Four A*s in A level Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. An A* in his EPQ. A place at Imperial College London to study Mechanical Engineering. But Darsh’s time at Trent has never been solely about academic achievement. As Head of School, a Master Cadet and leader of the Drama Technical Team, he has made the most of everything Trent has to offer.
For Darsh, results day delivered the outcome he had worked towards: four A*s in four demanding A levels, alongside an A* in his EPQ. He will now head to Imperial College London to study Mechanical Engineering.
The grades could hardly be better. But when Darsh talks about his time at Trent, they are only part of the story:
“The best thing about Trent has been the opportunity to do things outside of my academics. It’s pushed me to become the person I am today.”
Darsh joined Trent in Year 8, having moved from India. English was his second language and, for his dad Viren, the move was a significant one. He remembers being nervous about how Darsh would settle into a new country and a new school, but says that changed quickly once they arrived.
“It is the best decision we ever made.”
Over the years that followed, Darsh became immersed in the Trent community. As Head of School, he developed his public speaking through occasions including the Act of Remembrance and Speech Day. With the Combined Cadet Force, he became Head of Army and progressed to Master Cadet status. Last year, Darsh also helped bring Diwali to life across Trent leading a Main School assembly and creating rangoli art around the campus.
Alongside all of that was the everyday experience of being a Trent student: seeing friends, enjoying the routine of coming into school each day and generally, just giving things a go.
He wanted to work hard and achieve highly, but he also wanted to enjoy his time at Trent.
Making it all work
Making that balance work, alongside four demanding A levels and an EPQ, required organisation and commitment. It also required support.
Darsh’s teachers were there when he needed them, whether that meant an extra catch-up to work something through or sitting down together in the evening to prepare for his Imperial interview. Viren describes that support as “phenomenal”.
It meant Darsh could take on leadership roles, commit to CCF and Drama, and still aim for the highest academic outcomes:
A* — Chemistry
A* — Mathematics
A* — Further Mathematics
A* — Physics
A* — EPQ
For Viren, though, the most significant change has been seeing the confidence Darsh has developed since those early days.
The quiet Year 8 student went on to become Head of School, lead within the CCF, take responsibility for Drama and earn a place at Imperial.
Now he is ready for another big change: leaving Trent for university in London. Viren believes the independence Darsh has developed will be just as important as his academic preparation.
“Trent has given him the tools to be independent, and plan. That’s extremely important when you’re on your own.”
Darsh leaves Trent with five A*s and a place at Imperial College London. The grades are exceptional, as good as they get, but they sit alongside the confidence, independence, friendships and experiences he has built during his years at Trent.
For Darsh, the five A*s are the result. His Trent story is everything around them.
Considering Sixth Form? Come and see Trent for yourself at our Open Morning on Saturday 26 September.
Darsh reflects on his journey from joining Trent in Year 8 to achieving five A*s.
