Cardinal Newman - students gain places at top US universities

Posted on Friday 22 January 2016 at 10:54


Two Cardinal Newman students are among just 43 students who have successfully gained places to study at top US universities through the Sutton Trust US Programme, run in conjunction with the US-UK Fulbright Commission.

The 43 students, who come from across the country, have won places at 28 different institutions through the early admissions deadline, including Harvard, Princeton and Yale.

Newman student Phoebe Cribb (St Michael’s) studies A Levels in Biology, Maths and Psychology, has successfully gained a place at Bryn Mawr College in Pensylvania to study Psychology, International Relations and Art. One of the reasons Phoebe was attracted to studying in the US was the ability to ‘customize’ her degree through a liberal arts education whilst being immersed in a completely new culture.

Fellow Newman student Ibrahim Butt (Witton Park) is studying A Levels in Economics, Geography and Maths and has been offered a place at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. In addition to numerous academic pursuits, his extra-curricular activities extend to founding a community organisation called 2020 Vision. Ibrahim is a firm believer in the strength and capabilities of young people and, through his organisation, hopes to engage young people in social action projects throughout Lancashire. He also sits on the board of directors of a regional youth development initiative and has had the opportunity to represent the UK on intercultural exchanges in Bosnia, Germany and Tunisia.

The Sutton Trust US programme aims to open up the possibility of studying in America for state educated students from across the UK. The programme organises and funds a week-long visit to America, where students get a taste of US higher education and culture; as well as four UK based residentials, where students receive comprehensive US admissions advice from experts. They also offer support throughout the application process, including admissions test preparation and guidance for parents and teachers.

Many of the students who have been successful in gaining places are from middle to low income families, and for 86% of the applicants they will be the first in their family to go to university. The Universities have offered a substantial amount of financial aid over the next four years, meaning many of them will graduate with little to no debt.

Congratulations to Phoebe and Ibrahim!