A gifted maths and science student from the St Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form has been awarded a £250K scholarship to embark on a four-year Bachelor of Arts and Science degree course at Harvard University, USA – ranked as the best university in the world in the Times Higher Education World Universities listings. He also received offers from Oxford and Yale Universities.
Ewan Foster from Tadcaster, who attended All Saints RC School in York from years 7 – 11, moved to the St Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form in Harrogate on recommendation from his younger sister, who has flourished at St John Fisher Catholic High School since Year 7. In the school’s Associated Sixth Form, he has studied economics at AS level and mathematics, chemistry and biology at A level. Having already passed Harvard’s entrance exams, Ewan will already be on the US campus by the time he receives his A level results in August.
“Neither of my parents went to University,” he says, “so I wanted to work as hard as I could through school so that I could be the first in the family to get a degree. My dad actually dared me to apply abroad for a University place at the same time as I applied for the Oxbridge courses. The University paid for me to attend two interviews, and will be sponsoring my tuition fees and full board for the whole four years. I will pick twenty subjects over the four years and will probably major in Science in the first year. Even though I was offeredplaces at Oxford and Yale Universities, I liked the idea of a Harvard degree. I’m really looking forward to it and feel extremely fortunate to be given this opportunity. It will be a great adventure.”
Paul Jackson, Head Teacher at St John Fisher Catholic High School commented, “We are absolutely thrilled that Ewan’s academic achievements have been recognised by three of the world’s top universities. It is testament to the fact that a good education and a combination of focus, hard work and individual spirit can present extraordinary opportunities. Ewan is a very gifted, sociable and highly regarded student and we wish him all the best. We are sure that he will immensely enjoy his time at Harvard and are convinced that he will achieve great things in his future career.”
