Student rejected by Oxford wins Cambridge place

From: Cambridge Evening News, UK - 17 Jan 2003

A profoundly deaf student turned down by Oxford University despite having six top grade A-levels has won a place at Cambridge, it emerged today.

Anastasia Fedotova's rejection by Brasenose College last August renewed controversy about the university's admission process.

The 19-year-old student from Manchester, who was born deaf and could not speak until she was seven, had not been given the opportunity to shine by the college's selection procedures, her mother claimed.

But now the Russian-born teenager, who is currently taking a gap year before resuming her studies, has been offered a place at Cambridge's Trinity College after sitting the entrance exam.

Today, her former headteacher at Parrs Wood Technology College in Manchester said he was not surprised by Cambridge's offer.

"She was one of the most talented mathemeticians we have had," said Sir Ian Hall.

Oxford University said at the time that its "rigorous" admissions process enabled it to consider each application on its individual merits and that decisions were made on a case-by-case basis.

Cambridge Newspapers Ltd ©2003