A YOUNG woman has become one of only three UK students to win a prestigious university scholarship.

Hana Khan, 18, from Slough, who is completing her A levels at Baylis Court School, has won a place and a financial-aid package to study at the University of North Carolina.

Competition for the scholarship was fierce. Hana was amongst the 1,000 students who applied for the Sutton Trust US programme, out of which only 150 were selected. This program gathered together the best and brightest UK pupils for an 18-month programme exploring US higher education, and helping students apply to US universities. Out of these 150, Hana triumphed to win the presitgious Morehead-Cain scholarship. Three people in the UK obtained the scholarship in total, of which Hana is the only state-school pupil - the other two, who attended Eton College and St Paul's Boys, obtained the scholarship outside of the Sutton Trust. 

Hana said: "I am particularly interested in the liberal arts education system in the US because of the range of subjects on offer. I believe this will allow me to pursue my academic interests, focusing on history and politics, and I am sure my experience in the States will build on my international outlook.

"I am grateful to all those who have supported me and allowed me to win the Morehead-Cain scholarship. My family, and the help of the Sutton Trust US Programme, has allowed me to embark on this incredible opportunity."

The aim of the Sutton Trust US programme is to encourage and support academically talented, low and middle income British students towards studying at a American university. With the support of the trust, 72 students on the programme, including Hana, have won a place at a top US university, 76 per cent of which will be among the first in their family to go to university.

The Sutton Trust held a celebration for the 72 students at the US embassy in London on June 21. Speaking at the event, Sir Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, said: "The achievements of this cohort, the majority of whom are from backgrounds with family income of less that £40,000, are truly remarkable. They will benefit from the breadth and depth that these universities offer, as well as the invaluable experience gained from living in the States."

Applications for next year's programme will open in November. Top students can register their interest now at https://us.suttontrust.com.