Ten inspiring West Midlands students who are attending Cambridge University have received thousands in funding from the Cambridge OCR exam board to help towards the costs of university.

Each year, the Cambridge OCR Bursary programme funds exceptional students from across the West Midlands, giving every student £3000 for each year of their undergraduate studies. The bursary can be used towards any of the costs of university life, including living costs, college fees, travel and access to work experience placements.

Students are nominated by their teachers for a bursary, with the funds going to help these exceptional students make the most of their time at university whilst reducing financial pressures.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Cambridge OCR bursary programme which has supported around 200 young people with financial support.

This programme is unique to the West Midlands, reflecting the exam board’s historical connection with the region. The funds for the bursary scheme come from Cambridge OCR’s historical links to the West Midlands Examinations Board.

Aneeka Maryam, one of the students receiving a bursary, attended Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. She said:

“The bursary will allow me to take full advantage of the academic, social and welfare benefits that Cambridge has to offer. This will allow me to thrive in my degree and achieve further success in my career.’

Another recipient, Deborah Amparbin, who attended the Phoenix Collegiate in West Bromwich, commented:

“I am truly grateful to have received this bursary; it’s not only a financial boost but also a powerful encouragement as I begin my journey at Cambridge.

“The bursary will allow me to focus fully on my studies and embrace every opportunity without the constant worry of financial burdens, especially since it is unconventional to take on a part-time job whilst at Cambridge.”

Myles McGinley, Managing Director of Cambridge OCR, commented:

“Cambridge OCR has a long association with the West Midlands, and the bursary links our history in the region and the university we are part of. We’re proud to support these amazing students from West Midlands schools and colleges in their future studies, and wish them the very best of luck as they begin their journey at Cambridge.”

The list of pupils receiving the Cambridge OCR bursary is:

• Alice Haden - Thomas Telford School
• Deborah Amparbin - The Phoenix Collegiate
• Mayar Stitan - King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
• Arun Antony - Lawrence Sheriff School
• Alice O'Hara - Shrewsbury Colleges Group
• Chloe Harris - King Edward VI College, Stourbridge
• Aneeka Maryam - Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
• Blythe Kilburn-Small - Lawrence Sheriff School
• Hannah Biju - Newport Girls High School

Read more about the bursary scheme