Student stories

Name: Endi Skenderi
Country: Albanian
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
University destination: University of Oxford, St Catherine's College - Experimental Psychology

"The IB programme was motivating in itself. The vigor of the workload taught me the importance of time management and pushed me towards applying myself to the fullest."

Name: Karima Karagussova
Country: Kazakhstani
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: 36 IB points
University destination: University College London - Biomedical Sciences

Name: Ho Han Yeung
Country: Chinese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
University destination: Durham University - Law

"As an international school you get to talk with students from many countries - I have friends now from Thailand, Korea, Russia and all over the world. We learn all about their culture and home life.”

Name: Catherine Gregory
Country: British
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: 41 IB points
University destination: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - Law and Anthropology

“You can tell the teachers here really care about you and there is a lot of pastoral support in place. They always reinforce the fact we can talk to them if we have any problems or if we feel like we are struggling with work and need to bring our grades back up to where they should be against our targets."

Name: Leonardo Becagli
Country: Italian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"In Italy I used to go to school on a Saturday, I hated it. Now I have a fuller timetable from Monday to Friday, which I prefer. This means I can go on trips and study on my own at weekends."

Name: Patrick Ludwig Fenou Kengne
Country: Cameroonian
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury

“On the IB we have a lot of things to do so we are tested each week and from these tests the teachers and you get a good idea of how you are progressing. I think it is good as otherwise most students would forget halfway through each term what they have learnt. Testing more frequently prevents you forgetting and builds up your knowledge."

Name: Pik Ying Yip
Country: Chinese
Studied: A Levels at CATS Canterbury
University destination: University of York - Psychology

"At CATS Canterbury they give you all the help you need to apply to a top university. Before I sent my personal statement off with my UCAS application, I gave it to the Principal. He gave me a lot of advice and told me what I had to emphasise more."

Name: Leonard Kepi
Country: Albanian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* B B
University destination: Offers from City, Birmingham, Queen Mary, Manchester and Westminster

"The teachers are great, I love the teaching style. In my old school in Albania there was a very formal atmosphere, talking in class was not allowed. At CATS they like you to express your opinion and debate ideas. I really enjoy this aspect of the classes, I learn more this way and I am interested in other people’s ideas.”

Name: Iago Moreno Alvarez
Country: Spanish
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
University destination: Cambridge University - Human, Social and Political Sciences

Name: Hoang Thanh Trang Chu
Country: Vietnamese
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 38
University destination: Queen Mary University - Law

“I grew up speaking English, but when I arrived at CATS I studied English Literature for the first time. We study in small classes, and the teachers enjoy their subjects which helps to inspire students."

Name: Giulia Asia Vendrami
Country: Italian
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 32

“CATS gives you the freedom to study more independently and grow as a person.”

Name: Oliver Fischer
Country: German
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 37
University destination: University of East London - Business

“The multi-cultural community at CATS has broadened my mind. The IB Diploma is very challenging but highly rewarding. I think the course has made me a more balanced person.”

Name: Modeleola Opemipo Oluwayimika Shodipo
Country: Nigerian
Studied: A Levels at CATS Canterbury
Results: A A A
University destination: UCL - Chemical Engineering

“When I had questions about my UCAS application, an adviser was here to answer my questions and help me pick out a first-choice university. There’s a relaxed environment here. It feels safe to go out and wander around Canterbury, and the boarding facilities are clean, and have a kitchen where I can cook my own food if I want to.”

Name: Yuliya Medvedenko
Country: Kazakhstani
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 32
University destination: Lancaster University - Management and Marketing

“It’s been a fantastic experience Studied at CATS. The best thing is that there are a lot of international students. It was easy to make friends here and there were plenty of opportunities to practise English.”

Name: Anastasia Anoprieva
Country: Russian
Studied: A Levels at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A B
University destination: Warwick University - Philosophy, Politics and Economics

“There’s a lot to do for a UCAS application, but I received help in one-on-one sessions with an admissions adviser. Our classroom teachers are also very helpful, and although I already had good English before I arrived, it’s still nice to have lots of Russian-speaking staff around.”

Name: Mykyta Kremnyev
Country: Ukrainian
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 29
University destination: University of Birmingham - Banking and Finance

“I chose to study at CATS because I wanted to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The course is challenging and we have to work hard but I am happy I chose the course. I like the fact that we get more freedom here compared to other English Boarding schools.”

Name: Rafael Vital Santos Varela Miguel
Country: Portuguese
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

“I came to CATS because I needed extra support with my English. Unlike some international schools, CATS has both students and teachers of lots of different nationalities - so with English as a common language, we all help each other improve. I made friends within a day of starting here!”

Name: Ivan Kovalenko
Country: Russian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* AA* BB B

“The teachers are amazing, They’re always happy, positive and helpful. They have played a huge role in helping me to become independent in all ways: educational, and also as a person. I like boarding at CATS, the atmosphere is amazing. We play games in the common area and I get involved in lots of activities. The boarding staff are very nice and if anything happens to you they’re always on hand. They will respond to requests and are flexible.”

Name: Nouma Penning
Country: Luxembourger
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 34

“The school is great for study. The teachers are strong academically and there are people here just for UCAS guidance. I think I’m in good hands. Boarding at CATS is a good way to prepare for university. There’s an informal atmosphere here and a good balance of work and downtime, and that helps to become independent.”

Name: Kamran Kocharli
Country: Azerbaijani
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A B

“I’m president of the student council here, and I set up a charity programme so that students could get involved with helping important causes. The best thing about Studied here is the links to universities. I’m applying to study in the US and the staff at CATS was able to offer plenty of advice.”

Name: Falk Feuer
Country: German
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 24

“There was a university fair here where people from different universities visited CATS – this really helped me to make a decision about where to apply. Students have a lot of independence here, but boarding staff also do a good job of helping you settle in.”

Name: Iulia- Ioana Cucasu
Country: Romanian
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
University destination: A AB

“I don’t miss home here – the boarding facilities are cosy and the house parents are young and easy to talk to. The teachers are also always willing to support our personal development outside of class. It’s impossible not to make friends here. Almost everyone is from a different country, which helps you to gain an interesting perspective on life.”

Name: Wang Wui Wylan Wong
Country: Chinese
Studied: International Baccalaureate at CATS Canterbury
Results: IB: 39

“I like Studied the IB here at Canterbury because you have time to understand concepts rather than simply completing exercises. I took a trip to Cambridge for a masterclass in Biochemistry and Genetics to support my university application.”

Name: Suhair Elmotaz Mohamed Ahmed Elbireir
Country: Sudanese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A* A
University destination: University of Edinburgh - Law and International Relations

“An education at CATS helps you stay focused, and gives you opportunities to grow as a person, rather than just making sure you pass exams. I’ve made friends with people from a wide range of nationalities here. Staff and students alike are very supportive of each other, so you never feel alone.”

Name: Podcharamon Thongkittikul (Bon)
Country: Thai
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A* A
University destination: Lancaster University - Environmental Science

“I feel very independent here. I live with eight other girls and we often get together to cook meals. All the staff are very supportive. My English teacher helped us to improve our listening skills by using news reports and YouTube videos, and my personal tutor helped with my university application by reading and advising on my personal statement.”

Name: Bira Hillary Ukutse
Country: Nigerian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A A
University destination: University of Manchester - Accounting and Finance

“CATS is a good stepping stone for university applications. A UCAS adviser helped with the application process by recommending courses and sending me links to university websites. I’m in my second year here and feel quite at home now. The town is close by, and the school hosts cultural evenings on Friday nights so there’s always something to do.”

Name: Dana Abdykayeva
Country: Kazakhstani
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A* A
University destination: University of Warwick - Economics

“I was initially nervous about the university application process, but I was encouraged to aim high and ended up with an offer from my first-choice university. I’ve learnt to be more creative, express my ideas and become a leader. I think they’re good skills for the real world.”

Name: Hanzi Chen
Country: Chinese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A B C
University destination: University of York - Psychology with Education

“I was homesick when I first arrived, but the staff here look after you and so I quickly made friends. I’ve also had the opportunity to go on trips related to my course, including a trip to London last year.”

Name: Yuki Gen
Country: Japanese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A B
University destination: University of Bristol - Physiological Science

“The process of applying to university in the UK is really different. In Japan we just take an exam whereas in the UK you have to apply online. I didn’t have to worry about the different system, because there’s a UCAS advisor in College who helps you apply.”

Name: Genyan Chen
Country: Chinese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A* A
University destination: University of Bristol - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

“I came to CATS from a traditional UK school, and I’m now able to be more independent and enjoy communicating with people from other counties. We study in classes with students who have a similar level of English, and the teachers make extra time to help us overcome language obstacles where needed.”

Name: Inyene Inibehe Okori
Country: Nigerian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A AB B C
University destination: University of Exeter - Politics and International Realtions

“The best thing about Studied at CATS is the freedom. We’re allowed to use our free time to study or to work on university applications, and this helps to gain the independence we’ll need to succeed at university. I like meeting people from lots of different nationalities, and I’ve found that students who started with little or no English quickly have caught up with native speakers.”

Name: Chi Fung Lau (Haley)
Country: Chinese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: C C D
University destination: University of Portsmouth - Business and Management

“I would recommend coming to the UK to study because the environment is more relaxing and multicultural. You can learn lots from students coming from different countries.”

Name: Shiori Kanemoto
Country: Japanese
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury
Results: A* A A
University destination: Durham University - Biomedical Science

“At first I found the different English accents a challenge, but I soon adapted. The teachers here have a lot of experience teaching international students. They are also always prepared to help outside lessons, not only with English but also with UCAS applications.”

Name: Mohammad Nedaei
Country: Iranian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"I think the UK is like a modern country, we have more choices and it’s great in Canterbury because the city is small and its student orientated."

Name: Omar Abdulaziz
Country: Nigerian
Studied: A Levels at CATS Canterbury

"I didn’t know much about the application process for Oxbridge because it is a very different system. If the support system wasn’t in place it would have been very difficult for me to have an interview because only 30% of applicants get an interview. So that in itself is a testament to how good the system is."

Name: Elena Osokina
Country: Russian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"It was always my dream for a long time to study abroad especially in the UK, so I’m really happy to do be doing so."

Name: Yuliya Zaikina
Country: Belarusian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury

"There are a lot of activities you can take during your studies. This year I took Model United Nations, you discuss world issues with other people from different countries and we got to go to New York. I’m also taking a science club where I am making my own lipstick, which is great because I love cosmetics. I also am taking part in an EPQ – {extended project qualification} and last year I was also part of the History club."

Name: Arian Shamsfard
Country: Iranian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury

"All of my life I always had a different view of studying, when I came to this school, they helped and taught me how to do it while enjoying my time. The teachers stay after class to help with any problems with essays or grammar. This motivates me as it shows me that they want us to have a proper future."

Name: Lucrezia Faggioni
Country: Italian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"For me learning is not just about school, it’s also about learning to live alone and learning how to be with others who come from different backgrounds and cultures."

Name: Nickholas Louise
Country: Indonesian
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"I really want to become a doctor I have done ever since I was little. Studying IGCSE helps me towards the pathway of getting my dream."

Name: Oluwamodupe Opemio Daramola
Country: Nigerian
Studied: University Foundation at CATS Canterbury

"CATS has heightened my love for Law. When I finish my studies at University I want to go back to Nigeria and become a Lawyer, Nigeria has a really poor justice and legal system and I feel like as a lawyer I can help improve and make my mark."

Name: Lucia Schiaffino Martinez
Country: Mexican
Studied: GCSE / Pre:programme at CATS Canterbury

"They care about what their students think and our opinions, we have a voice here."