Oxford Student Overcomes Doubts to Earn £1,000 University Scholarship

A student from Oxford has overcome worries about returning to education and scooped a £1,000 scholarship while studying at the University of Worcester.

Imogen Battams, 26, who is studying Sports Therapy, earned the prestigious Academic Scholarship award in recognition of her sustained excellent performance throughout her studies.

“Receiving this award is an honour and exceptionally motivating for me to continue to challenge myself,” she said. “The money will be used to support my passion for travelling and experiencing different cultures, which allows me to gain new perspectives and develop my independence and confidence.”

Imogen said coming to university as a mature student after taking four years out of education was daunting.

“I had doubts about my ability to maintain such academic standards,” she said. “I have faced many challenges and overcoming them wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends and partner.”

Imogen added: “The best thing about studying at Worcester has been meeting new people that I could not imagine my life without now."

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.”