DAME ALLAN’S Sixth Form student Francesca Morgan has secured her place at Cambridge after achieving top grades at A Level, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination in the face of profound personal loss.

Her achievement is underscored by the bittersweet knowledge that her greatest supporter, her late mother Faustina, who guided her homeschooling until GCSE, would be ‘immensely proud.’

Francesca, who joined Dame Allan’s Sixth Form just months before her mum was diagnosed with lung cancer, achieved four A* grades in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths, together with an A* in the Extended Project Qualification, and will read Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.

Faustina, who moved from Malaysia to the UK in her early twenties, learned of her daughter’s offer from the prestigious university before her untimely passing in April this year, just weeks before Francesca sat her A Level exams.

Celebrating today [AUG 15] with friends and family at the leading Newcastle-based independent school, Francesca said: “My Mum was so happy when my hard work earned me an offer from Cambridge, and I know she is immensely proud.

“She was a truly remarkable person. In education specifically, she had the biggest influence on me and my sister. She dedicated herself to fostering a great relationship with us, teaching us the values of faith, hard work, honesty and resilience.”

Francesca was home-educated with great support from her mother for eight years, achieving nine GCSEs with top grades 9s and 8s. She completed her first GCSE in Mandarin in 2017 at just 11 years old. Her parents chose Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, in Fenham, to complete Francesca’s school journey.

Her father, Tim Morgan, said: “We chose Dame Allan’s because from the very first contact people at the school were attentive and welcoming. When we visited, people talked to Francesca and not about her or over her. We felt that the school saw her as a whole person. That has been so valuable given the loss of Faustina in April.”

Reflecting on her time at the school, Francesca said: “I’ll miss the friendships I’ve formed and the warm environment that made it feel like home. I’ve learned so much about maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing the stresses of life, academic and otherwise.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support and assistance from both the staff and my friends, especially during the challenging times of exams and my mum’s passing.”

Looking ahead, Francesca is both excited and reflective as she prepares to leave Newcastle for the first time. “Moving away from home is a big step for anyone, but particularly so in my circumstances,” she said. “I am very much looking forward to the academic rigour and challenge of being taught by the leading researchers in the world at university.”

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Francesca’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering the challenging circumstances she faced. Her resilience, determination, and academic excellence have been truly inspiring.

“She has not only excelled in her studies but also demonstrated incredible strength of character. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will continue to shine at Cambridge and beyond.”

Faustina and Tim with daughters Francesca and Gabrielle credit_Darren Irwin Photography