A BORDERS student who completed Cambridge University’s first ever pre-degree course is now progressing to undergraduate study at the prestigious institution.

The Cambridge foundation year pre-degree course was aimed at talented students who had experienced disadvantage in their education and had not had the opportunity to realise their potential.

Cameron Welsh, 20, from Ashkirk, is to read history and politics at Cambridge’s Homerton College after completing the pre-degree course.

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The 20-year-old aspiring journalist, who attended Lilliesleaf Primary and Selkirk High School, has lived with chronic fatigue syndrome from the age of 13 – a condition that causes extreme tiredness. The syndrome meant that he missed four-and-a-half years of high school.

“I never considered Cambridge as an option, but when I heard about the foundation year it seemed to suit someone who had experienced what I had, and it was just too good an opportunity not to go for,” he said.

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“In particular I’ve loved the supervisions on the foundation year; I’ve enjoyed being challenged and challenging others’ ideas.

“It’s an experience I wouldn’t get anywhere else in the same way, and my critical analysis and argument forming skills have really developed.

“Starting my Cambridge degree hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I can’t wait.

“I’m looking forward to the work and meeting more new people.”

Dr Alex Pryce, foundation year course director, said: “It’s been incredible to watch our first foundation year students grow as individuals during their time at Cambridge so far.

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“They’ve really made the most out of this new academic opportunity.

“In terms of confidence, many of the students are unrecognisable from when they arrived.

“We find them inquisitive in the classroom and their experiences bring us new insights.

“They’ve also made the most of life in their colleges and have engaged in all that Cambridge has to offer, including sports, arts and student politics.

“This is a competitive and demanding programme, and we have seen some really excellent outcomes.”

Foundation year students receive full one-year scholarships – after a gift from philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson funded the launch of the programme – and study at Cambridge colleges.