Choosing a primary school is a crucial decision for parents and carers as it lays the foundation for a child's education and personal growth. One of the children shares his St Mark's journey.

My St Mark's Journey

I have had a challenging journey through life at times, and I have managed to get past the obstacles thrown my way. I have always had a clear vision of being able to go to university from when I was young, before I started reception and I am very determined to succeed in my goals.

I started St Marks in year 2, after being very unhappy in my previous school without the right assistance required to help me progress further. Since joining St Marks, a small friendly local school, I have been very happy and thrived so well, beyond my expectations. St Marks supported me really well with my education and my ongoing medical diagnosis. I have continued to thrive after a period of illness and being off school for nearly a year after the Covid pandemic.

With the schools help in catching up on missed education, and reading good educational books, I thought it may be a good time to try for the independent schools in our area, as they have amazing facilities.

There are so many good secondary schools in Croydon, I thought there is chance I might be accepted if I tried really hard in the exams. These schools are very difficult to get into but I thought it is worth a try. The bible states ‘For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.’ And I never lost faith or hope despite the difficult times.

I sat the external exams for Whitgift, Trinity, and Cedars Independent Schools and passed with flying colours. I even won academic scholarships and bursaries to attend them all. My confidence has grown and I’m really looking forward to the next stage in life.

St Mark’s school and church have been really supportive and a beacon of strength at difficult times. They have given me the encouragement to achieve anything. However dire or unachievable things may seem, never give up hope or your dreams. Always reach for the stars, you never know where it may lead.

    Year 6