Honiton student, Ryan Salter, has been awarded a £1,000 Academic Scholarship Award following his first year of university studies.

Ryan, 19, is now in the second year of a Joint Honours in Computing and Education Studies at the University of Worcester.

He has even had the opportunity to return to Honiton Community College to take part in some volunteering. After his undergraduate studies, Ryan is hoping to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Computing and become a schoolteacher.

A number of prizes and Academic Scholarship Awards are awarded to students at the University of Worcester each year, generously supported by local philanthropists and businesses, recognising student achievements.

Ryan said: “I was so surprised to get the scholarship. It’s made me even more eager to continue my studies. I will likely use some of the money to fund teacher training after my undergraduate degree, as well as helping towards the cost of travelling to and from home during holiday breaks.”

Ryan, who completed A-levels in Computing, English Literature and Biology at Honiton Community College was helped by head of sixth form, Selena Burroughs, who helped guide his transition to university. 

“Selena was fantastic and really helped me through the university process and was a great champion,” he said. “I always knew university was an opportunity I wanted to take and when I started to look at universities, I saw the Worcester course on UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and thought it sounded great. I went to an Open Day and just really liked it.”

Ryan lived in halls of residence in his first year. “It was a really good experience, and I am still friends with some of my flatmates; I actually live with two of them now,” he said. “I’m really enjoying my time at Worcester; it’s a great place to be. I’ve made lots of friends.”

University of Worcester Provost, Ann Jordan, said: “Congratulations to all our students who earned an Academic Scholarship or prize this year. These students achieved highly in their studies and it is wonderful to be able to recognise their dedication and commitment during the last academic year. Hopefully this award will inspire them to further academic success in the future. 

“The scholarships and prizes are supported by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers, and many successful graduates of the University, and we are very grateful to all our benefactors, whose generosity makes such a difference to our students.”