Radley College pupil's journey from estate to Oxford

The 18-year-old, who is about to sit his A Levels, has been offered a place at Christ Church to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He is convinced he would not have been given such an opportunity without the support he has received from Radley College.

Brayden has been a boarder at the private school since the age of 13 after applying for a place and receiving a full funding award covering his education and boarding fees.

"It completely changed my life," Brayden told The Oxford Times.

"Without it I would never have been in a position to think about attending a private school.

"I think you could say I'm no ordinary Radleian - I was born on a council estate and my dad dropped out of school when he was 14."

Brayden's family moved from the south coast to Somerset where they set up an animal rescue centre near Weston-super-Mare.

Hundreds of animals have been rescued over the years, particularly during the pandemic, and the family still runs the rescue centre where Brayden helps out during the holidays.

"It was pretty tough growing up," added Brayden, who has a brother aged 12 and a sister aged 10.

"Animal rescue is not investment banking - it's a rewarding job but it does not make a lot of money."

During his time at Radley College Brayden has developed an interest in politics, after discovering debating as a fun activity. 

He said: "The first time I tried it I stood up and argued my case and didn't think anything more of it.

"The next thing I knew I had been talent-scouted for the Oxford Union debating competition."

After debating sessions were curtailed during Covid, Brayden helped to re-establish a junior inter-social debating competition so that younger pupils could get the opportunities he had been given to take part.

"I love strategising in debating and I debate every single meal time when I'm in the dining hall," he said.

"These every-day debates are really good to have - it makes you a good critical thinker."

Brayden believes it is vital that school pupils are engaged in politics.

"Some people are cynical about politics but if you want the world to be better you have to take an interest in it - read the news, have an opinion, have a voice."

While Brayden initially planned to take a degree in computer science, his girlfriend talked him out of it.

"She said 'you don't talk to me about maths' - she was right and I needed that wake-up call to change my degree choice," he explained.

"I applied to Christ Church - potentially the hardest Oxford college to get in to and after completing 50 questions in 90 minutes I got an offer.

"I'm now very much looking forward to studying at Oxford."

The days when Brayden first arrived at Radley feeling slightly homesick are now a long way off.

"That feeling soon goes because there is so much to do and so much to think about - they keep you very busy," he said.

"I wasn't at all sporty when I came here and now I love cross country and go to the gym four times a week.

"After I finish my A Levels I'm going to stay on for a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation.

"These days I get homesick for Radley if I'm away for too long."

The Oxford Mail and sister title The Oxford Times have joined forces with Radley College to launch Bright Ideas – a new competition celebrating creativity in Oxfordshire.

We are asking children in Years 4 and 5 from local primary schools to unlock their imagination and create a response to the theme of Keys.

The celebrity judge is Oxford-born Jamie Laing, who attended Radley College.

Jamie, who appeared on Made in Chelsea and Strictly Come Dancing, now runs several of his own businesses, including the sweet company, Candy Kittens.

Children can submit whatever feels most personal or appropriate to them.

They may wish to write a story, poem or song, or make a video, design project, artwork or game.

Shortlisted entries will be invited to a presentation morning at Radley College on Saturday, June 29, where the winner will receive a trophy and £100 voucher.

The competition is open to primary school children in Years 4 and 5.

Full details and the entry form can be found online at www.oxfordmail.co.uk/bright-ideas

The deadline for entries is Friday, May 24.