Sixth Form Students Inspired by Visit to Queen Mary's University

Our Sixth Form students had the exciting opportunity to visit Queen Mary's University of London, a trip organised as part of the Naz Legacy Foundation’s Diversity Programme. The day offered students a valuable insight into university life as well as inspiring personal journeys from those who have paved the way in education and professional fields.

The visit began with a warm introduction from the Lead Professor of Accounting Education, who gave students an overview of the pathways, opportunities, and high expectations within the world of accounting and finance. Her talk provided a clear understanding of the academic standards and career potential that come with studying at a top university.

We were then welcomed by Bushra Nazeer, Chair of the Naz Legacy Foundation, who shared her remarkable journey coming to the UK as an eight year old in 1960s, to studying at Queen Mary in 1970s, to becoming the first woman Muslim headteacher in the UK. Her message of hard work, perseverance, and belief in one’s potential resonated strongly with our students. Her achievements reflected the very values she spoke about - dedication, ambition, and resilience.

Students also heard from undergraduates on the Flying Start programme, who discussed their experiences balancing study and professional placements. Their insights offered a real and relatable perspective on what it means to pursue an accounting career through a structured and ambitious degree pathway.

The group then braved the chilly weather for an informative campus tour, taking in key facilities and gaining a feel for university life. Despite the cold, students thoroughly enjoyed exploring the campus and imagining themselves as future undergraduates.

We left Queen Mary's University feeling inspired, motivated, and hopeful that this visit has sparked interest among some future accountants in our cohort. A huge thank you to Naz Legacy and Queen Mary's University for providing such an enriching and empowering experience for our students.