AN inspirational teenager who secured an assisted place at an independent school in Bradford was celebrating after realising her dream of attending Cambridge University.

Outstanding Bradford Grammar School (BGS) student, Courtney Ellis-Stoneman, 18, could recite the poem The Owl and the Pussy Cat at age three and could read before she started school.

Recognising her talent, her mum, Tracey, of Greengates, enquired at BGS about her daughter attending the school on an assisted place and today the family were delighted after Courtney’s hard work paid off.

 

The teenager was thrilled to receive two A*s in English Literature and History, and an A grade in Politics to pursue her dream of attending Cambridge to study English Literature.

Said Courtney: “Coming to BGS has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve made so many friends.

“I definitely think I’ve been pushed academically - and also in terms of extra curriculars, doing things like debating and public speaking. It’s afforded me so many opportunities. I’m so happy I got the grades I needed to take up my place at Cambridge.”

Mum, Tracey Stoneman, a childcare officer, said: “I realised when Courtney was only young that she was about four or five years further ahead than any of her classmates. Everyone at BGS were lovely and I never felt throughout the whole experience that we were any less as a family than anyone else. There’s no snobbery. They get behind young people and they nurture and care for them. It’s been an amazing experience for Courtney and for me as a mum.”