Two Ron Dearing students have been recognised for their academic achievements and potential after securing sought after scholarships to help cover their university tuition fees
Josh Gray and Giacomo Davies, both 18, received their A-level results last week and are now heading to university with peace of mind, having been awarded top scholarships that will cover their finances.
Josh has been awarded a bursary from the JVenn Foundation, an organisation which provides four bursaries to disadvantaged students currently residing in the Hull region who are going to university or on to other further education.
Since joining the UTC in Year 12, Josh has completed A-levels in maths, biology and physics, as well as completing a qualification in AEA maths, and AS further maths.
After securing three B’s in Biology, Math and Physics, as well as a C in Further Maths, he will be going on to study Biomedical Engineering at University of Sheffield.
Josh said: “When I received the bursary, I felt a great sense of relief, I know university is just as much of a financial challenge as it is an educational challenge.
“The bursary will make a huge difference. As a student from a disadvantaged background, finances have always been a worry for me. Securing this bursary means I won’t have to work as many hours to support my studies, so I can focus fully on my education and reach my full potential.”
Josh has thanked the team at Ron Dearing for supporting him through his education and preparing him for his next steps.
He said: “Ron Dearing has been extremely helpful over the past two years and the excellent faculty of staff is always willing to help. Everyone is approachable, and students are encouraged to ask for support both in and out of the classroom.
“The team offers a huge amount of guidance when it comes to university and further education applications. From the start of Year 12, we receive regular information about work experience and other opportunities to help us stand out. For example, my teachers sent me details on how to apply for summer schools at Imperial College London and the University of Leeds, and helped me gain access to both. That experience taught me a lot about university life and helped confirm the course and path I wanted to follow.
“It’s also thanks to the Ron Dearing team that I successfully secured the JVenn Bursary. My application included a detailed reference from Claire Fisher, the school’s Lead Practitioner for Russell Group & Oxbridge Destinations Support, who goes above and beyond to help students achieve the best outcomes.
“Overall, the UTC community and staff have made a huge difference. Without them, I may not have applied for some of these opportunities – never mind succeeded in securing them.”
Fellow student, Giacomo Davies has secured one of just ten Chancellor’s Scholarship Awards from the University of Hull, which will cover his full tuition fees for his undergraduate degree.
Giacomo has been at Ron Dearing UTC since Year 10, completing both his GCSE and A-level studies at the school.
After securing A*’s in English and Biology as well as an A in Chemistry, Giacomo is preparing to begin a Biochemistry degree at University of Hull in September.
The University’s Chancellor’s Scholarship was launched for 2024/25 and will run for three years, following the appointment of former Secretary of State for Education and MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, the Right Honourable Alan Johnson, who is also a patron of Ron Dearing UTC.
Applications are assessed on academic achievement, motivation, and academic potential in the student’s chosen field of study, as well as communication skills. Judges also consider the originality of each application and how the student might contribute to the University and wider student experience beyond the classroom.
Giacomo said: “I was over the moon when I found out I had been awarded the scholarship, I knew it was a very competitive process so I wasn’t expecting to be successful.
“Having the scholarship provides me with financial security and educational freedom during my studies, and it also enables me to live at home with my family while completing my studies.
“The staff at Ron Dearing have been so supportive during over the last four years, and it was actually one of my teachers who told me about The Chancellor’s Scholarship, encouraged me to apply and supported me with my application, so it’s thanks to their support that I know have the security and further opportunities offered by the scholarship.”
Principal Sarah Pashley, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Josh and Giacomo have managed to secure these prestigious scholarships which will be hugely beneficial to them as they embark on their exciting university careers.
“They are both exceptional students and we’re really looking forward to seeing them excel on their degree courses and their future career pathways.”