Being a ‘Calne girl’ for the full seven years was a privilege. The Armed Forces Fund bursary gave me seven years of security, freedom, and enjoyment by enabling me to remain at St Mary’s for all my secondary education.

One thing about Calne is that there is no shortage of ways to get involved with the school. With hindsight I realised how lucky I was to have been in a school with so much going on, whether it be doing company shout, taking up tennis and singing lessons, doing cookery after lessons, and later becoming deputy head girl; I never had a reason to be bored.

While being busy is fun it was also more than that. When school life is so varied and dynamic it starts to feel like a second home and your friends, teachers and tutors become a vital support system which carries you through the school and your studies. Within this support system, the tutors are something that stands out. Having one person who you can go to about anything gave me a sense of stability and reassurance which was invaluable, especially in sixth form. The weekly one-on-one meetings made all the tasks I had to feel manageable as we could discuss how and when I would do each one.

Now I am at university, I recognise how important independence is after leaving school. Being at a boarding school you are encouraged (as you go through the year groups) to look after yourself – for example doing your laundry. Although it sounds small, when you arrive at university and you are already facing so many new challenges, looking after yourself feels that little bit easier as you are used to being away from home and being more independent. It’s something I am so grateful for now.

Calne has such a personality, and I have benefitted hugely from spending my secondary school years there. I will treasure my time at Calne for years to come.