Former Pegasus Scholar and Lead Mentor, Toby Wilson, shares the positive impact of this scheme.

Once again, this September, ahead of the start of the new academic year, Robinson College is hosting our Pegasus Scholars Programme, a special bridging programme which helps 10-12 new students each year in their transition from sixth-form to studying at Robinson College and the University of Cambridge. 

Toby Wilson (Medicine, 2022) was among our first cohort of Pegasus Scholars who participated in the inaugural programme in September 2022. Having just finished his pre-clinical years in Medicine, Toby is thriving at Robinson College. He says, “Since I was about 14 or 15, I knew I wanted to study medicine. I went to my local state comprehensive and sixth form in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, which sent only one or two students every couple of years to Oxbridge.

“The Pegasus Scholars Programme allowed me to learn about College life, what it's really like to be at Cambridge, and get familiar with the environment. It was a really good way to make new friends before starting College and get acclimatised to the environment of Cambridge, which can be quite a culture shock.” 

Toby has become a Lead Mentor with the Pegasus Programme, a hands-on role in which he helps to oversee the programme and devise a range of extracurricular/social activities alongside the introduction to academic studies. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity, Toby says: “One of the really important things about Cambridge is that everyone's got their own story and their own ideas. Bringing all those different voices together allows for the University to reflect society more generally. I want to help raise awareness and support activities to show potential new students that whatever background you come from, Cambridge is definitely a place for you!”

Dr Andrew Sharkey, Toby’s former Director of Studies for Clinical Medicine at Robinson, said, “Toby has been an outstanding Ambassador for the Pegasus Scholars Programme. Academically he has thrived. Alongside his studies, Toby has made a huge commitment to the Robinson student community. As well as acting as Vice President of the Medics and Vets Society, Toby regularly volunteers at widening access and outreach events, welcoming prospective applicants/freshers to Robinson. He has a natural talent and enthusiasm for making everyone welcome at the College and has been an enormous asset to the community here at Robinson.”

Our Pegasus Scholars are introduced to everyday life at Robinson – making new friends, participating in supervisions and seminars and experiencing formal dining, as well as taking part in wider orientation group activities including punting. During the 2.5 week course, each Pegasus Scholar undertakes a challenging, personalised programme of subject enrichment (including interdisciplinary study where relevant), 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. They are supported by a team of undergraduate mentors, themselves typically former Pegasus Scholars like Toby, who ensure that the incoming cohort receive a warm welcome to College life.

The Pegasus Scholars Programme is led by Dr Lizzi Rawlinson-Mills, Robinson Fellow in English and Education and Director of Studies for Education, who said: "As we welcome this year's cohort of Pegasus Scholars, we are delighted to share Toby's success story and celebrate the positive impact of this scheme. We are very proud of our work to support everyone, whatever their background, to flourish at Robinson and the wider University of Cambridge, continuing the work of 'widening participation' beyond admissions to take account of the transformative importance of a strong transition. Huge thanks, as ever, to our donors to the programme, without whose support this scheme would not be possible." 

Watch this interview with Toby to learn about his experience as a Pegasus Scholar at Robinson. Find out more about the Pegasus Scholars Programme and University-wide scholarships and bursaries.