Law hopeful Anya ‘over the moon’ at Oxford call

Budding criminal barrister Anya Tregay, 18, a student at The Hart School in Rugeley, has been accepted to further her studies at the prestigious university.

Subject to achieving her predicted A-Level grades, the teenager will study for a degree in Law, with Spanish Law, at the university’s Hertford College, whose alumni includes authors Jonathan Swift and Evelyn Waugh, as well as newsreaders Fiona Bruce and Natasha Kaplinsky.

Anya, who lives in Rugeley, and who will receive her exam results in August, said: “Since Year 10 I have been set on becoming a criminal barrister, and my goal is to work for the Crown Prosecution Service, so studying at Oxford will be a huge advantage, opening up lots of opportunities for me.

“Sixth-form really has been genuinely supportive of me at every step of the way. I’m absolutely over the moon to secure a place. It still feels very surreal, but I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had from everyone around me – my family, friends, and The Hart School Sixth Form. It’s all meant so much.”

Headteacher Rachael Sandham said: “Anya’s impressive achievement is proof that anything is possible with drive, hard work, determination and the right support.

“But what is as equally important is that it shows that Rugeley students are just as capable as the best and brightest at other Staffordshire schools. Anya, alongside her fellow Sixth Form students, are a true inspiration to the rest of the school and we hope that their achievements raise the aspirations of our younger students to know that if they want to, then they too can go on to study at some of the country’s most prestigious universities.”

Anya, 18, also echoed Ms Sandham’s comments for fellow Rugeley pupils adding: “When it comes to pursuing dreams as big as this, quite often social stereotypes, and dealing with the stress of it, can make you step back.

“But this shows that with hard work and dedication, if you pour your heart and soul into it, it will pay off. Just believe in yourself.”

"I’d like to say to other younger students that where you come from doesn’t matter, As long as you’re determined and believe in yourself, you can achieve your aspirations."