Forest Gate post-grad inspires students at old school

A graduate from one of the top universities has returned to her old school in a bid to inspire the next generation of students.

Amina Yonis is taking time out from studying for her PHD in Biology at University College London to tutor youngsters at her Forest Gate Community School.

The 23-year-old, who graduated from Kings College London two years ago, runs the Brilliant Club - a programme set up by the school to help bright youngsters get into top universities.

Amina, from Forest Gate, hopes the programme will inspire pupils to follow in her footsteps and says the school helps pupils believe they can go on and do “special things.”

She added: “I’m so pleased the school have asked me to come back and teach.

“I know it is the school’s aim to get a lot more pupils into top universities. Since I have been working here I have noticed there are a lot of bright pupils so there is no reason why they can’t do it.

“Most don’t know about these top red brick universities when they first start out. It’s about preparing them for what these places are looking for and inspiring them to believe in themselves.”

Head teacher, Simon Elliott, said: “We started this club because it is vitally important that state school children, particular those in the inner city, are given the same opportunities that those in the private sector get.”