Cambridge Welcomes Ukrainian Refugee, 17, Offering a Fresh Start After Conflict

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Adversity: Cambridge Offers Spot to 17-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee

Challenges and adversity can pave the way to opportunities for those who remain determined. This is exemplified by 17-year-old Anna Ursakii, a Ukrainian refugee who escaped Kyiv with her family at the onset of the war and was accepted to the University of Cambridge after receiving four A* scores in her A-level exams. Anna and her younger brother Sasha fled the air attacks following Russia's invasion, traveling west through 10 different countries before arriving in northern Italy. This achievement not only highlights her academic excellence but also underscores the role of institutions to support and empower students displaced by conflict. After learning about a scholarship program at the prestigious British School, Anna Ursakii contacted Brighton College and was thrilled to be accepted through their innovative scholarship program to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.

According to head teacher Richard Cairns, Anna thoroughly engaged herself in life at Brighton College, which has annual fees of £43,000, including joining the award-winning chamber choir and participating in the dance show team. She arrived at the school in 2022 with her six-year-old brother Sasha, she made sure that everyone remembered the impact of war as the terror of air sirens was overwhelming. She chose to apply after finding out that Brighton College was accepting Ukrainian refugees and she was pleasantly delighted by their encouraging response, receiving a full scholarship to Brighton College after making a phone call to the headteacher from a petrol station. The school, in partnership with local charities and refugee organizations, has awarded approximately 20 full scholarships to Ukrainian children.

Reflecting on her time in England, Anna expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to attend Brighton College. She discussed the relief of feeling protected and having a secure future, drawing a contrast between her own experience and that of her friends who are still studying in shelters in Ukraine. Her present dreams are for a brighter future and peace. Mr. Cairns pointed out that the war has upended the lives of many Ukrainian teenagers, and Anna's narrative provides a hopeful view into the future. He expressed great joy in Anna's accomplishments and satisfaction in being able to help her. He complimented Brighton College students' record-breaking accomplishment, stressing that an amazing 99.3% received A*-B grades, which is thought to be the highest among schools. Furthermore, 85.2% of the scores were A*-A, with nearly half of all grades being A*.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) issued that 27.8% of UK entrants achieved A or A* marks, up from 27.2% the previous year and higher than 25.4% in 2019. However, the total pass percentage (grades A* to E) fell marginally to 97.2%, from 97.3% last year and 97.6% in 2019. In England, the exams body Ofqual expected this year's A-level results to be "broadly similar" to last year's, which had already returned to pre-pandemic grading levels. Wales and Northern Ireland authorities sought to align grading with pre-pandemic norms this year, one year later than England. This change comes after the COVID-19 epidemic, which resulted in a boost in top scores in 2020 and 2021 since results were dependent on teacher assessments instead of tests.
 

Furthermore, Ucas numbers show an increase in university and college admissions, with 243,650 18-year-old UK candidates accepted this year, up from 230,600 the previous year, a 6% increase.

Editor’s Note:
 

With strong willpower and unwavering determination, a 17-year-old Ukrainian refugee got a scholarship at Cambridge which is a remarkable achievement. This measure showcased the power of education as well as the supportive role of academic institutions. Despite being displaced and terrorized by the war still she had hope to change the situation by educating herself, this scholarship bring an opportunity for her to fulfill her dream and live a better life. The support of universities highlights the positive impact that higher education can have on those who have been displaced by war and demonstrates how scholarships and admissions can be transformative. This development not only brings hope and opportunity to the student but also reflects the broader role universities can play in aiding displaced individuals and fostering future leaders.
 

Skoobuzz congratulates Anna on her grand success and hopes that other universities also come forward and help the students who dream of completing their higher education amidst the war.