Help from magical namesake sees Brockenhurst College student Harry secure prestigious placement at University of Oxford

SPELL-binding help from his magical namesake saw a Brockenhurst College linguist secure a top university place after just one year studying Spanish.

Harry Beckett achieved three A* grades in his A-levels for Spanish, law and economics, meaning he can now study the language and linguistics at the University of Oxford.

The former Noadswood School pupil became fluent in conversational Spanish after his talent was spotted and nurtured by teachers Sally Platt and Ana Gaztanaga.

One key strategy for learning success was to read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Spanish from cover-to-cover – an approach Harry calls “brute-forcing”.

“The linguistics aspect is really important for me, and the course at Oxford seems to go into great detail – it won’t be easy but it’s exactly what I’ve been seeking,” he said.

“Taking Spanish at Brock was an excellent choice. The course focused on a combination of Spanish and Latin American culture and literature, which greatly improved all my skills in the language.”

Harry can also speak conversational Dutch and is now looking to add another string to his bow by learning Chinese.

Spanish teacher Sally Platt said: “I’m really thrilled with Harry’s results – he has worked so hard to achieve his A*s and all his efforts have paid off.

“It’s a phenomenal achievement, especially as he hadn’t taken Spanish at school.

“We’re all so proud of him and wish him the very best as he takes his place at Oxford.”