Congratulations to Hasan Al-Zarrad, Siva Balasundaram and Arran Patel who have each been awarded one of the prestigious scholarships following record submissions for 2024 and a rigorous selection process. An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship in the UK.  Only those who demonstrate an extremely high aptitude achieve it.  Overall, a record 1532 hard-working students applied to the prestigious 2024 programme; a significant year-on-year increase of 15%, and the second-highest ever number of applications received since the programme began over thirty years ago. Less than 300 awards were issued this year throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

With now six scholars, the RGS has the rare distinction of having what is considered a high number with our existing Arkwright scholars, Cameron Cole, Daniel Matthew and Headboy Torr Ramsden. 

The scholarship comprises a competitive selection process from an online application, to the aptitude exam, culminating in a virtual interview. This comprehensive programme ensures to assess each students’ engineering knowledge, and key life skills, including leadership and creative thinking.

Part of the educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships is a fully sponsored programme, that serves to encourage young people from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and change the world as a future leader in engineering. 

Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, the scholarship programme supports young people through their A levels, Scottish Highers or equivalent qualifications, providing financial support, personal mentoring, hands-on industry experience and exclusive events to support their journey into engineering.

Every Scholarship is sponsored by a commercial company, trade association, university, professional institution, armed service, government organisation, worshipful company, charitable trust or personal donor. This means that support is offered in various different ways. For example, valuable hands-on work experience, support for your curriculum project and a personal mentor who can help you with aspects of your studies and career planning.

All successful scholars are awarded a nationally recognised Scholarship certificate to enhance their university and apprenticeship applications, alongside a £600 financial bonus to support their studies, Arkwright Scholars will be assigned to a mentor (someone currently in industry who is a specialist in their chosen career) and access to a range of on-line and virtual training events and work experience events at a subsidised rate, or entirely free.