Tara to study Languages and Culture (Spanish with Mandarin) at UCL | News | King's Ely | Private Co-educational School in Cambridgeshire

Tara to study Languages and Culture (Spanish with Mandarin) at UCL

King's Ely NEWS

Tara to study Languages and Culture (Spanish with Mandarin) at UCL

September 2025

Tara will be studying Languages and Culture (Spanish with Mandarin) at University College London (UCL) after achieving the A-Level grades she needed.

Tara joined King's Ely Prep in Year 6. She studied Economics, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Spanish at A-Level. 

When asked what she plans to do career wise, Tara said: "My ambition is to serve the UK internationally with a career in international diplomacy, either within the Foreign Office or in allied areas of national security, where I can use languages to foster stronger global relations."

To describe King's in three words, Tara chose "spirited, adventurous, unforgettable".

When asked what the teaching and learning environment is like at King's, Tara said: "The teaching at King’s was so personal. The best thing was how well my teachers knew me, and how they tailored their teaching to bring out the best in me. 

"In Religious Studies, Dr Tetley catered lessons perfectly to our class. Buddhism could easily have felt overwhelming, but he made it so enjoyable and thought-provoking. I was lucky enough to have Señor Megas as my Spanish Teacher for seven years, and he knew me, my strengths, and my potential better than anyone. In Ethics, Mr Thistlethwaite’s teaching inspired us to think critically and debate confidently with even the most complex topics. That combination of expert teaching, genuine care, and encouragement across all my subjects made my experience at King’s so enjoyable, and I do not think I would have experienced this anywhere else.”

As is the case for most students at King's, Tara was busy outside the classroom too.

She said: "In the Prep School, I took part in numerous musicals, plays, dance competitions, and choirs, even travelling to St Paul’s Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral. I was active in Rowing and raced in many competitions, including Bedford Regatta and National Schools' in Eton, whilst also attending training camps. In the Senior School, I played competitive Tennis and participated in out-of-school language events and other competitions in Spanish and French."

When asked how well supported she felt pastorally at King's, Tara said: "My teachers were not just experts in their subjects, but mentors who cared about how I was doing both inside and outside the classroom. I could have a serious academic discussion one moment and be laughing with them the next. It made my education not just about achieving grades, but about being part of a community. My form tutor, Mr Lucas, always knew the right time to check-in on me, and reassured me thoroughly throughout Sixth Form. ”

When asked what she will miss most about King's, Tara said: "I will miss being surrounded by all the people I have grown up, the school socials, and Dr Tetley’s jasmine tea."

Congratulations Tara - enjoy London and keep in touch!

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