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Peterhead teen bucks trend to win place at Oxford

Peterhead teen Nathan Buchan overcame the 'stigma' of an under-performing school to win a place at Oxford University.
Peterhead teen Nathan Buchan overcame the 'stigma' of an under-performing school to win a place at Oxford University.

A teenager from one of the north-east’s lowest-ranked schools has stunned everyone by winning a place at the world’s highest-ranked university.

Nathan Buchan left Peterhead Academy this summer with seven Highers and three Advanced Highers, and top marks across the board.

In the latest school league tables, Peterhead Academy was ranked second-lowest for attainment in Aberdeenshire.

But the 18-year-old has overcome the school’s ‘stigma’ in gaining acceptance to study Law at Oxford University.

Not only is Oxford one of the world’s most prestigious universities, it is ranked Number One in the world in the latest World University Rankings.

‘It was a pipe dream, really’

City of Dreaming Spires: Nathan taking in the Oxford sights ahead of his move south.

Nathan spoke to the Press & Journal about his against-all-odds achievement.

“It was an aspiration to get into Oxford, albeit a vague one,” he said.

“I didn’t for a minute think I’d actually get in when I applied. So it was a pipe dream really.

“But then as I was progressing through Fifth Year I thought, do you know what, I can actually do this.

“Over time, after I’d put my application in, doubts started to creep in. By the time of results day, I’d lost all hope. It was an amazing surprise, to say the least.”

Such is the assumption that pupils from Peterhead don’t go to places like Oxford, Nathan’s teachers were initially surprised that he wanted to even apply.

But when they realised he was serious, they backed him to the hilt.

“When I told my teachers and my guidance teacher that I was going to apply, they all only encouraged me.

“They never showed any doubt whatsoever. The teachers genuinely believed in me, more than I believed in myself.”

‘I literally punched the air with joy’

Successful applicants were announced on the UCAS website. So how did he react when he realised his Oxford dream had become reality?

“That morning I woke up very, very early. We knew they’d be published from 7am onwards.

“Mine came in at 10am, so I was sat on that website for three hours quaking in my boots.

“The notification came up, and I waited 15 minutes before opening it because I was too scared.

“I literally punched the air with joy after reading it. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

Nathan receiving the Dux Medal for being the top student at Peterhead Academy.

Nathan said that there was a “stigma” over people from Peterhead being able to reach the heady academic heights of Oxford.

But after battling his insecurities, he came to realise he was every bit as capable as the ‘traditional’ Oxford student.

‘I thought private school pupils were leaps and bounds above me’

“I’ve been down to visit a couple of times and it’s a magical, beautiful place. And so, so different from Peterhead, unbelievably different.

“When I met my new peers down in Oxford, there was a bit of trepidation because I thought, a lot of these people will be from private schools, their education might have been a lot of better than mine.

“But what I took comfort from is that, if Oxford themselves think I’m good enough, then that must mean I’m in the same realm, the same ball park as these people.

“I’ve worked hard and now feel like I’m ready to be on par with these people.

“Before, I would have thought private school pupils were leaps and bounds above me.

“But now that we’ve been admitted to the same place, to do the same things, I feel like that barrier has evaporated.

“I’ve realised that there isn’t that chasm at all, it’s a completely notional thing. It’s not as material as some people would think it would be.”

Already looking a few years ahead, Nathan said his plan is to remain at Oxford to do a Masters, with a view to becoming an academic.

Nathan’s mum Paula couldn’t hide her pride at her son’s achievements.

‘A Peterhead Academy pupil going to Oxford is just unheard of’

Peterhead Academy was ranked second-lowest for attainment in Aberdeenshire in the most recent school league tables.

She told the P&J: “I’m absolutely delighted. He’s just exceptional.

“I think the school were a bit surprised at first when he said he would apply. But to be fair to them, they’ve been 100% supportive.

“Not many people can say their child’s at Oxford up here!

“Peterhead has such a bad reputation so it’s fantastic for the school, a really positive story.

“A Peterhead Academy pupil going to Oxford is just something unheard of.”

Peterhead Academy head teacher Gerry McCluskey said he was ‘extremely proud’ of Nathan.

“I am absolutely delighted for Nathan as he fulfils his dream of studying Law at Oxford University,” said Mr McCluskey.

“Nathan has demonstrated himself to be an excellent student who showed tremendous commitment to his studies.

“Like his family, we are all extremely proud of his achievements and are confident he will excel in his legal studies at this eminent university.”

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