ONE youngster from Gawber always thought her dreams of studying the classics would be dashed by her working-class upbringing - but thanks to her determination, hard-work and a bit of luck she is now pursuing her ambitions at Oxford University and recently got the opportunity to work on a joint research project in America.

Grace Taylor lived the life of many Barnsley youngsters, attending Horizon Community College while living a modest lifestyle.

At 18, she managed to get a place studying ancient history at Leicester University for her Bachelor’s degree - which she got a First in - and returned home having enjoyed her time, but understanding that opportunities to pursue her passion would be limited.

“She applied for a paid internship at Oxford University on a whim,” her mum, Amanda Conway, told the Chronicle.

“At the time she said ‘oh I know I probably won’t get it, but may as well try’ - and then she ended up getting the offer.

“So then she decided to apply for her Masters at Oxford - she’s from a single parent family, we all work and everyone is aware that Oxford’s very expensive.

“It felt like it wouldn’t be possible, but then it became a reality.”

Now 24, Grace began her studies at the prestigious university in 2024, having taken a year off to work for the NHS where she saved money and successfully acquiring paid scholarships to support her accommodation and living costs.

While it has not been easy to get there, the experience has been the time of her life and her mother says that she’s loving every minute.

Recently, she also got the opportunity to travel over to New Jersey, where she was involved in a joint research project between Oxford and Princeton universities.

“She absolutely loves Oxford,” Amanda added.

“It’s a lovely place and there’s been some brilliant opportunities for her down there.

“There’s a lot going on so she’s definitely in the right place at the right time.

“She’s working very hard right now on her Masters and dissertation.

“But she does say that there’s a lot of people there who’ve been to private school.

“So they already know things like Latin which she never got to learn at school - that’s been an obstacle and she’s had to go out and spend extra time to learn that.

“Opportunities like that just aren’t available for working-class kids.”

Amanda hopes that by sharing her daughter’s amazing story she might inspire other youngsters with academic aspirations that may feel unattainable due to their upbringing.

“Just because you’re from a northern town like Barnsley doesn’t mean you can’t achieve this.

“You can do things like this and get to Oxford even if you’re not privately educated.

“I think young people need that kind of inspirational story

“Grace wants classics to be accessible to the working classes and not just those privately educated.

“She is the first generation to attend university in our immediate, working-class family - we are immensely proud of her hard work and achievements.”