A Ukrainian student at Hitchin Boys' School has been offered a place to study mathematics and computer science at the University of Oxford.

Volodymyr Vasylkun was only 16 when he moved to the UK in April 2022, after the Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Volodymyr, now 18, initially joined Year 10 classes as students of his age were already preparing for their GCSE exams.

He quickly adapted to life at the school, joined the Sixth Form and is predicted four A*s in his A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and computer science.

Volodymyr's teachers are full of high praise for him, with computer science teacher Ronald Serunjoji saying: “Volodymyr is a truly exemplary student who goes the extra mile to meet the challenges in his studies with zeal and determination.”

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Head of maths Charlotte Stapleton agreed: “Volodymyr is one of the most able mathematicians I have taught.”

Volodymyr’s aptitude for maths was apparent at a young age, inspired in part by his grandfather, who was a distinguished physics professor.

Before leaving Ukraine, Volodymyr had already won a silver medal in the finals of the Ukrainian National Computing Olympiad.

Since moving to the UK, he has also competed in online computer programming contests, and enrolled in the Comprehensive Oxford Mathematics and Physics Online School (COMPOS), aimed at students who want to explore the subjects above and beyond the A-level curriculum.

Jack Ingram, another Hitchin Boys' student, is also celebrating after receiving an offer to study at Oxford.

Emily Christou, head of sixth form, said: “We are so proud of the students who have received Oxbridge offers, and appreciate the hard work they have put in to get this far.

"Around 100 students are applying to university this year, for subjects ranging from Chinese studies to medicine and acting to law. We wish all of them the best of luck in their exams, which are now only a few months away.”