AN ACADEMIC highflyer has secured a place at Oxford to study modern languages — fulfilling a promise made to her mum before she passed away just months into her Sixth Form studies.
Gabrielle Morgan joined Dame Allan’s Schools in Year 12 after being homeschooled by her late mother Faustina. The 18-year-old from Newcastle today achieved straight A* grades in A Level English literature, Spanish and Chemistry, along with an A* in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and will go on to study Spanish and Beginners’ Portuguese at the University of Oxford.
Her academic success comes just a year after her older sister, Francesca, who was also homeschooled by Faustina before joining Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, achieved straight A* grades and secured a place at Cambridge to study Natural Sciences.
Gabrielle said: “My mum was incredible – strong, organised, inspiring and a person of a great faith. She supported every interest we had, helped us through our GCSEs and pushed us to work hard. She made me promise to keep working hard on my Oxford application no matter what happened.
“I could practically hear her celebrating with me when the offer came through. I know just how proud of me she is and I know she helped a lot, even though she wasn’t here physically.”
Gabrielle’s promise to Faustina carried her through an emotionally turbulent year — including a school trip to Valencia, during which she boarded a high-speed train to Madrid with director of Sixth Form Karen Fletcher to sit her Oxford admissions test while abroad.
Gabrielle, who is bilingual in English and Mandarin, has been passionate about languages and storytelling from a young age. A self-confessed Tolkien superfan, her love of fantasy literature shaped both her academic interests and her long-held dream of becoming an author.
“The literary world has always been central to my life,” she said. “Tolkien is my favourite author — he studied and taught at Oxford and wrote the books that shaped my love of reading. That’s why I decided to apply there.
Her love of Tolkien also inspired her EPQ, titled ‘Should The Lord of the Rings be read as a religious allegory?’ As part of her research, Gabrielle read The Silmarillion and delved into Tolkien’s life, Catholic faith and creative process — further fuelling what she calls a ‘16-year obsession’ with his work. “Ask anyone who knows me what’s the first thing that comes to mind when they think of me, and the answer will be ‘Lord of the Rings’
At Dame Allan’s, Gabrielle immersed herself in school life – performing in orchestra, chamber choir and ceilidh band. Her standout moments include performing Visiting Hours and Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran at school concerts in memory of her mum.
“She loved hearing me sing, so it felt special to sing for her in front of others,” she said. “Those songs encapsulate what grief feels like.”
Reflecting on her time at the school, Gabrielle credits Dame Allan’s with giving her the academic and emotional support she needed to thrive.
“All of my teachers, including the pastoral team, were enthusiastic and generous with their time – whether it was help with my Spanish admissions test or understanding when I couldn’t focus in class,” she said. “I always felt like if I needed help all I had to do was ask.”
Principal Will Scott said: “Gabrielle’s journey to Oxford speaks volumes about her ambition, intellect and love of languages and literature. To achieve so much while navigating personal loss is quietly extraordinary.
“She sets a powerful example for others — showing how passion, focus and resilience can help you realise your full potential.”