Dora achieved the A-Level grades that she needed to study Photography at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Dora, who is from Ukraine, joined King's Ely Sixth Form in Year 12 from a high school in Cambridge. 

Dora studied Photography, Psychology, Product Design, and Russian for her A-Levels.

We caught up with Dora after she received her A-Level results to find out more about her King's experience and what her next steps are...

Dora, what career path do you plan on pursuing?

I plan to pursue Photography professionally, particularly Creative and Conceptual Photography.

What is the quality and style of teaching like at King’s?

My teachers were all very supportive and approachable. I always felt comfortable asking for help or feedback, and I really appreciated the individual guidance I received throughout my A-Level studies.

I have always been a creative person, but before attending King’s I could never have imagined pursuing Photography professionally or studying it at University. Mr Longo played a huge role in helping me develop my passion and realise that Photography was not just another subject, but something I genuinely wanted to build my future around. He constantly encouraged me to experiment creatively, push my ideas further, and explore different genres and techniques. Thanks to his support, I had the opportunity to enter competitions such as Ilford UK and Beyond The Frame, which helped me gain confidence in my work and develop as a photographer.

Mr Carberry was also a huge support throughout Product Design. He, alongside the other teaching staff in the Design Technology Department, was always there to give advice and support me if things became stressful, particularly towards deadlines.

What else did you participate in during your time at King’s?

I was a boarder in Hill House during my two years at King’s and I also got involved in a number of school events as a volunteer photographer. I photographed events including the International Concert, Spring Concert, and Sports Day, which gave me valuable experience while also allowing me to contribute to school life.

Do you feel that you have been well supported pastorally at King’s?

Yes, I felt well supported throughout my two years at King’s. There were always people I could approach if I needed help, particularly within the boarding community.

I would especially like to thank my Housemistress, Mrs Jackson, whose support, patience, and encouragement made a real difference during my time as a boarder, and I am very grateful to have had her as my Housemistress.

One of the things I appreciated most about King’s is that support extended far beyond the classroom. Whether it was academic challenges, University applications, or simply adjusting to life away from home, there was always someone willing to help. As an international student, that support meant a great deal to me.

What will you miss most about King’s and what did you enjoy most during your time here?

I will definitely miss the sense of community, my friends, my chats with the boarding house staff, and the relationships I built with my teachers. I always felt appreciated by them, and I enjoyed showing my appreciation in return, whether that was bringing in small gifts or baking a cake for their birthdays. I will miss those little interactions and the people who made my time at King’s so memorable.

Hill House was a massive part of my King’s experience. One of my favourite memories with Mrs Jackson was baking together for the Bake Off Competition. We made an apple strudel and somehow managed to surprise the judges with it! It was experiences like that which made boarding feel much more personal and fun.

I also loved chatting with Matron. Whether I needed some useful advice or just wanted to have a chat and a few giggles, I always enjoyed going to see her. And of course, having her dog, Coco, around made Hill House even better. I also loved having Mr Longo’s dog, Franky, in the Art Department. Coco and Franky became those little familiar parts of everyday life that I will definitely associate with my time at King’s.

Overall, I think it was those relationships that made King’s feel like much more than just a place where I went to study. I felt that my teachers and the boarding staff genuinely knew me as a person, and that is something I really appreciated and will miss.

In what ways do you think King’s is unique or special compared to other schools?

I think the combination of the community, boarding environment, and studying in such an historic place makes King’s very special. Being right next to Ely Cathedral also makes the experience unique.

Describe King’s in three words!

Community, supportive, memorable.