Help Me Take Up My Place at Oxford University!

When I received my offer to study for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy at the University of Oxford, I sat staring at my screen in disbelief.

For most of my life, Oxford wasn't a place I imagined people like me would end up.

I grew up in Huddersfield in a single-parent, working-class household. I'm a first generation graduate and like many students from low-income backgrounds, I relied on the maximum student loan, means-tested bursaries, and part-time work throughout my education. Every opportunity I've had has been built one step at a time.

That hard work has taken me further than I ever thought possible. I've had the privilege of contributing to research presented to Parliament, working with Save the Children, working for the amazing Kate Dearden MP, and most recently completing a placement at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Receiving an offer from Oxford felt like final proof that where I came from didn't have to define where I was going.

But I've since learned that being offered a place and being able to take up that place are not the same thing. Despite receiving my offer, I wasn't awarded funding. The tuition fees alone are £32,000. The UK postgraduate loan is around £13,000, and that's intended to cover both tuition and living costs. Without external support, I simply can't afford to accept my place.

I've found this incredibly difficult to talk about.

I think one of the hardest things about growing up working class is that you spend so much of your life trying to hide it. You become hyper-aware of how you speak, how you present yourself, and whether people will judge you because of where you're from. Admitting that you can't afford an opportunity you've worked years for feels deeply uncomfortable. It has taken a lot for me to put my pride aside and ask for help.

But we shouldn't have to hide it.

This isn't just about one master's degree.

There is no shortage of intelligence, determination or potential in working-class communities. What is too often lacking is access.

One of the most powerful things opportunity gives us is visibility. When a young person sees someone from their estate, school or town achieve something they once thought was out of reach, it expands their sense of what is possible for themselves.

If I make it to Oxford, I hope my story becomes part of that.

My ambition has never simply been to build a career for myself. I want to work in public life, helping shape institutions that are more accessible, representative and accountable to the people they ultimately serve. In fact, that belief sat at the heart of my Oxford application, where I wrote about making global governance more accessible to the communities most affected by its decisions.

There is an irony that I now find myself facing a barrier of access before I can even begin that journey.

After a lot of encouragement from friends, colleagues and mentors, I've decided to launch a fundraiser to try and bridge that gap.

If you're able to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful. If not, sharing this post may help it reach someone who can.

Whatever happens, I hope this starts a wider conversation about postgraduate education, social mobility and the barriers that still exist for working-class children.

Because talent should never be limited by where you come from. It should be celebrated.