Northfields International School, part of the global Inspired Education Group, is proud to announce that Inesh Shankar Narayanan, a final-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme student, has been accepted into Stanford University – one of the world’s most prestigious and selective universities. His acceptance was secured among other things through a combination of his perfect standardised test scores (ACT 36), predicted IB score of 45/45, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, and proven leadership skills.
The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, broad-based, two-year pre-university qualification recognised globally for developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Inesh’s outstanding results place him among the top students internationally. While Stanford admits all students as “undeclared”, Inesh plans to major in Earth Systems and Economics, combining his dual passions for environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. He has authored a book on tiger conservation, contributed to coral restoration initiatives, and published two research papers on the subject. As Eco Leader at Northfields, he led several environmental and community-focused initiatives. Inesh’s academic subjects included Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Economics, and Physics, alongside Standard Level English, Biology, and French Ab Initio. He chose French Ab Initio to gain fluency in a new language, while maintaining and
progressing his Mandarin skills through self-study, ultimately writing the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Chinese Language and Culture. He has also represented his school in international academic competitions such as the John Locke Essay Competition, the Wharton Investment Competition, and the Pioneer Research Program.
Reflecting on his time at Northfields, Inesh credited his family, teachers, and school for their unwavering support: “My parents are my constant support system, and my teachers have always believed in me. Even when I had to adapt to changes, , the school went out of its way to support my goals.” Inesh moved from Hong Kong to Mauritius for the IB, overcoming early scheduling obstacles that limited his initial subject choices. Despite these challenges, his adaptability and determination led him to thrive in a new environment. Commenting on his acceptance to Stanford, he said it was “incredibly motivating and a reminder to be grateful.” He added that his message to younger students is simple: “Pursue your passions, work hard, and be empathetic.”
Beyond academics, Inesh finds joy in playing golf, scuba diving, and reading. When asked how he would spend an ideal day, he said, “Golf, scuba diving, and reading – that’s a perfect day for me.” He is inspired by philanthropist and investor Warren Buffett, particularly for “his philanthropic efforts, humble attitude, thorough investing methods, advocacy of being a voracious reader, and leadership skills.” Looking ahead, Inesh hopes to launch or join a company that brings together business, technology, and environmental sustainability. “I want to work with people I enjoy being around, doing something that matters – that makes a difference in the world,” he said. Northfields Head of School, Jonathan Taylor, said Inesh is “an exceptional young man whose academic brilliance is matched by his leadership, and commitment to making a difference. We are thrilled that Stanford has recognised his extraordinary potential and are incredibly proud of his achievements.”
