The bursary changed everything
When Dr Choudhury Rahman (Class of 2018) reflects on his path to becoming a dentist, one message stands out: education changes lives – families, even communities.
Choudhury was born in Bury St Edmunds to parents who had worked tirelessly to build a family restaurant after his father arrived from Bangladesh at 15. When the restaurant struggled, the family moved north to Oldham to be closer to relatives. At 11, Choudhury joined a secondary state school in Oldham.
“I still remember a new headteacher telling our year group that, based on past results, maybe 20% of us would make it to sixth form and university. It was a wake-up call,” he says.
Motivated to prove what was possible, Choudhury achieved eight As and an A* at GCSE. His family initially assumed Hulme Grammar would be out of reach financially, but his results earned him a 50% bursary and a further fee remission. Even then, the remaining fees were a massive burden, yet his parents found a way.
“The bursary changed everything. Without the bursary, I wouldn’t be at Hulme, and simply wouldn’t be a dentist today.”
Joining Hulme’s Sixth Form wasn’t easy. “Many students had been together since Prep and I felt like the new kid. But I knew I was there to achieve the grades I needed, and the teachers went above and beyond.”
After a first year that would have left him short of the grades required for dentistry, Choudhury redoubled his efforts. He worked closely with Dr Millington in Chemistry and Mr Turner in Maths, poring over past papers and seeking constant feedback. “They must have been sick of me asking for more practice questions, but they never said no,” he laughs.
With guidance from Mrs Langley and the careers team, Choudhury sharpened his personal statement and interview skills.
“They reminded me I didn’t have to be perfect – just focused, prepared and willing to back myself.”
2025
Choudhury Rahman now serves as a NextGen Ambassador for the College of General Dentistry.
From Manchester to Master’s
The hard work paid off. Choudhury achieved two A*s and an A at A-level and secured a place to study Dentistry at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2023. He now works across Rochdale and Oldham and is undertaking a Masters in Prosthodontics at the University of Central Lancashire, with ambitions to specialise, enter private practice and teach the next generation of dentists.
“The NHS is vital, but I want the time to really guide patients on their oral health – and I want to teach, just like my Hulme teachers inspired me.”
Giving Back to the Next Generation
Choudhury is passionate about opening doors for others. He has already helped three people into dentistry and speaks warmly about the power of bursaries.
“Education breaks the cycle of deprivation, not just for the individual but for their whole community. I’m incredibly grateful for how hard my parents worked and for Hulme’s belief in me. Bursary funding isn’t unlimited, which is why giving back matters. My story is proof of what those opportunities can achieve.”
Inspiration for Today’s Pupils and Alumni
Choudhury’s journey is a reminder that talent and determination, when combined with the right support, can overcome daunting barriers. For current pupils, it’s a call to aim high and trust the process. For prospective families thinking of joining Hulme Grammar, it shows how Hulme’s dedicated teachers and bursary programme nurture bright minds. And for alumni, it’s an invitation to share their own stories and consider giving back – ensuring more young people like Choudhury can follow their ambitions.