COMMUNITY hero Ella Osborne is Millfield’s highest achieving student this results day, with nine 9s and an A in Additional Maths (The highest grade available).

The 16-year-old from Teignmouth joined Millfield as a boarder in Year 9 and is a passionate charity worker. 

Whilst studying for her exams, Ella volunteers at her local youth centre during the holidays on Friday nights and works with a local charity called ‘Assist’ to help raise money and provide care to older people and those with disabilities. 

Last year she spent the 10-week summer break caring for a child with special needs. 

She said: ‘I looked after a boy with autism and each week throughout the summer we took him to different places such as the beach and play parks. 

‘It would be something I’d love to do again. 

‘It was amazing getting to see his face light up with joy when he was happy.

‘Doing this made me want to do more volunteer work in my local community. 

‘I like helping people and find volunteering very rewarding and it helped me achieve both my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.’

Throughout the year Ella has taken part in beach cleans, multiple community events, volunteered at her local library and regularly serves cream teas at a local retirement home. 

Ella is also an accomplished swimmer and a keen academic.

She was selected for the Swim England Phase One Programme and has taken part in Maths and Languages Olympiads. 

She also enjoys trampolining and competed in the Southwest Regional School Trampolining Championships. 

Ella is also a member of Millfield’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). 

Initially joining Millfield to swim, Ella enjoyed trying out new sports on offer at Millfield, she said, ‘I joined Millfield in Year 9 to swim, however, I got the chance to try out new sports, and a wide range of activities such as trampolining and Water Polo.’

Ella is able to balance her academics alongside her other commitments.

She said: ‘I originally joined Millfield so I could balance my academics and swimming more effectively, before Millfield my family had to transport me around everywhere for school and different clubs. 

‘After visiting the campus, I knew that I wanted to go to Millfield because I loved how welcoming the school was.’

An aspiring dentist, she plans to take A level biology, chemistry, and PE and will continue her charity work, volunteering at an animal shelter next summer. 

Ella said: ‘With the help of my teachers, I’ve not only enjoyed my experience at Millfield so far, but I have developed a love for my subjects and learning. 

‘I look forward to my next two years in Sixth Form, as I’ll be able to delve into my studies further and achieve whatever my future entails.’