Sixth Form College Student Tours USA’s top Universities with US Study Programme

A-level student and Head Girl at The Sixth Form College, Kirsty McLaren won a place on the US Sutton Trust Programme earlier this year which gives high achieving, state school students a taste of life at an American university.

As part of the programme, Kirsty, who is studying Geography, English Language, Sociology and General Studies at Wirral’s leading Sixth Form, spent a week in Boston, USA this summer touring their renowned Universities including, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth and Wellesley College.

Kirsty, from Hoylake, is a practising Christian and is hoping to study in the US to further her ambitions to work as a Christian Missionary. Whilst visiting each university, Kirsty was able to attend various admissions fairs and college talks where she was introduced to the US University system and gained a true insight into the American student life.

She is one of just 200 selected students from across the UK to win a place with the Sutton Trust, which covers costs for all residentials, accommodation and travel.

The academic 18-year-old is already well-travelled, having spent two years in Tanzania when growing up, as her parents worked as missionary teachers in an orphanage.

She is now looking to apply to Wheaton College, Illinois, to study Theology and Biblical Studies, and will receive strong guidance and support from The Sutton Trust and her Personal & Guidance tutor at The Sixth Form College, on entrance exams for US universities and the scholarships available to UK students.

Kirsty said: “Spending a week in the USA has made my dreams of a US college experience become so much closer to a reality. I have learnt so much about US culture and their education system. It has really inspired me to continue with my goal of studying in the USA and helped me to reach a decision on where to apply.”

Head Girl Kirsty, who has already achieved 4 A’s at AS level, was home schooled prior to joining the college and studied the International Certificate in Christian Education. She chose to join Wirral’s specialist sixth form college because of its reputation for academic excellence and also its strong community ethos and pastoral care.

Principal Kathryn Podmore said: “We are extremely proud of Kirsty. She has taken full advantage of the fantastic opportunity she has been given to be able to pursue her life-long ambition to work as a Christian Missionary and has never faulted in her hard work or dedication towards her studies. We as a College will continue to support her all the way.”