Jacob Lee and Hugh Johnston from Bloxham School have both been awarded the highly sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarships, identifying them amongst the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design
Jacob, 16, from Aston Rowant, and Hugh, 16, from Wolverhampton, competed against some 1,400 students from across the UK and the Channel Islands to win the prestigious awards.
Headmaster Paul Sanderson said: “This is a remarkable achievement and we are all so proud of Jacob and Hugh. Both have a natural flair for Design and Technology and have worked incredibly hard to excel at the subject they love. I am delighted that their talent and effort has been recognised in this prestigious award.”
On receiving the award Jacob said: “I am really pleased to have secured an Arkwright Scholarship as it will make a career in Engineering more attainable. The whole process has been a worthwhile experience from the initial application right through to the aptitude paper and then the final interview.”
The renowned Arkwright Engineering Scholarship provides students with a ‘600 financial award to enhance their A Level studies, as well as a range of activities to enhance their understanding and experience of engineering. The Scholarships are well regarded by leading universities and corporations, as well as being supported by some of the top engineering employers.
The students had to successfully complete a rigorous selection process which comprised a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam, a team exercise which saw them working alongside other students they had never met before, and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. After the interview, candidates were given an opportunity to tour the university, exploring the diverse range of engineering and related design careers and their importance to the UK economy.