“Mrs Leuchars inspired me in many ways. I remember, after one lesson, she asked me whether I knew what universities I wanted to apply to. She then told me that I definitely had what it takes to go for Cambridge. When I told her that I wanted to apply, she never stopped encouraging me and believing in me. When I started to apply for Cambridge, I did not believe that I would go far. Yet, thanks to her, I started to feel greatly believed in. She gave up many of her lunchtimes to introduce me to French literature from several time periods (Lafontaine, Rimbaud, Racine for example); and the love and interest that she had for this literature was transmitted to me through the way in which she would enthusiastically explain and analyse the stories and their contexts.

I also started to write poems in French out of interest; and she would very enthusiastically read them, ask me questions about them and help me to improve them. I felt very encouraged to nurture my love for writing poetry thanks to Mrs Leuchars. I entered a french language poetry competition at Cambridge this year, which I would not have done had it not been for the encouragement and passion for developing my poetry writing skills that Mrs Leuchars gave to me.

However, I also nominated her for the kind of person that she was. I always saw her lessons as a safe place in which I could express myself completely. Her classroom was a space in which I could unleash my authentic creativity and have it embraced. She was very altruistic and equally strived to encourage and build relationships with all her students.”