Anirudh’s Journey: From EAL Learner to Top Senior School Offers
When Anirudh joined Devonshire House in Year 6, he had only been in England for three days. For most pupils, Year 6 is a time of consolidation, polishing exam techniques and preparing for senior school entrance. For Anirudh, it was the beginning of something entirely new.
Having lived in India since the age of four, Anirudh was used to being taught in English at his previous school. But while he didn’t arrive as a complete beginner, his comprehension and writing were significantly below the Year 6 level in the UK. “I felt excited,” he remembers, “but also a bit nervous. I had an Indian accent, and I wasn’t sure how people would react.”
To his relief, his accent was never an issue. “I quickly realised I didn’t need to hide it,” he says, and lots of other children had different accents too.” It helped that he had attended a Taster Morning a few months earlier, where he met future classmates. “On my first day, I recognised faces and even went straight up to talk to my buddies from the Taster. That made things so much easier.”
From the beginning, Anirudh was struck by the warmth of the Devonshire House community. “People were really welcoming, especially my form teacher, Mr Wenzel. That first impression is still the thing I love most about the school.”
Despite initial challenges, particularly in subjects like Science, Anirudh showed determination and resilience. With the support of his teachers, who helped him build a revision routine of studying three times a week, his progress was remarkable. Just one term in, he moved up a set in English.
Now in Year 7, Anirudh holds a reserved place at St Paul’s School for Boys, one of the most academically selective and prestigious senior schools in the UK. In 2023, over 80% of its students achieved 9–7 grades (A*/A equivalents) at GCSE, and its alumni include Nobel Prize winners, MPs, and prominent engineers, scientists and writers.
He has also been offered a guaranteed place at Merchant Taylors’ School, known nationally for its exceptional reputation in engineering and cricket, two of Anirudh’s passions.
“I’d love to become either a professional cricketer or a design engineer one day,” he says. “I’ve been playing cricket since I was 6 in India. And at Devonshire House, I am looking forward to joining the Formula 1 Club next year because I’ve always been interested in how things are built.”
His favourite subject is History, especially the Victorian period, which coincidentally was the topic being covered during his Taster Morning. “That was when I got really excited about joining,” he recalls.
Anirudh has grown not just academically, but personally too. He’s developed impressive communication skills, often volunteering to tour prospective parents around the school. “I listened to what the Year 8s were saying during Open Mornings and then next time, I was able to confidently answer parents’ questions myself,” he explains with pride.
One of his standout memories? “Swimming in the ocean for the first time during our Year 6 trip to Cornwall. I’d never done any water sports before. The water was freezing—I was shocked! But it was magical.”
Looking ahead, Anirudh is excited about the Year 8 Leavers’ Programme, a highlight of the final year at Devonshire House. He plans to continue working hard to secure his place at St Paul’s and is motivated by the many opportunities that lie ahead.
“Devonshire House has given me so much,” he says. “The teachers helped me every step of the way, not just with lessons and exams, but with confidence and settling in. I only needed a tutor for the first term because after that, I could manage everything with the school’s support.”
Anirudh’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when children are encouraged, included, and truly seen. At Devonshire House, we believe every child has the potential to excel, regardless of their level of English. With the right support, anything is possible.
——————–
If you are interested in joining Devonshire House School, don’t hesitate to contact us here.
