After spending more than half of his life living in care, a young student in North East Lincolnshire is celebrating today after being awarded a place at the University of Oxford, following outstanding A-Level results.
Matthew Armitage, aged 18, grew up in the care of North East Lincolnshire Council.
Despite facing challenges throughout his childhood, Matthew has pursued his dream of studying at Oxford, inspiring many of his peers.
Today, Matthew received his A-Level results, achieving A* in Politics, A in English Literature, and A in History.
Speaking after finding out his results, Matthew credited his success to those around him – the people who have stood by him, encouraged him, and supported his ambitions. These include former school teachers, his foster carers, and staff in North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services.
“I cannot thank sincerely enough the people who helped me get here. Everyone’s support has meant the world to me.
“Teachers, my foster carers, and all of the staff at NELC Children’s Services provided the foundations for my achievements, as well as those in the wider partnership.
“To everyone who said “yes”, supported and encouraged, I thank you so much.”
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Matty’s achievement is extraordinary. His A level results and offer to study at Oxford are the result of talent, commitment and relentless determination, but they are also a reminder of what can happen when a child is surrounded by people who refuse to limit their ambition.
“Matty has faced challenges that no child should have to experience, yet he has continued to work incredibly hard and to hold on to his dreams. We are all immensely proud of him. His success belongs first and foremost to him, but it also speaks to the importance of teachers, foster carers, social workers and the wider children’s services family who show children that they are valued, capable and worthy of the very highest expectations.
“For every child in our care, our role is not simply to keep them safe, vital though that is. Our responsibility is to help them thrive. That means offering love, stability, encouragement and opportunity. It means being ambitious for them, standing beside them when things are difficult, and making sure they know that their past does not define the limits of their future.”
Wendy Ellis, Principal and CEO of Franklin Sixth Form College, said:
“I’m really proud of all of our students here at Franklin. They’ve achieved fantastic grades after some incredibly hard work, surpassing all expectations.
“Our role as a corporate parent is so important to us – we take great pride in going the extra mile to create an education environment which allows all of our students to really thrive and excel, and realise their ambitions.
“Matthew has done so well – he has committed to his studies and we’re so impressed with his results – congratulations!”
Matthew’s story comes at a time when the importance of improving outcomes for children in care and care-experienced young people remains a national priority.
Research from the University of Oxford’s Rees Centre has highlighted that young people with experience of children’s social care continue to face significant barriers to entering and remaining in higher education.
Ann-Marie added: “Matty’s success challenges all of us to keep raising our sights for children in our care. We must never allow care experience to become a ceiling on aspiration. Every child deserves adults around them who believe fiercely in their potential and who help open doors to the opportunities they deserve.”
Matthew will travel down to Oxford next month where he will begin his studies, reading history at St Hilda’s College.
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