Emma East, now Emma Hardie, arrived at Stanley House in 2006 at a pivotal moment in her life. Facing an unstable home environment and the very real prospect of homelessness at just sixteen, she was given a life-changing opportunity through the Arnold Foundation to attend Rugby School. 

Today, as a Youth Programmes Delivery Manager at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Emma reflects on how the stability and encouragement she found at Stanley House enabled her to rebuild her life and realise her potential.

I knew when I stepped off the train, aged 16, on my way to be interviewed by Rugby’s  Head Master, that this was my chance to start a new life.  He knew about my difficult childhood but I felt I had to do a good job in selling myself. It was an opportunity I was desperate to be given.  

I was brought up in a tiny, one-bedroom flat in central London. My mum was a catering manager and often worked evenings. My father suffered with alcoholism and our relationship was volatile at times.  Between the ages of 10 and 15, we had multiple visits from Social Services that culminated in me entering into an informal fostering arrangement with a teacher.   

I had always been bright and inquisitive and managed to pass my GCSEs but lessons were constantly interrupted by rowdy students and I was not making the progress I should have been. Due to my living situation, I was likely going to be homeless at 16 and have to leave education. Stephanie, my foster carer, and a woman in Westminster Council’s education department, tried to find an alternative school for me that would change my living situation too, and they discovered the Arnold Foundation.  

In 2006 I arrived at Stanley House. One of my good friends, Nina, and I met on our first day at Rugby School and within minutes decided to share a room. She is now the godmother of my 15-year-old daughter.  I made friends for life in my boarding house. Some students felt uncomfortable sharing that they were Foundation or scholarship recipients, but it has always been something I am very proud to tell people.   

I guess some kids would have been daunted but I can only remember being very excited. I was starting a new life. Stanley House felt like a home: warm and cosy and surrounded by many girls my age. I took A levels in English Language, Politics, Theatre Studies and Photography and received top marks.  

I started a BA in Linguistics at UCL when both my parents became seriously ill. We were reconciled by then and I was living back home, but tragically my mum passed away within a few weeks of me starting. I decided to postpone university to care for my dad.  

Initially I worked in film as a film extra, moving on to body doubling and stunt work. Eventually settling down and working in a school, I now work as a Youth Programmes Delivery Manager at Said Business School, University of Oxford, and am also studying for a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing with the Open University, now in my final year.  I am married with three daughters.  

The Arnold Foundation is a fantastic programme. I was lucky that it recognised my interest in learning and gave me a home in which I felt safe and confident. I knew if I worked hard, there was no reason I couldn’t have a great future.