Clever Anna scores a first for Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech with an Oxbridge place

The first-ever student from Thomas Clarkson Academy and its predecessor schools to secure a place at an Oxbridge university is celebrating after being accepted at the University of Cambridge.

Anna Ivaskevica will read English literature at St John’s College after achieving an A* in history, an A in English and an A in chemistry.

Describing the moment she realised she had been accepted at one of the world’s top universities, Anna said: “I just thought, ‘that’s it, I’ve done it’. I was extremely happy. I woke up my younger sister with the news, and my parents told me they always knew I could do it.”

Anna went through a rigorous interview process and passed the university’s admission test before securing her place with her results.

Anna, who moved with her family from Latvia when she was in Year 6, said she hoped her achievement would inspire others.

“I really hope that other students will see it is possible and that being a woman, or an immigrant, or working class doesn’t stop you from getting the best education you can,” she said.

“When I was younger, I never even thought I would be going to university, let alone one of the best in the country. My motivation has always been doing something I enjoy.

“I have had some brilliant teachers at TCA over the years and it was so nice how everyone got behind me – both students and staff – when I was going through the interview process.”

Richard Scott, principal at the Wisbech school, said: “Anna demonstrates what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. Her dedication to her studies and the hard work she has put in over a number of years has led her to one of the most internationally renowned universities in the world, giving her incredible opportunities for the future.

“What Anna has achieved will be an inspiration to other young people. TCA has been on a journey over the last few years and this first Oxbridge student will, I’m certain, pave the way for more in the future.”

This latest ‘first’ for TCA follows the academy’s first-ever Good Ofsted rating in January.

A number of other sixth formers are also heading to Russell Group universities this year, including Louise Plater, who is going on to study for a maths degree, and Mantas Jonaitis, who will study accountancy and finance at the University of Liverpool. Other destinations include King's College London and the University of York.

Mr Scott paid tribute to students who have seen huge upheaval to their education in recent months, saying: “It’s been the most worrying time that I can recall for young people waiting for their exam results and I can only begin to understand how stressful it must have been for so many of them.

“I am so pleased to be able to congratulate them today and see so many of them going on to the destinations they wanted.”

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