Five of the 17 sixth-form students from Wales to secure a place at Yale University's prestigious summer school this year are from schools in Cardiff. 

Yousuf Bakshi, from Fitzalan High School, Rianna Man from Radyr Comprehensive School, Carys Bill and Rhys Morris from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, and Maya Hoffer from Cardiff High School, have been chosen to get a taste of life at the Ivy League university. 

Fitzalan High School sixth-former, Yousuf Bakshi and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr student Carys Bill were the first of the Cardiff students to attend the summer school. 

Describing the experience, Carys said: "I have benefited so much in such a short time. I had the best fortnight of my life and I am so grateful to everyone that made this opportunity possible. I was motivated by the academics, and I had the opportunity to engage with so many amazing people." 

Yousuf added: "Going to Yale for the summer school was one of the best experiences of my life. I definitely want to study in America after this experience; I think the system there really suits me." 

All five students were part of the selection process for the Yale Young Global Scholars programme thanks to links forged by the Seren Network, a Wales-wide Welsh Government initiative encouraging more sixth formers to apply to leading universities. 

Competition for places on the Yale Young Global Scholars programme is fierce, with only around a quarter of total applications proving successful each year. 

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "Places at the summer school are extremely sought after, so it is excellent to see five Cardiff students being chosen this year. It shows the amazing talent we have here in the capital. 

"The Seren Network is all about encouraging young people in Wales to have the self-belief to apply for leading universities, not just in the UK, but across the world. So I hope our five students experiencing Yale this summer will inspire all our children and young people, giving them the confidence to fulfil their true potential." 

Joining over 600 fellow successful students from across the world, the five from Cardiff are staying on campus at the university over the summer. They are learning from world renowned professors and practitioners, being taken through a highly rigorous academic programme while at the college in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Multiple disciplines are being covered, including: applied science and engineering; international affairs and security; science and technology; sustainable development and social entrepreneurship; biological and biomedical science; and politics, law and economics. 

The Welsh Government Seren Network is delivered by local authorities through 10 hubs across Wales.