Success stories

Meet Daniyaal, an alumnus from the founding cohort

Published: Thu 13 February 2025

I don’t know what was faster – my feet pounding against the stairs or my heart pounding in my chest. Bursting through the hallway, I reached out for my mother and embraced her: “I did it, Mama. I did it. I’m going to Cambridge. We did it. We’re going to Cambridge.” 

Nice to meet you! I’m Daniyaal, an alumnus from the founding cohort of ICS. I joined here from my local secondary school after reading about “a new sixth form in North London” in the newspaper and being intrigued by the school’s mission. I’ve loved my time here and have had a wonderful time studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, History, Economics and EPQ. Thanks to the support from my friends, school, and family, I managed to achieve A*A*A*A*A in the summer of 2024.

Before heading to university, I’ve decided to take a gap year, working as an academic tutor for maths and economics at ICS part-time. Following the end of my A Levels, I also decided to switch my degree choice from PPE to Economics since I’ve developed a stronger interest in maths and economics, so I opted to apply to Cambridge for Economics during my gap year, and I am happy to say I received an unconditional offer!

I’m buzzing to start at Cambridge in October – only 8 months to go! I applied to study Economics at St John’s College during my gap year with the support of the school, who were more than happy to support me at every step of the long and arduous process. I’m the first in my entire family to ever get into a university like Cambridge, so it’s a pretty big deal for us and I am very thankful. Just seeing my parents feel so proud made all the years of hard work worth it. Job well done!

Alongside working and applying, I’ve been working on a few entrepreneurial ventures, like my education platform GCSEPotential, helping students achieve academic success irrespective of background. One of my favourite memories of ICS was representing the school as Head Prefect at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, where I met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It felt surreal and rather motivating, a reminder that amazing opportunities are within reach if you really try to seize them.

Teaching for the first time has been a unique experience. Initially, I was nervous – I’m not much older than the students, so I expected some challenges, but it’s been really enjoyable and rewarding. A recent milestone was receiving a Thank You card from one of my students at the end of the first term. That gesture, while perhaps small to them, meant the world to me and solidified my place within the sixth form team. I’ve attached it to my bedroom wall, reminding me of the small yet significant role I can play in each student’s life. Observing my colleagues and learning from their teaching techniques has been like studying a whole new A Level. I’ve enjoyed adapting my own teaching style and am excited to continue growing in this role.

Before Cambridge, I’m hoping to travel, perhaps interrailing across Europe or touring Southeast Asia if tickets are cheap enough – classic gap year activities. In terms of future work, I’m considering startups, particularly in EdTech, thanks to my experience with GCSEPotential and my time at ICS. In the future, I have also thought about becoming a Sixth Form Maths teacher: it’s a dream to instil a love for mathematics within students as my former teachers have done for me, and hopefully a little bit of wisdom too. Ideally ICS won’t mind having me back!

WHY ICS?

From an alumni perspective, the most appealing aspect of ICS is the tailored support they provide. It’s unmatched, I would argue, even among independent schools. Having friends from across the UK state/grammar and independent sectors and discussing our experiences, I can confidently and without reservation attest to the incredible, bespoke advice and guidance – both academic and pastoral – provided by staff and those affiliated with our school. Without such support, I would be a fragment of my current self. It’s unparalleled and brilliant, life-changing work going on in our little cul-de-sac in Archway.

From a staff perspective, what stands out is the friendliness and expertise of my colleagues, as well as the opportunities to pursue my own interests. Despite my inexperience, my former teachers – now colleagues – have supported me at every step, committed to my development as an educator. The freedom to run my own after school sessions to support students, like my workshop on EdTech resources to improve the revision process, has been incredible. It’s that support and enthusiasm that make me excited to walk into work every morning, ready to take on the day.

Attending ICS has been both a privilege and a blessing, and receiving the opportunity to give back to the school has been immensely fulfilling. I am deeply grateful for all that I’ve received over these years, and look forward with much excitement. No doubt, I hope to maintain strong ties with the place, visiting whenever I get a chance. Whether you’re a prospective student or even a prospective teacher: ICS, I think, is one of the best decisions you can make.

Share!