Former Alcester Grammar School Pupil Honoured with University Scholarship

A former Alcester Grammar School pupil has thanked his teachers for believing in him after being awarded a £1,000 scholarship for excellence in his university studies.

Alex Jones, a third-year Animation and Game Art student at the University of Worcester, has been awarded the prestigious Academic Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement.

“It’s a huge honour, and to be recognised with this scholarship is incredibly motivating,” he said. “It shows me that the late nights and hard work were worth it, and it inspires me to keep aiming high.”

Alex said the extra funding will make a significant difference, allowing him to focus fully on his studies as he enters his final year.

Reflecting on his time at Alcester Grammar School, he credited staff with helping him achieve his potential.

“My sixth form focused heavily on character, teaching us the importance of being decent human beings,” he said. “Showing up and always trying our best. On top of that, they never capped my potential. They supported me in taking four A-levels instead of three, which gave me the perfect platform to stretch myself and prove what I was capable of achieving.”

The University of Worcester was recently named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide, with judges describing a performance that “leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade”.

Alex said the University was the perfect fit for him.

“It allows me to commute from home, which made higher education financially viable for me, while offering the precise degree programme and modules I was looking for,” he said.

“I’ve absolutely loved the freedom to shape my own projects and focus on the areas I’m passionate about. Whenever I’ve needed guidance, the tutors have been right there with deep, insightful support. Knowing they’re in your corner gives you a huge amount of reassurance.”

Alex paid tribute to his former teachers at Alcester Grammar.

“I want to say a massive thank you to them for believing in me, even though I was shy and quiet in class,” he said. “They always pushed me to achieve my absolute best. I’m especially grateful to the art department. They gave me the space to grow, express myself creatively, and always championed my ambitions.”

The University of Worcester is this year shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students in the Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.

Professor David Green CBE, DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni, philanthropists and friends of the University, we are able to award academic scholarships to students who perform outstandingly well – typically gaining straight As across their studies. Achieving such excellent results consistently requires dedication, ability and sheer hard work.”

“All of us at the University are very proud of all our scholarship winners who come from across the range of our courses and from many backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes scholarship winners who are students who did not particularly excel at school but find that the intellectual and professional challenge of university combined with the expert education provided at Worcester brings out the very best in them.”