Ethan C and Georgie M, both Year 11, were selected as scholars following a highly competitive and rigorous application process:
“Originally you had to write a project proposal and fill out a lot of forms about why you’re applying for the Scholarship. You then had to go through an assessment with different sections testing your problem solving and designing skills,” Georgie explained.
“If you manage to get an interview, they’d ask you a lot of questions about yourself, your experience, what you’ve done, and you’d have to make a PowerPoint with your project that you’ve made.”
‘There was quite a lot to do: projects, answers to write, short tests to do online, but I thought I handled it well,” Ethan reflected.
With almost 1,200 applicants in 2025, and only 317 Scholarships awarded, this is an exceptional accomplishment that places Georgie and Ethan among the UK’s most outstanding STEM pupils and emerging engineering talent.
As successful recipients of the scholarship, Georgie and Ethan will be sponsored by an engineering organisation for the duration of their A Levels, receive a grant, and have access to industry networking events. They are also put in touch with a mentor. “You can contact the mentor every month or so,” Ethan shared, “and they can explain to you what skills to learn, and what’s most useful in university and getting a job.”
Ethan hopes someday to go into engineering and designed his portfolio around a working wind turbine that powered a lightbulb. “I’m not sure what specific field yet, but the Arkwright scholarship will help me decide what fits me best,” Ethan commented.
Georgie’s interest in engineering started with her dad, who works in the field himself. “For my future career, I’m hoping to do aerospace engineering at university,” Georgie confirmed, “and hopefully level up to the point where one day I can manage my dad’s company.”
In the last five years, an astounding eight Berkhamsted pupils have received an Arkwright scholarship, which is a testament to our strong academic culture and support.
“Having worked with all the students who apply for the Arkwright Scholarship each year, I am always impressed by their commitment and eagerness to work hard for opportunities like this. They all have bright futures as engineers. It is especially memorable to see not just one, but two scholarships awarded, as this is such a prestigious accolade.”
— Ms Attfield, Head of Student Leadership
Receiving an Arkwright Scholarship is a fantastic achievement, showcasing not only ambition, knowledge and tenacity, but the bright future that stands ahead of these two pupils. Congratulations to Ethan and Georgie for embodying our values, Aiming High with Integrity and Being Adventurous.
Ethan encouraged every future pupil to apply for the Scholarship and utilise the support network of teachers at Berkhamsted: “they were great,” he commented.
“It’s a great thing to go for, even if you don’t think you’ll get it. There’s so many benefits to it- you might as well try!”
