A 16-year-old student at Felsted School has been awarded the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, which recognises her as a future leader in her chosen career.

Claudia was one of the country's top achievers in STEM (science, engineering, technology and maths) at GCSE level, and was awarded the scholarship by a panel of national engineering experts following a rigorous selection process.

Dunmow Broadcast: Claudia at Savoy Place in London - headquarters of the Institute of Mechanical EngineersClaudia at Savoy Place in London - headquarters of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (Image: Mick Pitts)

She was presented with the scholarship certificate at a ceremony in the Faraday Hall at the headquarters of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in Savoy Place, London.

Now Claudia has an industry sponsor, who will support her as she studies for her A-levels at Felsted and then applies to study engineering at university.

Claudia said: "It is a real honour to have been chosen as an Arkwright Engineering Scholar and I am looking forward to making the most of all the opportunities to help me on my way to a career in either mechanical or marine engineering.

"I’m currently working hard for my A-levels in D&T: product design, physics and maths, which should ensure an excellent footing."

Each Arkwright Scholarship is sponsored by a company, organisation or personal donor, and support for scholars usually includes work experience and a personal mentor to help with studying and career planning.

Claudia is the first Felsted student since the pandemic to be awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, but in the decade before the pandemic eight students have been recipients.

The school also holds the Silver Science STEM Award, which recognises Felsted's approach to developing skills useful for employment and life in general, including critical thinking, evaluation, conducting research and problem-solving.

Mick Pitts, head of design and technology at Felsted, said: "An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK, designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and change the world through engineering.

"Claudia is a very worthy recipient and I have no doubt that she will make full use of this sponsorship to widen her knowledge and skills and to achieve a place on a top engineering course. She has an exciting career in engineering ahead of her."