As A-level results season wraps up, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Melanie, a recent graduate from Kings Oxford who has achieved remarkable success in her exams. Melanie secured an A* in Maths, an A in Economics, and an A in Psychology, paving the way for her to study Economics at University College London (UCL) this September. We caught up with her to discuss her reaction to these outstanding results and her experiences at Kings Oxford.
How do you feel knowing you've secured some of the best grades possible and are now set to attend one of the best universities in the country?
I’m very proud of myself as my hard work during the last two years has finally paid off, and I’m so excited to attend UCL soon!
How did you react when you found out the news?
I was really happy knowing I’ve secured my place at UCL! It was such a relief seeing the UCAS notification after spending weeks worrying about my exam results.
Who was the first person you told, and what was their reaction?
I was with two of my friends from Kings—Kris and Lee—and they were both very happy for me. I also called my mum immediately to share the news, which made her really proud. A few days before results day, she constantly reminded me that I’d make it, so hearing the news wasn’t much of a surprise to her!
Are you excited to move to a new city like London?
Definitely! London is a much bigger city compared to Oxford, so I expect some challenges with settling in and getting used to the city. That said, there will be so many amazing opportunities to meet new people and make beautiful memories, which I’m very much looking forward to.
What was it that made you decide you wanted to study Economics at UCL?
UCL is one of the top universities in the world, so studying here means I’ll get a chance to share my economics interests with other top students around the world and learn from top-quality academic staff. This will hopefully help broaden my economics knowledge while also learning more about different cultures from my peers.
What would be the main thing that you'll take away from your time at Kings Oxford?
After spending two years at Kings Oxford, I’ve learnt that it’s almost always better to stay outside of your comfort zone. Despite being a massive introvert at the start of the year, I pushed myself to get to know as many people as possible by attending extracurriculars (Kings Radio!) or simply talking to new friends during lunch breaks. I’ve managed to gain so many new and meaningful connections and get a better insight into cultural differences thanks to Kings’ international environment.
Do you have any advice for future students on what the best route to success is and how to get the most out of your time at Kings?
I’d say the best route to success is to not only have a rigid plan towards your final goal but also always stick to it and try to minimise distractions as much as possible. For example, my final goal was to get into UCL, so during my first year, I planned to secure the best predicted grades, read books for my personal statement, and understand what UCL wants from their applicants.
With grade boundaries getting higher each year, it’s also very important to devote a lot of time to revising, practising past papers, and doing extra work such as external readings or advanced questions to secure those top grades!
That said, try to have a balance between studying and socialising. It’s necessary to give yourself a break to prevent burnouts, so joining clubs and after-school activities would be a great start. Oxford itself is a historical city, so make sure to know the city really well, discover all the hidden shops and cafés, etc. Moreover, don’t be afraid to get to know people—this includes school staff as well! This way you can get the most out of your time at Kings Oxford.
Do you have a message for any of the staff?
Everyone has been extremely helpful, especially during exam season, to which I am more than grateful. I’d like to give special thanks to Sush, my Economics teacher. She has always been there to support me since my first few classes and would go out of her way to help me secure my top grade. She is so passionate about economics in general, which has inspired me greatly on my journey. During hard times, Sush gave me the reassurance I needed, which was so important, especially for someone living far away from home. I couldn’t have done it without her, and I wish her all the best on her teaching journey.
What are you most excited about for your future?
For now, it would be moving to London and making new friends! A-Levels had been really stressful, so for the next few months, I’d love to socialise more and have lots of fun in this big city.
What are your dreams or goals for the future?
My 5-year goal would be to secure internships in top companies, graduate with first-class honours, and apply for a Masters—hopefully at Oxbridge!
A Message from the Principal
John, Principal of Kings Oxford:
“I am absolutely thrilled to hear about your fantastic A-Level results—A, A, A! What an incredible achievement! These results are a testament to your hard work, determination, and dedication over the past years. You’ve truly earned your place at UCL to study Economics, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.*
As you step into this next exciting phase of your education, remember that university life is not just about academics. It’s a time for growth, exploration, and finding your own path. Embrace every opportunity, whether it’s joining new clubs, meeting people from different backgrounds, or diving into subjects that challenge your perspective. The world of Economics is vast and ever-changing—keep your curiosity alive and never stop asking questions.
There will be moments of challenge and doubt, but remember that these are the times when you learn the most about yourself. Stay resilient, keep an open mind, and trust in the abilities that have brought you this far.
UCL is lucky to have you, and I have no doubt that you’ll continue to excel and make a positive impact wherever you go. Congratulations once again, Melanie—I wish you all the success and fulfilment in the world as you embark on this new journey. Best of luck, and remember that we are all cheering you on from here!”
From everyone here at Kings Oxford, we want to wish you all the very best of luck as you move on to the next stage of your education, Melanie. We are so proud of your accomplishments and cannot wait to hear about your success at UCL and beyond!
