Former St Peter’s Collegiate Academy Pupil Earns Prestigious Scholarship

A former St Peter’s Collegiate Academy pupil says earning a £1,000 scholarship has boosted his confidence as he prepares for his final year at university.

Jayden Patel, 21, is in the third year of his Biomedical Science degree at the University of Worcester and has earned a prestigious Academic Scholarship, recognising excellent performance in his work.

“While this recognises my academic performance, it also represents the progress I’ve made since joining the University of Worcester.” said Jayden. “The award is a reminder that hard work, consistency and perseverance can make a real difference, and it has given me confidence in my abilities. It reinforces that I am capable of achieving a high standard.”

He said the cash element of the prize will help ease the financial pressures of being a student and allow him to focus fully on his studies and his final-year project.

Jayden said St Peter’s Collegiate Academy Sixth Form played a big role in preparing him for university.

“Beyond academic knowledge, sixth form helped me develop important skills such as independent learning, organisation, and resilience,” he said. “All of which have been essential for managing the demands of university study.”

He added: “I’d like to thank all of my teachers and the leadership team at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy Sixth Form for the support, guidance and encouragement they provided during my time there.”

Jayden originally came to the University of Worcester through Clearing.

“What stood out to me was how supportive and understanding everyone was, compared with other universities I spoke to. The staff took the time to listen to me, and put me at ease,” he said. “Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities that have helped me develop both personally and professionally.”

During his time at Worcester, Jayden has served as a Course Representative, a Student Ambassador, a Green Impact Project Assistant and is a member of the University’s Music Society.

He said: “After I graduate, I hope to continue my studies through postgraduate research, with the long-term goal of completing a PhD and pursuing a career in scientific research.”

Jayden is studying at the 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’.

He said: “The experiences I have had have made my time at Worcester especially rewarding. They have helped me build confidence, develop valuable skills and feel connected to the wider university community, and I’m very grateful for the opportunities the University has provided beyond my degree.”

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.”