For Annie, a motivating factor in applying to Imperial College was its status as a global top ten university. “Imperial College is one of the best universities in the world, especially for computing courses, and will enable me to study the best science and tech that the world has to offer,” she says.
In fact, the QS World University Rankings 2026 lists Imperial College as no. 1 in Europe and no. 2 in the world, ahead of Harvard, Oxford and Stanford. Its prestigious alumni includes 14 Nobel Prize winners, among them Sir Alexander Fleming who was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for discovering Penicillin.
A Strong Foundation
Annie’s fascination with computing and programming began in year 7 through the simple block coding she was taught as part of Strathallan’s ICT programme. “It was interesting to see how simple instructions can turn into a complex algorithm,” she explains. “Also, I enjoy how problems in computing can have many solutions, and you can approach a challenge in many ways, which makes it a perfect blend of creativity and logic. For me, programming is like solving a fun puzzle, and I want to go deeper and see just how much can be done with 0’s and 1’s.”
Having studied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science at A Level, as well as Further Maths, Annie believes Strathallan has provided her with a strong foundation for further study. “Academically, doing the Cambridge curriculum really helped. The high volume of content allowed me to develop independent learning skills and will ease the transition into university. It’s also given me confidence to handle difficult academic problems.”
She also acknowledges the valuable skills she’s gained from opportunities to explore her interests beyond the classroom. “One of my favourite activities, Epro8, allowed me to develop my teamwork, logic, and problem-solving; the Dungeons and Dragons club taught me important skills such as leadership and collaboration; and the concert band and school production allowed me to experience the arts department of our school, something that I wouldn’t normally be able to do with the subjects that I took.”
Growth and Exploration
There’s no doubt that the move from Auckland to London will be a big transition, and Annie admits to feeling some nerves. Being so far away from family and friends will be the biggest challenge, but she is looking forward to exploring a new city and making new friends. “I’m sure I’ll grow and learn a lot,” she says.
Annie says that other Strathallan students looking at overseas universities for their tertiary studies should not be daunted by the application process.
“The school gave me a lot of support, from helping me navigate the UCAS website to writing references for me,” she says. And although she had concerns about the entrance exam, she needn’t have worried. “I was concerned that there might not have been a venue in Auckland, and it was right in the middle of our Cambridge exams, which added an extra layer of stress. But everything worked out in the end, obviously.”
For younger students who dream of studying overseas, she has this advice: “Do your research and don’t be afraid to reach out for support if there’s anything you don’t understand or need help with. There’s a lot of resources available to you, from official websites to the school’s careers’ adviser. Use them. Also, believe in yourself. Don’t be scared that you’ll get rejected. It’s better to apply and not get in than to not apply at all and regret it.”
Annie travels to London in September and will spend two weeks exploring the city she will call home for four years before her course commences in October. And beyond university, it seems the world will be her oyster. “London is a big city with many opportunities and different careers for me to choose from,” she says. “ Maybe I'll do software engineering for a huge company, or perhaps work as a programmer for a small business, or maybe I'll do further research and get a PhD.”
Given the rapid development of the technological landscape, Annie is right to keep her options open. One thing is certain, a degree from Imperial College will open many doors.
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