Bradford boy goes from council estate to the University of Oxford

Blaine Thomas and Danyal Akhtar both received scholarships to study at the independent school, meaning their fees were paid for. Blaine's bursary is funded by the estate of the late Morrisons supermarket founder Sir Ken Morrison.

Blaine grew up on the Canterbury social housing estate before moving to Clayton, while Danyal lives in Undercliffe.

Despite an A Level results day riven by scandal and controversy across the country when it emerged that many pupils had been downgraded by an algorithm used to predict their scores, Blaine and Danyal were both awarded the grades they expected and were able to accept their offers from the University of Oxford.

Blaine received three A* grades, and will study law at Oxford. He transferred from the state sector at 16 to join Bradford Grammar's sixth form and was head boy in his final year.

Danyal, who was deputy head boy, also achieved A*A*A*A and will study history at Oxford.

Eighteen-year-old Blaine said: “I am over the moon with my results! Even though I didn’t get the chance to sit the exams, I am glad that my hard work has paid off in the end. I can’t wait for Oxford!

“I’ve wanted to go to Oxford since I visited the city when I was 11 years old, but I never thought when I lived on a council estate, that I’d ever get to go. Studying the law has always been close to my heart and it’s definitely the career I want to pursue.

“I grew up in a single parent family and my younger brother, Ramone, nine, now says he wants to follow in my footsteps. I’m committed to help him follow his dreams, like so many people have helped me. He sees the value of hard work and he says he wants to be a lawyer too.

“I’m truly grateful for the benefactors who allow students like myself to make the most of the opportunities that BGS offers.”

Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “We’re so pleased for Blaine and Danyal. Their results are richly deserved. A good education can transform the prospects of young people which is why we strive to help as many as possible. Only with the support of partners, including existing and prospective benefactors, are we able to make a difference to children of great potential who are keen to attend BGS.”