Wycombe Abbey Hangzhou Student Secures LSE Offer After Transformative Journey

13 July 2026 - Hangzhou

After transferring from a top international school in Shanghai, Grade 12 pupil Fiona W. has completed a remarkable journey of self-reinvention at WAS Hangzhou, culminating in an offer from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This year, she received nine university offers—five from the United States and four from the United Kingdom—including one from her dream institution, LSE. Yet among her many achievements, it was a setback that shaped her most profoundly. Invited to interview at the University of Cambridge at the start of the application season, Fiona ultimately faced rejection. Rather than viewing it as failure, she reflected candidly on the experience. “Although I spoke fluently, my answers lacked depth,” she said, noting that such depth is crucial at Cambridge’s level. The experience strengthened her subsequent applications and reinforced her resilience. “Years from now, I believe this will be an important piece of my journey,” she added.

Fiona’s composure and renewed sense of purpose are closely tied to her experience at WAS Hangzhou, where she found an environment that prioritizes holistic growth over exam-driven competition. At her previous school in Shanghai, the intense focus on grades had left her feeling stifled and demotivated. Determined to find a more inclusive and diverse educational setting, she transferred—a decision that proved pivotal. At WASHZ, she flourished both academically and personally. She became Editor-in-Chief of the school magazine Abbey Scribe, Vice President of the Student Council, and a speaker on the TEDx stage, where she shared her passion for psychology. Joining the basketball team also marked a turning point, giving her a strong sense of belonging and support. “I felt accepted there,” she recalled, describing the encouragement she received from teammates and coaches, particularly during an injury. Teachers have noted her growth as well. “She now has a much clearer sense of her long-term goals and is willing to work tirelessly towards them,” said Mr William Bellamy, Assistant Head of Enrichment.

It was at WAS Hangzhou that Fiona discovered her academic calling in psychology. Initially viewing the subject as primarily about emotional support, her understanding deepened through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where she conducted rigorous research using academic databases such as JSTOR. Reviewing decades of literature and producing a 20-page research paper, she came to appreciate psychology as an evidence-based science grounded in experimentation and data analysis. Her project earned an A grade and provided her with skills in argument construction, literature review, and academic writing—preparing her for university-level study. Drawn particularly to behavioural and developmental psychology, Fiona hopes to support young people facing psychological challenges. “Since psychology has helped me grow in a positive way, I want to use it to help others,” she said. As she prepares to begin her studies at LSE, Fiona does so with the confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose forged through her transformative years at WAS Hangzhou.