The future of hundreds of students is in your hands.
Well I don’t make the decisions. But as undergraduate admissions secretary it is my job to apply the criteria and tell people whether or not we can offer them a place.

Is it tough to get in?
It’s certainly very competitive. We are a ‘selector’ department in that we have around 2,400 applications each year – and just 225 places.

So you can afford to be choosy.
Quite right too. Leeds is one of the best universities in the UK for English. And we were recently recognised as one of the ‘peak achiever’ departments on campus.

How do you whittle 2,400 to 225?
The minimum requirement is two As and a B at A-level.

So it’s purely on the grades?
Not at all. For students coming from state school it can be a lot tougher to get those grades than someone from private school, or someone who has been coached simply to pass the exam. So we consider their personal statement, their references and in some cases an interview, too. Around 50 per cent of our offers go to state school pupils.

It sounds like there’s a ‘widening participation’ theme to your work.
There is. We have targeted a number of state schools - particularly in Calderdale, Wakefield and South Yorkshire –- and brought their A-level students in for sessions.

Missionary work?
Not really. It’s more about raising awareness of the university, as part of a drive to encourage more applications from people of relatively disadvantaged backgrounds.

So the admissions tutor takes the decisions?
Yes. I just take the flak.

Where did you study?
I didn’t. I left school at 16 with four GCSEs. I did a number of jobs before spending six months volunteering at an orphanage in China.

That sounds fascinating.
It was an amazing experience. The orphanage was also an adoption centre where babies would go before being adopted by families in Canada and America.

That must have been rewarding.
Yes, but it could be heartbreaking. I have seen so many dead babies – ones that were too sick, too cold, too malnourished to make it.

A life-changing experience?
Very much. Those six months shaped a lot of what I think about things. I’d recommend everyone to take a gap year.

And I guess it gave you a real taste for travel.
Sure. My dad runs an international charity and I have been lucky enough to travel to help with their work in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Romania.

And I understand you have continued to work with children in your spare time.
Yes. I’m a member of the Woodhouse Christian Fellowship and I help run a kids club there.

You don’t preach to them?
No, it’s not like that at all. Mostly we just play games and have fun and then we might read them a Bible story. But mostly it is just about giving them something different and maybe talking to them or listening to them in a way that their parents don’t have time for.

How long have you been with the University?
Nearly ten years. I started off in the international office and then moved over to English a couple of years ago.

Do you regret that you didn’t go on to sixth form and higher education?
I’m making up for it now. I’m currently midway through a part-time BA course in international studies.

Wow. You must be a busy person.
I study 14 hours a week. It’s a case of fitting it in really. But I thoroughly enjoy it.

Do you ever find time to relax?
Not much. But I love going out with friends for curries.

Most frequently asked question.
I’ve got straight As. Why have you rejected me?

Naomi French is the undergraduate admissions secretary in the school of English