Building up a vast portfolio of experience and expertise at NHGS.
Yashica studies Computer Science, Mathematics and Economics at North Halifax Grammar School, where she has been a member of the school community since Year 7. In Year 10, Yashica was our Speakers’ Trust finalist where she spoke passionately about breaking down barriers for women in STEM subjects: the opportunities she has generated and seized in the sixth form, both academically and in the world of work, demonstrate her personal commitment to this goal.
Yashica stayed on at NHGS, commenting that “the collaborative and inclusive environment established at NHGS is what influenced me to stay on at the sixth form. School has supported me in so many ways. The teachers here are always willing to help, and that guidance has made all the difference in my sixth form journey.
“Joining the Oxbridge form at NHGS has immensely helped me in making a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. The level of support and resources provided have enabled me to successfully secure spots at highly selective summer schools. During my time on UNIQ’s Computer Science residential at the University of Oxford, I got to experience first-hand what life would be like as a university student. Shortly after, I attended the University of Cambridge’s Computer Science residential through the Sutton Trust where I explored the history of computing at the Centre for Computing History and gained a better understanding of what Oxbridge admissions tutors look for in a strong applicant. I am grateful for the school introducing me to these programmes as they have greatly benefited me.
“Taking part in these summer schools has strengthened my ability to be resilient when faced with challenging problems. Being presented with work at a university level of difficulty stretched my problem-solving skills and taught me how to approach problems in different ways. I also learnt the importance of collaboration when working on these problem sheets with others as it allowed me to see how different perspectives can lead to more efficient solutions.”
Along with a range of other work experience opportunities that Yashica has taken up over the last year, she also competed in the Economics World Cup 2025 with her team ranking within the top 15% globally in an exam testing our ability to critically analyse sources and problem-solve which took them to the final stage.
It would take too long to list every single one of them, but Yashica has also been committed to building up a portfolio of work experience, completing over 10 technology related work experiences at top companies such as Meta, EY and KPMG which have fuelled her passion for pursuing a career in software engineering.
Yashica advises: “Always be open to trying new things, every experience has put me outside of my comfort zone, yet I have developed new skills by completing each one. I have found that by signing up for a variety of courses/programmes that I have been able to reflect on my strengths and work on my weaknesses making me a better-rounded individual overall.”
Yashica’s speaking skills were also evidenced this year, when as one of our Speech Day winners, she delivered a powerful speech about AI Alignment titled - The Power of the Pause, impressing the audience and our visiting keynote speaker.
Yashica’s strength of character, her dedication and her determination in the face of difficulty led to us nominating her for the YAYA Awards (Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers) which recognise the efforts of young people of South Asian heritage, living and working in Yorkshire, who have overcome deprivation, disadvantage, challenges - or have broken through traditional barriers to progress in their chosen careers.
Update November 2025
Huge congratulations to Yashica for being shortlisted for the YAYA (Young Asian Young Achievers) award for Achievement in Education by QED (Quest for Ecomonic Development). The school was honoured to be invited to attend the event in Bradford and hear the shortlisted applicants' stories first-hand through a series of short videos.
Yashica was supported by her mum, Mr Deehan, Mr Downing and Mrs Wright who are all rightly proud of her achievements. Our congratulations go to all award winners and shortlisted finalists.
