Kingswood School in Bath is celebrating the success of three Year 11 students following the announcement that they were all awarded the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.
The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships programme is the most esteemed Engineering scholarship scheme of its type in the UK, offering financial support through A-levels and mentoring from a professional engineer.
Historically, there are only around 200 scholarships awarded nationwide each year with thousands of applications submitted. In the 30 years since 1991 that the Arkwright Engineering Scholarships programme has been running, Kingswood have had 15 students accepted to be scholars. Therefore to have all three students that applied accepted as scholars this year is quite an achievement.
Kingswood’s Head of Design and Technology, Mr James Castrique, said, “We offer all students the chance to join our Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Club and support them through the rigorous application process, which includes a written application, an examination and then for successful students, an interview.
“This year’s scholars, Harvey, Adam and James, have worked tirelessly both in Design & Technology as well as developing their knowledge and passion outside the classroom, and I am delighted that their dedication has been recognised in this way.”
On being awarded a scholarship, the students are provided with a direct link to industry through a mentor, and it also presents a positive addition for their CVs, university applications and beyond.
On being awarded the scholarship, Harvey B commented, “It means a lot to me to have won the award and I am very honoured that they believe that I am worth supporting.”
James W added, “I am honoured and delighted to have obtained such a sought after and prestigious scholarship, and it is hugely fulfilling for me that they believe my work has potential. I hope that this scholarship will allow me to progress to studying mechanical engineering at university and beyond.”
“I am really excited to have won the award, especially knowing how competitive it is and how lucky I am to get one,” commented Adam R. “I hope to be able to put the scholarship towards my A-level DT project so I can continue developing my robotics and use components that before weren’t affordable for me.”
Outside of the classroom, Harvey and Adam are both members of F1 in Schools teams, having competed at the finals this year, while James continues to volunteer for the East Somerset Railway, helping to maintain and run its steam locomotives.
Headmaster Mr Andrew-Brown commented, “What an outstanding achievement. Their passion for engineering is clear to see and I’m thrilled that three Kingswood students are being recognised as Engineers of the future, by being awarded Arkwright Engineering Scholarships.”