Former Alderbrook Sixth Form Student Awarded Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement

A former Alderbrook Sixth Form student has earned a £1,000 scholarship alongside a prestigious academic prize, recognising her outstanding performance at university.

Ella Powell, 19, who is in the second year of her LLB Law degree, has been awarded an Academic Scholarship as well as the LLB Prize for Academic Achievement for her progress at the University of Worcester.

She said: “It means so much to me to be receiving this award, alongside my academic prize as well. I was in utter shock when I found out. I put in so much effort and never imagined that my hard work and dedication to my studies would be recognised with an award like this.”

Ella said the scholarship will provide valuable financial flexibility as she continues with her degree.

She paid tribute to her former teachers at Alderbrook Sixth Form for their support in preparing her for her law degree.

“My time at Alderbrook Sixth Form gave me a really strong foundation for university,” she said. “I was incredibly fortunate to have supportive teachers who were always willing to offer guidance and encouragement, and who genuinely cared and wanted their students to succeed.”

Ella added: “I look back on my time there with great appreciation for the opportunities I was given and the immense support around me. I hope my achievement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication they put into supporting their students.”

As she collected her award and prize, Ella reflected on her university experience so far.

“The best thing has been meeting such a lovely group of friends,” she said. “It’s often difficult to meet genuine people who want you to succeed, especially when the legal profession is so competitive, but we all motivate each other to do well and celebrate each other’s successes.”

An aspiring lawyer, Ella is studying at the University of the Year for Graduate Jobs in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, with judges praising a performance that “leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade”.

The University of Worcester is also shortlisted this year for Outstanding Support for Students at the Times Higher Education Awards, recognising 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 our scholarship winners, who come from a wide range of courses and backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes students who may not have particularly excelled 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.”