We are delighted to introduce our latest Arkwright Scholars. The University of Warwick will be supporting Harry from Southam College in Southam and James from Trinity Catholic School in Leamington Spa. Both pupils have a strong desire to pursue a career within engineering, and fought off stiff competition from other applicants to win the two Scholarships.

The engineering scholarships act as a beacon to the most talented school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students and help to ensure that high-potential young people stay engaged in the STEM careers pipeline.

Dr Martin Thomas, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust said:

Numerous learned reports have shown that the UK’s economic prosperity requires hundreds of thousands of new engineers and technical designers over the next few years. But we must recognise that numbers, alone, will not ensure our country’s future economic success. We also need some of these new engineers and designers to be modern-day Sir Richard Arkwright or James Dyson – outstanding technical leaders able to guide their country to engineering success. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships help to develop this pipeline of top talent into the engineering profession.”

Scholars are selected for their potential as future engineering leaders by assessing their academic, practical and leadership skills in STEM. These are assessed through a rigorous selection process comprising: an assessed application form including a teacher’s supporting reference; a two-hour aptitude exam; and a university-based interview. The Scholarships support STEM students through their sixth form studies and encourage them into top universities or higher apprenticeships.

The Scholarships consist of an annual financial award to each Scholar and to his/her school, and a range of enrichment activities, such as mentoring and industry visits, that enhance a Scholar's experience of engineering and technical design in a real-world context. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are highly regarded by universities and industry and are one of the most prestigious accolades that a talented sixth form student can achieve.

Margaret Low, Principal Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick, joined Harry, James and their families for the awards ceremony on Friday 31 October. We look forward to welcoming Harry and James to Warwick in the near future.