Former Halesowen College Student Earns Scholarship

The Edward Elgar building on St Johns Campus

A former Halesowen College student who earned a £1,000 scholarship for her academic achievement says the award will help her make the most of university life.

Lara Round, 19, from Bewdley, is in the first year of a Primary Education degree at the University of Worcester and was awarded the prestigious Academic Scholarship in recognition of her consistent dedication and high standards while studying at Halesowen College.

The scholarship supports and encourages students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their studies.

“This award gives me the chance to experience university life to the full,” said Lara. “I’ll spend the money on societies, books and things that will help me work towards my future aspirations.”

Now approaching the end of her first semester at the University of Worcester, Lara reflected on her experience so far.

“The best thing has been being able to get involved in both academic and social opportunities,” she said.

Lara is studying at the University of Worcester, recently named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide. Judges praised the institution’s performance, saying it “leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade”.

The University is also 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.”