Impact Stories

Manny (6.1, G) came to Radley on a sports scholarship and made an impression immediately. In his first year, he became the first Shell to be selected for the Bigside 1st XI cricket team, an exceptional achievement in itself. Since then, his rise has continued at a remarkable pace. He has represented England Under-19s against Bangladesh and Ireland, was selected for England’s squad for the 2026 Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, and made his first-team T20 breakthrough with Hampshire in summer 2026.

We spoke to Manny at the start of the cricket season as he completed his 6.1 year and looked ahead to his final year at Radley, discussing his journey so far and his ambitions for the future.

“Radley has let me excel. It gives you that chance to be the best version of yourself.” – Manny (6.1, G)

Lohan first came to Radley at age eight and spent three years as a chorister in the Chapel Choir. In 2021, he joined E Social as a Music Scholar, with his place fully funded by the Funded Places Programme.

“Thank you all for giving me this opportunity. It’s been the best five years of my life so far. It’s prepared me so well.” – Lohan (6.2, E)

Jovan came to Radley in 2021 as a Drama Scholar on a fully funded Radley Keys Award. During his time at the College, he embraced opportunities across drama, music, athletics and rugby, culminating in his appointment as Senior Co-Curricular Prefect in his final year.

“The ability to be confident in a room and stand out – Radley has really allowed me to grow in that skill.” – Jovan (6.2, J)

Due to financial constraints, James Amos (1991, D) almost missed out on the 1995 South Africa rugby tour. Thirty years later, he reflects on the generosity and determination that made it possible, the memories that have endured ever since, and how his own experience has inspired him to give back in turn.

“I make an annual donation to the Richard Greed Appeal as part of the Trips and Tours Fund because the happy memories of that South African summer continue to echo through the decades, and because, without hesitation, Richard Greed turned a moment of disappointment and embarrassment into hope and excitement.” – James Amos

During his final term at Radley, in this short film Mikolaj (6.2, G) looks back on his extraordinary journey. A scholar of outstanding intellect, curiosity, and character, he has embraced every opportunity – from national debating success to scientific innovation. Supported by the Anthony Hudson Scholarship Fund, Mikolaj’s story is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through talent, determination, and the generosity of those who believe in potential.

As Harkirat (6.2, L) reaches the end of his five remarkable years at Radley, this short film reflects the energy and excellence he has brought to every aspect of school life. A gifted academic with a passion for science, he has combined intellectual ambition with wholehearted contribution to the wider community – as an Academic Prefect, award-winning innovator, inspiring speaker and trusted mentor. Supported by the Hamish Aird Foundation Award, Harkirat now prepares to read Biochemistry – a fitting step in an exceptional journey.

Nurturing a passion

Moses had a passion for music from a young age. Living in the local area, Moses joined the Radley Chorister Programme at 9 years old, which allowed him to sing with the Radley Choir.

Watch Moses and Uzair discuss their experiences:

“The opportunity to attend Radley is something that I wouldn’t have believed possible for someone like me.”

It was at this moment that Moses became inspired to apply to Radley. He achieved a Music Exhibition which has fully funded his place at the school.

Moses is now in 6.1, and enjoys being a key part of the thriving musical life at Radley. He also enjoys sharing his talents with primary schools in the local area, as a way of giving back and inspiring others.

The Science Building – now home to state-of-the-art labs, a project room, and a bespoke lecture theatre – has been transformed thanks to the generosity of donors. From crystallisation experiments to deep space observation through the Observatory, boys are engaging in ambitious, university-level research. Hear from students and dons about how these exceptional facilities are enriching learning and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

“We’ve been very lucky to have a state-of-the-art facility for a school, where boys carry out their own research.” – Dr Oliver Choroba, Head of Chemistry and Science 

“Radley’s very fortunate to have the Observatory which allows us to get a really good view into deep space.” – George (6.1, D) 

Gaining a second family

Born and raised in Sarajevo, Mustafa joined Radley in 2022 as a Sixth Form Scholar on a fully funded award. During his two years at Radley, Mustafa thrived, earning the position of Academic Prefect in his final year.

“I could talk about the academic and intellectual evolution that I’ve experienced during my two years at Radley, but I think the core thing that I’ve gained is the feeling of a second family, a second home; I’m going to hold that in myself for the rest of my life.”

He was a key member of the team that secured Radley’s first national debating title by winning the 2024 ESU Mace Debating Competition. Additionally, Mustafa was one of two Radleians awarded the Malcolm Robinson Memorial Fund Scholarship, enabling him to attend a three-week pre-college history course at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, USA.

Photo credit: English Speaking Union

From strength and conditioning in the McKenna Centre to fine-tuning technique in the rowing tank or golf simulator, every space is designed to help boys reach their full potential.

In this short film, boys and dons reflect on how this support – both in facilities and access – is shaping experiences and raising ambitions across the sporting landscape.

“Every Radleian, whether aspiring to elite competition or simply looking to improve has the resources and support to achieve their best.”  – James Gaunt, Director of Sport 

“It’s really helped me improve my overall strength, power and agility – making me a better athlete overall while getting some of the best coaching I’ve ever had.” – Rory (6.1, G) 

Embracing Life and Success at Radley

Rodion joined Radley in the Remove year, coming to the UK from Ukraine.

“Being a Radleian means a lot. It means having intellectual curiosity, valuing service, developing responsibility and being a respectful member of society.”

In just two years, he has not only excelled academically – achieving outstanding GCSE results – but has also embraced the broader life at Radley. From debating to drama and participating in CCF, Rodion has become a valued and active member of the Radley community.

A New Life and a New Perspective

Sepehr joined Radley as a Sixth Form Scholar. He was born and raised in Iran and he and his family moved to the UK in 2016 after his father became a political refugee.

“The most precious thing which came out of Radley was not my Second Prefect title or a bolstered CV, but a new life and a new perspective.”

Sepehr has had a profound impact on the College, winning a WSA European Young Innovators Award for developing a language app for refugees, serving as an ambassador for Radley’s partnership with Broadway Academy, and being appointed Second Prefect in his final year.

In this short film, Precentor Sam Gladstone reflects on the transformational impact of donor support – from the redevelopment of the Music School and the launch of a new recital series, to inspirational masterclasses and a thriving Partnerships Programme. Thanks to this support, music at Radley continues to grow in ambition, reach, and opportunity – for boys, and for the wider community.

“Philanthropic support makes such a huge difference to what we’re able to offer – to our boys, to our community here at Radley, and indeed a far wider community of local schools and local adults who benefit so much from the wonderful, thriving music at Radley.” – Sam Gladstone, Precentor 

Kim joined Radley as a Shell in 2019 from Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. Kim successfully gained a Greater China Scholarship which is a 100% means-tested award. Kim is an outstandingly talented musician.

“There are so many opportunities to seize at Radley. Starting to play the organ has changed the direction of my life.”

Kim started playing the organ at Radley, on the new instrument installed as part of the Chapel extension project. He was awarded Radley’s Bastyan Organ Scholarship in 2019. In his final year at Radley, Kim was awarded an Organ Scholarship to read Music at the University of Cambridge. He’s taking a gap year before beginning his degree and has a role at Portsmouth Cathedral and Grammar School as an Organ Scholar and Teaching Assistant.

Success On And Off The Pitch

Mosese joined Radley on a Sport Scholarship as a Shell in 2022.

“I’ve realised that I’m not supposed to stick to just one thing – if there are opportunities to try new things, you should take them.”

Mosese was part of the JC1 team who won the Continental Tyres U15 National Schools Cup, a first for Radley. As well as supporting his talent on the pitch, being at Radley has encouraged Mosese to reach his academic potential, and take part in a range of co-curricular activities.

Inspiring Others

When Radley visited Broadway Academy in Birmingham, Uzair felt Radley was but a far-off dream. However, when the chance was presented to him to apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship, Uzair seized the opportunity.

Watch Uzair and Moses discuss their experiences:

“Radley has impacted the way I look at life, the way I look at different cultures. it has opened me to other ideas, new friends, new beliefs.”

After one year at Radley, Uzair has experienced the sharing of cultures and the embracing of curiosity in learning. He wants to inspire others to apply to schools like Radley to fully reach their potential.