciences, business and religious studies, alongside English, mathematics and history.

Her capability was clear, and so was her ambition. The next step, however, required more than potential alone. It required the right environment in which that potential could be developed and challenged.

Encouraged by a trusted mentor early in Year 11, Hareem attended an Open Day at Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College (JCC) to explore her Post 16 options. What she found was a college where ambition felt real, where high expectations were matched with genuine support, and where she could see herself growing. It was the environment she needed to turn potential into something more.

“I just knew it was the place for me.”

Then, when Hareem joined JCC in September 2024, she stepped into a fresh start with important decisions ahead. She enrolled on a strong and ambitious A Level programme.

With support from her teachers and regular one-to-one guidance, her interest in Philosophy, Politics and Economics began to take shape, gradually guiding her towards a more focused pathway. She went on to study Mathematics, Government and Politics, and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion at A Level, alongside completing an Extended Project Qualification.

“I always knew I wanted to do something in politics,” she explains.

A key part of Hareem’s experience at JCC was the High Achievers programme, which supports students to progress to leading universities and highly competitive courses, including medicine and dentistry. Far more than an additional support scheme, the High Achievers programme provides a structured framework that develops the critical thinking, analytical writing and confidence needed beyond A Level study.

Through weekly sessions, Hareem explored ideas beyond the curriculum and strengthened her ability to think critically and communicate complex arguments clearly. She was also supported through every stage of competitive applications, from essay masterclasses and personal statement development to admissions test preparation and mock interviews reflecting the Oxbridge process.

One defining moment came during a Cambridge essay masterclass, where she achieved a first.

“I was really proud of that,” she says.

The result mattered, but more importantly, it showed she could perform at that level.

Beyond the classroom, Hareem made full use of the opportunities available to her. She visited universities including Oxford and Cambridge and completed four competitive summer schools, including at Imperial College London, each one building her confidence and sense of belonging.

“I was always encouraged to try things,” she says. “There were so many opportunities, and I just went for them.”

Alongside these experiences, the sense of community at JCC played an important role. Surrounded by like-minded, ambitious students, Hareem found a strong support network.

“We all push each other,” she says. “Everyone’s aiming high.”

She also took on a leadership role as vice-captain of the basketball team, balancing responsibility alongside her studies.

As she moved into her second year, her focus turned fully to university applications, and the support around her became even more personalised. Through one-to-one guidance with teachers and the High Achievers team, she was supported at every stage, from refining her personal statement to preparing for admissions tests and interviews.

Mock interviews challenged her to think under pressure, helping her develop the confidence to articulate her ideas clearly. By this point, she felt ready for the application process.

“A lot of people helped me,” she says. “It felt really personalised.”

Once applications were submitted and interviews completed, all that remained was to wait.

When the decision came through, Hareem received an offer to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford, bringing everything together.

“I was shocked,” she says, “but also really happy.”

She adds: “I want to give a special mention to my mum and siblings, who have been my biggest supporters throughout this journey. I would not be where I am today without their love and belief in me.”

At Joseph Chamberlain College, supporting ambition is at the heart of what we do, giving students the guidance and opportunities to go further. Now, as Hareem prepares for what comes next, she does so with confidence.

“It is a bit nerve-wracking,” she says, “but I feel reassured that I will be okay, that Oxford can be for people like me.”

Her journey from Swanshurst School to Oxford tells a wider story, one of growth, opportunity, and what can be achieved with the right support.

We are proud to have been part of it.

Press Contact:

Marketing Team
Joseph Chamberlain College
Email: jccmarketing@jcc.ac.uk
Phone: 0121 446 2200