Southwark celebrates scholarship student achievements

Under the scheme - the first of its kind in the country - the council has agreed to pay the full tuition fees for the students for the duration of their university course.

The students - Bobby Bailey, 19, Frank Yaw - Owusu, 18, Dominique Manshadi, 18, Maureen Nakiboneka, Sahyma Shaid - Hussain, 18 and William Camfield, 18 - met Council Leader Peter John and Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services, for an informal chat and to congratulate them on their achievements.

Councillor Peter John said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we are the first council in the country to pay for local students to go to university. We want our young people to achieve great things and by taking the financial burden of tuition fees away, they can focus on their studies and career choices rather than having to worry about debt."

Dr Irene Bishop, Headteacher at St Saviours and St Olaves Secondary School who came to support her former student Sahyma Shaid - Hussain, said:"The Southwark Scholarship Scheme is a brilliant idea and we are extremely proud of Sahyma's achievements."

University tuition fees will be going up next year and there are already signs that some students will decide not to apply for undergraduate courses. Southwark wants to ensure that all students know about the Scholarship scheme and are in a position to give it their full consideration when deciding whether to attend university in 2012.

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services said: "We believe in helping students reach their full potential. University fees are going up to as much as £9,000 a year from next year. Many students in Southwark tell me that the idea of a £27,000 tuition fee debt would put them off going into higher education altogether. Our scheme helps some of our most talented students go to university regardless of their financial circumstances. We want our students to know that Southwark is there to help them."

Ten applicants were initially selected for interview before the council chose the final six to receive the funding. Each applicant was assessed on their financial status, academic achievement and contribution to the local community through activities such as sport, volunteering or faith groups.

Southwark will commence the second round of applications for people wishing to go to university in September/October 2012 on 2 December.

The median annual income in Southwark is £17,000. The £9,000 maximum tuition fees per year is over half that amount.