Oxford International College student Serena has been named the winner of the 2026 Independent Schools Association (ISA) Lexden Prize, a prestigious national award recognising an outstanding Sixth Form student whose achievements extend far beyond academic success.
Presented by the Independent Schools Association (ISA), the Lexden Prize celebrates young people who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, character and a positive impact on the lives of others. With each ISA school permitted to nominate just one student, even being selected to represent a school is a significant distinction.
Serena was recognised for an extraordinary combination of academic excellence, determination and sustained commitment to improving the lives of others.
An outstanding scholar, Serena joined OIC having achieved A*/A/9 grades across 12 GCSE subjects. She has continued to excel, achieving three As at AS Level and ranking amongst the top 5% of students in both Biology and Chemistry. Her academic interests are closely connected to her ambition to study Medicine, with her Extended Project Qualification exploring the effectiveness of gene therapy compared with traditional chemotherapy.
But it is what Serena has achieved beyond the classroom that makes her story particularly remarkable.
Growing up alongside her autistic twin sisters inspired Serena to become an advocate for autistic children from an early age. At just seven years old, she began making and selling handmade bracelets to raise awareness and funds.
That small initiative became Serena’s Secret, a social enterprise supporting autistic children and their families.
Over the years, Serena has funded therapy, sensory equipment and educational opportunities, helped create employment opportunities for autistic young people and developed an autism-friendly café where young people could train as baristas and build confidence, independence and workplace skills.
Her commitment to service has extended into many other communities, from supporting children experiencing poverty in Malaysia to contributing to autism inclusion initiatives and volunteering with students with severe learning difficulties at Endeavour Academy since joining OIC.
During the award presentation, Serena’s achievements were described as extraordinary – but it was the difference she has made to other people that truly distinguished her.
The ISA representative reflected:
“Many people spend their lives asking, ‘What can I achieve?’ But the truly exceptional people ask a different question: ‘What difference can I make?’”
It is a question that captures Serena’s journey perfectly.
Her story demonstrates that academic ambition and compassion do not have to exist separately. For Serena, achievement is about using knowledge, opportunity and determination to create meaningful change.
Her recognition with the 2026 ISA Lexden Prize is an exceptional achievement – and a proud moment for the entire OIC community.
Categories: Oxford International College School News
