As we prepare to embark on the new academic year at Robinson College, we are delighted to report on the success of this year’s Pegasus Scholars Programme. This September, as part of this programme, we were able to support 12 incoming students as they made the transition from sixth form to life at Robinson and the wider University of Cambridge.

As part of the programme, each Pegasus Scholar receives a two-and-a-half-week personalised programme of subject enrichment, working closely with experts in their field to expand their understanding of the directions their subject might take them in future, and to hone their study skills. The programme offers an introduction to life at Robinson: joining supervisions and seminars, making new friends, attending formal dinners, and taking part in wider orientation group activities such as punting. Participants are also supported by a team of undergraduate mentors, themselves typically former Pegasus Scholars, who help to organise the programme of events and ensure that the incoming cohort receive a warm welcome to College life.

The outstanding feedback we received from this year’s cohort of Pegasus Scholars includes:

“I’ve had such an amazing and enriching experience over the past weeks. The mentors have been a godsend in making us all feel more comfortable and confident within the college. This course is a great way to tackle the inevitable imposter syndrome that so many of us feel when receiving our offer, so definitely keep it going.”

“I really enjoyed the programme. I’ve really familiarised myself with college life and made new friends and now feel comfortable with the environment. The advice I’ve received from my supervisors has been invaluable in ensuring that I start my degree well.”

“I found the programme so helpful. It was such a great way to ease into college and meet new people before term starts. It also allowed me to settle into supervisions and get an idea of different teaching styles. It was so much fun and we got to meet great people. The mentors were AMAZING.”

“I think this programme is especially useful for getting used to the supervision aspect of Cambridge. I’ve discovered they are very different from what I expected, as are things like essays and the sheer amount of work. It’s nice for this to be laid out clearly for us to get to terms with, especially as most of our schools gave us no indication of this beforehand. It was also just nice to explore Cambridge, making the prospect of coming here less daunting.”

The Pegasus Scholars Programme is only made possible through the generosity of our donors. Among its key supporters is our alumnus the Right Honourable Sir Nick Clegg (Archaeology and Anthropology, 1986), who recently met with this year’s participants at Robinson College. Sir Nick said: “It’s just wonderful to see how much the Pegasus scheme has helped this year’s cohort of scholars settle into life at Robinson during these crucial introductory weeks. I’m proud to support a scheme that gives students, whatever their background, the confidence to make the most of all the opportunities on offer here to reach their full potential at Cambridge.” 

Find out more about the Pegasus Scholars Programme and University wide scholarships and bursaries.