Student Spotlight - Aditya

As another academic year begins, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on the individual journeys our students take during their time at The Bulmershe School. Every year group produces quiet success stories, and today we are sharing the story of Aditya, who recently completed Year 13 and is about to take his next big step, literally toward the skies.

Aditya joined us in Year 7 having grown up in Italy, arriving with very limited English. Fast forward seven years, and he recently collected an extraordinary set of A-Level results: four A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, alongside an A* in Italian and an A* in his Extended Project Qualification. 

This autumn, Aditya leaves home to begin integrated commercial pilot training with the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy in Poland, taking him one step closer to his lifelong dream of flying commercial aircraft.

Finding a Second Home in Woodley

Moving to a new country and starting secondary school in a second language is a huge transition for any 11 year old. For Aditya's family, choosing The Bulmershe School was an easy decision because his older brother had already experienced our welcoming culture and received tailored support from our English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. While Aditya picked up English quickly, knowing the support was there made all the difference during those early years. 

Balancing academic excellence with life outside the classroom

Aditya's academic achievements reflect his tremendous personal effort, but what makes his story particularly inspiring is how fully he engaged with extra-curricular opportunities and wider community life. Alongside his academic commitments, Aditya developed leadership, resilience and practical skills while completing his Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards with the school. Outside of Bulmershe he dedicated his spare time to developing practical life skills:

• Serving as an active member of the local RAF Air Cadets, where he took his very first flight, honed his leadership skills and built strong self-discipline. 
• Volunteering for several years at the Helen & Douglas House charity shop, gaining valuable customer service experience while supporting a worthy cause.
• Working part-time as a Healthcare Advisor at Boots Pharmacy, where he is currently completing his official dispenser qualification.
• Pursuing physical wellbeing through grassroots football and discovering a new passion for netball during his GCSE PE modules.

This balance between academic study, physical activity and community service is a core element of student wellbeing at Bulmershe. We encourage all our pupils to step outside their comfort zones, knowing that soft skills like resilience, empathy and time management are essential for future careers.

Exploring passions

When asked about his favourite moments at school, Aditya highlights the freedom he was given to explore his specific interests through his Extended Project Qualification. Combining his passion for Physics, Engineering and aviation, Aditya completed an in-depth research project investigating whether there is a practical speed limit for commercial aircraft. This independent study allowed him to go far beyond the standard curriculum, proving immensely useful during his university interviews and airline assessment days. He would definitely recommend doing an EPQ to anyone who has the opportunity, especially if they have a subject or area they are genuinely passionate about.

He also credits the dedication of his subject teachers for helping him reach his potential. Teachers such as Mr Sharland in Physics, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Mulvihill and Mr Hussain in Maths provided academic guidance, encouragement and mentoring whenever he faced complex challenge problems.

Advice for Bulmershe new starters

Aditya is quick to point out that success is a team effort. He acknowledges the unwavering encouragement of his family for keeping him grounded through every setback, application process and exam season. "Whether things were going well or I faced setbacks and rejections, they were always there to encourage me, cheer me up and remind me to keep going. Their support has played a huge part in helping me get to where I am today, and I’m very grateful for that."

For younger pupils just starting their secondary school journey, or families looking at secondary schools in Woodley/Reading, Aditya offers some straightforward, practical advice:

"The teachers and resources at Bulmershe are always there to help, whether it is with schoolwork, exams, university applications or simply figuring out what you want to do next. However, you have to take that first step and ask. Never be afraid of approaching a teacher for advice. Most importantly, remember that you do not have to figure everything out on your own. There are people around you who genuinely want to help you succeed."

We want to thank Aditya and his family for sharing his story with us, and for being such a valued part of The Bulmershe School community over the last seven years.

As Aditya prepares to move to Poland to begin his two-year pilot training course, the entire school community wishes him the absolute best. We look forward to following his progress and seeing him in the captain's seat in a few years' time.

If you are a prospective parent searching for the best secondary schools near me and would like to experience our supportive, nurturing environment firsthand, we would love to welcome you. Please click here to learn more about our upcoming morning tours and Open Evening events.