51Âþ»­

Outstanding students who have achieved incredible academic results, overcome barriers or inspired others have been presented with £1,000 scholarships towards their university studies.

Ten students who have progressed from , Leicester, to 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) were chosen for the awards.

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It is the third year that this scholarship programme has been run, with the winners chosen from students nominated by teachers and progress coaches at Gateway College.

The awards were presented by Sam Keen, head of vocational studies at Gateway, and opened by chairman of governors, John Kirk.

Mr Kirk – a former Gateway pupil himself – said: “We are very proud of the partnership we have with 51Âþ»­. Many students have little experience in their families of higher education, and we both want to remove barriers to university and further education.
“We’re not only investing in the future of these students who have received scholarships this evening, we’re investing in everyone and raising aspirations.”

Ms Keen added: “It is a real pleasure to give these awards. I know through speaking to the students here tonight the impact that success coaches and lecturers have had on so many people.”

Gateway prizes inset

Six of the 10 students to be awarded the scholarships were at a special awards ceremony held at 51Âþ»­. They are: Sean Johnson, BA (Hons); Keval Jethwa, (hons); Reece Ladwa BA (Hons); Savannah Kacha, Foundation year in , Shelby Holt, (hons), Wiktoria Agnieuszka Biela (Hons).

Keval Jethwa was praised for “his positive attitude, dedication to his studies and determination to be the best he could be”. Keval, who is studying Computer Science, aims to work in the cyber security industry.

Last year 171 students from Gateway College took up places at 51Âþ»­. The university helps prepare students for higher education by running taster days, masterclasses with lecturers and competitions for potential students.

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James Bagley, principal at Gateway, said he was proud of “each and every one” of the scholarship winners. He said: “Gateway College is committed to lifelong education and to inspiring our students to go on with their learning journey once they leave us. There are people here who are the first in their family to go to university. I would like to praise them for being committed to education and wish them every success.”

Savannah who came to 51Âþ»­ through Clearing, was praised for her attitude to study. She plans to work in forensic computing and is enjoying a foundation year in Computing. She said: “I’m loving 51Âþ»­, everyone is so friendly and the teachers are very supportive.”

University was not on the radar for Shelby until her high marks in business were noticed by her success coaches. She said: “I didn’t really think about university, I was thinking I would get a job but then Charlotte my progress coach said I should apply and it’s the best decision. I’m loving it.”  
 
Law student Wiktoria said: “It’s overwhelming to win this scholarship, I didn’t expect it at all. I’m really proud of myself and everyone here. Law is something that I have always been interested in. It’s hard work but I have such a passion for it.”