“I joined Brampton College in 2023 as an international student from Vietnam to study A-levels, and looking back, those two years were some of the most memorable and transformative of my life. My decision to study abroad was quite sudden, and I faced many challenges in finding a place. As an international applicant, I couldn’t apply to public schools, and after being rejected by all the other colleges I applied to, I felt uncertain about my future. Thankfully, Brampton gave me the opportunity. I still remember my interview with John, the Principal—it was relaxed, enjoyable, and so different from the stressful interviews I had elsewhere. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but in hindsight, I feel it was almost destined that Brampton and I were meant to meet.
Coming from a public school background in Vietnam, where classes often had around 50 students, I didn’t expect much. Even in private schools, class sizes were still large, so I assumed Brampton would be similar—that teachers wouldn’t have the time to focus on each student, and that success would depend entirely on me. But Brampton far exceeded my expectations. With small classes, the teaching felt personal and interactive, and every lesson gave me the chance to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. In Economics, for example, I could submit extra essays each week, and my teacher would happily mark them and even arrange one-to-one sessions to go through them in detail. That support pushed my essay writing to the highest level, something I never thought I would achieve. In Maths and Further Maths, every mistake became a chance to improve—teachers gave me strategies and encouragement until the process of learning itself became motivating.
The results spoke for themselves. I achieved 3 A*s in Maths, Further Maths, and Economics, and an A in Physics. But more importantly, I know these grades were not the result of my efforts alone. Teachers, staff, and friends supported me academically and emotionally throughout my journey. Without them, I don’t believe I would be where I am today—heading to study at a prestigious university like UCL.
Brampton also gave me opportunities beyond the classroom. I was part of the Student Ambassador team, where I helped represent the college, and I also participated in an environmental project, where we worked with local SMEs and even invited the co-founder of The Warehouse to present at the college. These experiences were both exciting and valuable, building transferable skills that I know will benefit me in the future.
Equally important were the friendships I built. With a smaller student community, it was easy to connect with people who shared similar goals, ambitions, or even hobbies. By the time I finished my A-levels, Brampton wasn’t just a college to me—it felt like a home, filled with memories and friendships I’ll cherish for years.
To future students considering Brampton, my message is simple: if you have that instinctive feeling to say “yes,” even if you’re unsure, take the leap. That was the advice Lindsay, the Vice Principal, gave me when I was choosing between universities, and it’s advice that has guided me well.
If I could, I would go back to my very first day at Brampton just to relive it all—the nerves, the lessons, the friendships, the teachers, the laughter, even the stress of mocks and weekly tests, or the assemblies where John shared advice for both exams and life. Because no testimonial, no matter how long, could truly capture what those two years meant to me. They weren’t just about A-levels or university offers; they were about finding a place that felt like home. And that, above everything else, is what I will carry with me forever.
Finally, a message for my teachers:
To all of you (Alice, Chris, Geoffrey, Gerry, Ian, Jonathan.D.Rubeck, Momina, Niraj, Ruben, and Theepika): thank you for your patience, clarity, and trust in me. I know you had to put up with me for the past two years—all the silly questions, the “out-of-pocket” comments, and the troubles I’ve caused—but I am deeply grateful for every extra tutorial, every piece of advice (whether about A-levels or life), and most importantly, every nudge that kept me from giving up during the hardest moments. I hope we cross paths again one day, but next time, I promise there’ll be far more to talk about than just past papers and essays. Please never stop being who you are—you’re all so cool and unique, and your stories, “lores” and life experiences were always such a vibe to listen to.
Mike, student (featured in the white hoodie in the photograph!)
