Anne Smith

Student’s Journey from Evesham College to Academic Excellence 

An Evesham woman says winning a prestigious Academic Scholarship Award is a tribute to the tutors who inspired her. 

Anne Smith, 22, was awarded £1,000 at a ceremony celebrating the academic excellence of students at the University of Worcester. 

Second-year Game Art & Animation student Anne, a former student of Evesham College, said it was a former tutor who encouraged her to go to university. 

“She pushed me to really go for it, I’m so deeply glad she did, it has been great,” said Anne. 

“It means a lot,” she said. “I had confidence in the work I was doing, but I had no idea that I was in the running for anything like this, it’s a very flattering surprise.” 

She added: “My mum was especially proud and my friends and family were happy for me. I hope my tutors from Evesham College can see this as well, because I owe so much to them.” 

Anne said she’s very proud to have taken the leap and started at university: “I know a lot of people like me who are scared to do something like this. Not only the fear of failure, but fear of change. It has been a real struggle sometimes, but I have so much to show for it, not just this award but the friends I’ve made and the people who are proud of me.” 

She added: “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.” 

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University, said: “We are incredibly proud of the students who have received academic scholarships.” 

The scholarships are funded by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers, and many successful graduates. 

This year, staff at the University have also been raising funds for scholarship and hardship support as part of the University’s two-year Anniversaries Campaign, which marks 20 years since gaining full university status in 2005 and 80 years since its founding as an emergency teacher training college in 1946. 

Professor Moyle added: “These awards demonstrate to potential employers the outstanding achievements of our students, while providing financial support and encouragement for those who’ve earned them.”