Exceptional
Concordians

Hanks participated in many events at Concord, and stood out for his significant achievements in mathematics, winning numerous medals in UK and International Maths and Informatics Olympiads.

 
Concord was “a safe and friendly community, giving me a lot of freedom to do the things I want. It is like this small hub, far away from any crowded town centre, where we just focus on our own thing and organise our own events to pass the time together. If anyone has any interesting idea for a new event, they can just share it out.

 
“My F5 experience was absolutely amazing. I took part in the most amount of events and competitions in that year, so I was very busy: for many consecutive days, I would have a list of things on my “reminder list” to do, and every day my goal was to clear off as many things as possible. The intense time management and processing many tasks simultaneously made F5 very memorable for me.

 
“Concord helped me hugely with my personal development. Boarding life made me independent, small-class learning made me not afraid to ask questions, free time allowed me to develop my passions, Saturday tests kept me diligent, making new friends made me appreciate what friends actually are for, and they also helped me find my own personality, and finally, the overall community made me feel more safe and secure. In a way, these personal developments are the most valuable for my future.”

Noah, a former Head Prefect, was also leader of Model United Nations and the Physics Discussion Group and editor of Spectrum magazine. He also won the Junior Frank Bell Prize in Lower School.

 
“Concord College was the place where I was able to form an idea of who I wanted to be and shape my own personal and academic identity. It was a place full of opportunities that I could use as stepping stones to develop and amazing teachers who I learnt so much from. Despite being a day student, it came to feel like a second home full of interesting & inspiring people.”

 
My best experience at Concord? The 6.2 Ball was a very special occasion and probably the most memorable, but was made special by all the memories in the years that led up to it. Another great experience was the Physics/Engineering EPQ Lab nights in the 6th form – getting to push myself to my limits via a somewhat insane project surrounded by peers all working on fascinating projects they were passionate about created an amazing atmosphere.

 
In preparing me for the future, there were a massive number of opportunities to challenge ourselves and develop our academic portfolio in combination with the fantastic careers support and the academic independence offered in the 6th form equipped me to confidently approach university admissions and future studies. The extra-curricular and leadership opportunities offered have also allowed me to become a more confident and competent person in general.”

Moon joined Concord in Form 4 and won the 6.1 Biology Prize and Geography Prize.

“The College was like my second home for the four years I spent there. Some of the most memorable moments would probably be going to lessons with fun and engaging class atmosphere with a group of close friends.

Concord has done a lot to prepare me for my future, both academic-wise and shaping my character. The school provided a safe and supportive environment where I could truly flourish, with dedicated teachers who were always willing to help. This also made my transition to university much smoother. Even the experience I gained from doing Saturday tests helped me prepare for the weekly quizzes and never-ending midterms in university.

I miss Concord and would do anything to go back!”

Vidhi, a former Head Prefect, was also President of the Speak Society, Head of the Desi Society and MUN Secretary of General Affairs in addition to various roles in Lower School.

 

“Concord transformed me as a person; it allowed me to push myself both academically and non-academically. The place, the staff and the students were irreplaceable and will be cherished forever… Now looking back, I believe that it’s fate that brought me there and gave me a truly magical 5 years.

One favourite memory would be the 2022 Winter Showcase. As someone heavily involved in choreographing and leading our society’s performance, I found watching the development of our dance to an end result that was greatly enjoyed and praised by the audience an incredibly rewarding experience. The final event was an absolute pleasure to watch back, and truly encapsulates the nature of Concord as a multicultural community celebrating diversity at its core.

Concord was of course, very academically rigorous, but also equipped me with soft skills that have been of great value studying at Cambridge. In particular, I was taught time management when balancing hobbies and responsibilities alongside my studies and I learnt that with a little organisation, an optimistic mindset and a compulsive desire to sign up to societies/competitions/leadership roles, I could achieve a lot in a short time.”

Alfred joined as a Day Student in Lower School. In addition to winning the Frank Bell Prize he was a Teresa House Prefect.

“Concord was a place where I could pursue anything that I wanted, be it in academics, extracurriculars or any other aspect of college life. But beyond that, Concord is a place of kindness and respect, and I found this within the diverse community of students, the dedicated teachers, and all the staff that made Concord a friendlier, more inviting place. It is the people that make up Concord that I miss the most about my time here.

The array of opportunities and the roles of responsibility offered by Concord helped me become a more well-rounded individual by attempting things I wouldn’t usually do, something that I hope to help me take more risks in future.”

Leo joined Concord in 2020 and after completing his A Levels is now studying electronic engineering at the University of Manchester.

“Concord College has an amazing community of people. Being part of this community, I always felt the support of all the teachers, houseparents, and especially other students. This provided an emotional safety net, which was probably what I liked the most about studying at Concord College.

When I think of the perfect Concord student, one who would achieve great success at the college, I imagine a range of important qualities they might possess, such as dedication, hard work, creativity, and communication skills, among others. However, in my opinion, the most important quality is kindness. It is highly valued in students at the College and is a crucial trait of all the thriving Concord students I have met.”

“Concord wasn’t just a school to me; it became my second home. I had the most fun and supportive teachers throughout my time at Concord. Learning in small groups, I felt completely at ease asking questions and seeking clarification, while our teachers were always eager to tap into our interests and needs.

Beyond academics, my friends and I would often stay back after lessons for genuine chats with them about anything and everything. Especially as a boarder, having mentors I could count on who were truly invested in my progress meant a lot.”

Kenneth joined Concord in Form 4 completing his GCSEs and A Levels here. He was a Lower School Monitor and a Prefect. He was instrumental in running the Concord Model United Nations. Kenneth was awarded the Frank Bell Prize at his graduation.

“My 4 years in Concord were probably the happiest and most carefree period of my life, because Concord gave such good support and I was surrounded by people who cared for me, teachers, staff members and friends.

Concordians receive probably the best education anyone can ever dream of. We always do well!”

Seyi joined Concord in Form 3. A keen footballer, he was part of the Concord team that reached the National Finals in 2024. Seyi was also a Frank Bell Prize nominee.

“Concord is an environment where you really have the opportunity to discover new aspects about yourself without being afraid to take that risk. The people, teachers and staff that I met have influenced some part of me till this day. Being in such an environment pushes you to new heights and let’s you really grow and develop into such a well-rounded individual.

It helped me step out of my shell and embark on new challenges outside my comfort zone. It instilled in me a confidence to try new things with a positive mindset. Additionally, interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds helped broaden my knowledge and openness, enabling me to form deeper interpersonal relationships with people I meet.

Cherish the Concord community. It’s really like no other!”

Elen joined Concord in the Sixth Form and was Head Prefect in her 6.2 year. At Concord, she studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. She is now reading Engineering at the University of Cambridge (Kings College).

“The best part of going to Concord was the access to excellent teachers. You are surrounded by adults who are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and who are eager to help you. It’s the perfect environment to extend your learning beyond the standard A level content.”

Having joined in Lower School, Gareth became Head Prefect. He was also a Pastoral Monitor, won the Geography Academic Subject Award and was a member of the College football team.

“Concord taught me that learning to be independent will help you excel during your time at university. I also learned how to network effectively.

Taking on leadership roles at Concord will deepen your interpersonal skills, helping you develop endless meaningful connections during your time at University.

Don’t shy away from applying for leadership positions in Concord, whether its an academic society or Fire Warden, gaining leadership experience is crucial preparation for one’s future career.”

Peggy joined Concord in Form 4 taking GCSEs here before continuing to the Sixth Form to study A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. She is now studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Balliol College.

“The satisfaction and achievement I feel when I manage to solve a hard problem always motivated me to dig deeper into the field of mathematics, and Concord provided sufficient opportunities to support my work. During the four years at Concord, I met many wonderful mathematicians and scientists among the students and teachers who selflessly paved the way for me when the future seemed uncertain. Concord is a welcoming community for STEM students who would like to progress further, as well as a second home for international students.”

Barney joined Concord as a day student in Form 3 and was Head Prefect in his 6.2 year.

“Concord means the community of friends and teachers that helped me grow, gave me new opportunities and made me laugh. It’s taught me not to be complacent with the way things are and to always be asking ‘why this’ and ‘what if that’.”

Kasope followed in her sister’s footsteps and joined Concord in the Sixth Form from her home country of Nigeria. She is following her dream to pursue science as an undergraduate and is at Southern California studying medical biosciences.

“My teachers at Concord nurtured my curiosity and made me fall in love with learning in multiple schools of thought”.

Polina joined as a boarder in Form 4 and won the Junior Frank Bell Prize in Form 5.

“Concord will always be remembered by me as the place that played a pivotal role in shaping my personal strength and fostering an unshakable confidence within me. In my culture, there is a deep emphasis for the ‘role of personality in history,’ and Concord has served as an embodiment of this principle. Immersed in an environment filled with driven and purposeful individuals, I have come to deeply appreciate the transformative power of personal connections and the profound, inspiring influence they have on one’s growth.

Concord has instilled in me a profound sense of loyalty to my core beliefs and values, even in the face of the ever-shifting political and ideological landscape of the world. While nurturing a genuine and relentless curiosity to explore new ideas, it is equally important to critically evaluate and filter the constant flow of information that we are constantly faced with. Through my time at Concord, I have improved my analytical abilities and developed a deep understanding of the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that shape our world. This experience has reinforced my ability to resist external pressures, and through personal reflection, I have come to realise that constantly standing by my convictions ultimately leads to long-term growth and fulfilment.”

Bakhityar joined Concord in Form 4 and was a Head Prefect in his final year.

“My experience at Concord was truly enriching, and what I enjoyed most was the safe environment that allowed me to flourish both academically and personally. The support available for academics was exceptional; every teacher was not only knowledgeable but also willing to go the extra mile to help students individually. I found myself taking advantage of this support frequently, which greatly contributed to my academic success.

When reflecting on the teachers who influenced me, it’s challenging to name just a few, as each one played a significant role in my development. The educators at Concord were not only energetic and positive but also consistently dedicated to preparing students for exams and ensuring their success. Beyond the academic sphere, the influence of staff in programs like DofE and house parents cannot be overstated. Their guidance and mentorship contributed to my personal growth, making me wiser, stronger, and more independent.”

AbdulMuhmeen joined Concord in the Sixth Form. A talented athlete, he excelled at track and field events.

“A month or two before I officially began my journey as a Concordian, I came across the 2022 Sports Day video. I remember sitting at home, completely captivated, as I watched a fellow Nigerian, Nnamno, break the high jump record—in his bare feet! That moment sealed it for me. I couldn’t wait to meet this legendary figure in person, and more importantly, I was already looking forward to experiencing Sports Day myself.

I settled in and found my place amongst the student body. Concord was a place where I was at peace, where I felt wanted, and where I could focus on myself. I truly believe it brought the best out in me.

Being away from the hustle and bustle of home, with everything being taken care of allowed me to discover who I was as person and what it was, I really wanted to do. I learnt a great deal of things from my PSHE classes and discussions with my form tutor. Under his tutelage I became more mindful of not just our small community at Concord, but of the wider world around me. Especially how our actions no matter how small, could collectively bring great change for good (and bad), allowing us to more better tackle social, economic and climate related issues around the world.”

Theo joined Concord for Sixth Form taking A Levels in Mathematics, English, History and Art. He was a member of the College’s Elite Sports Programme as a talented cricketer.

“ I realise just how much my experience at Concord benefitted me, both in teaching art but also in teaching me how to learn, and how to consider the world around me.”

Anna joined Concord in Sixth Form. She won the EPQ Investigation (Artefact) Prize in 2024.

“Concord is an exceptionally kind and beautiful place with caring teachers who encourage thinking. To me it was a safe space to gain the grounding that would set me on a path to academia, equipping with everything necessary for this journey.

From House Arts to Sports Day, there are many things one can enjoy at Concord. However, I doubt anything could beat my favourite chemistry practical which felt like real chemistry owing to the technical capabilities our labs had.

Concord was the firm step between school and university. It taught me a very good academic routine, which is the basis of my current approach to university studies.

I am immensely grateful for the welcoming and positive atmosphere that Concord seamlessly combines with academic rigour. This truly helps with excelling in studies whilst also maintaining good physical and mental health.”

Paco joined Concord for Sixth Form, studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. He was a Prefect in his 6.2 year. Having founded Sustainapod podcasts whilst in Hong Kong, Paco brought it to Concord, starting an involvement in the project that continues today.

“I chose civil engineering because of my passion for sustainability. A founder once told me “Civil Engineers build communities. There is no civilization without what we do.

Getting into Concord was one of the best things that happened to me.”

A Gold Duke of Edinburgh award-winner, Jane joined Concord in Lower School and studied here for 5 years.

“Concord was a second home where I grew alongside my friends. I feel extremely lucky to have met such supportive and kind people during this time, including teachers, boarding parents and peers.

Some of my favourite experiences from Concord are mountain biking in Form 3, House Arts, and the Conwy trip in 6.1. Through my extracurricular activities, whether academic or not, I found that the environment there helped me to encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone. Even the many dreaded Saturday tests helped me prepare for the much greater level of independence needed at university to keep up with academic work, even when there is no due date.

I can’t believe how quickly my time at Concord has gone by, but I know that the time was spent with plenty of laughter and good company, through all highs and lows.”

Megan joined Concord in Form 4 and completed both GCSEs and A Levels here, taking A Levels in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Geography as well as an EPQ.

She was the top student in the world in her AS Level Geography exam and was awarded a prize by the Royal Geographical Society.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Concord, and the memories, lessons, and friendships I formed are invaluable.”

Ijeoma joined Concord to study Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Biology. She went on to the University of Bristol.

“At Concord I was this very enthusiastic and positive girl who was curious about everything. I felt very excited about the new opportunities that were available to me daily. The calibre of peers I was able to engage with was so diverse and talented. I was so keen to make the most of every opportunity; to make memories to have fun and to develop a foundation for my personal achievements in the future.

My tutor really shaped my experience at Concord. He’s the reason I am able to study medicine now because he didn’t give up on me.”

Davon studied A Levels in Maths Further Maths, Economics and Physics before going on to read Mathematics at Christ’s College Cambridge. A talented musician, he is also Organ Scholar at his college.

“Concord made me believe in myself, and that alone unlocks numerous opportunities.”