The Wensum Trust Launches Innovative STEM Scholarship Scheme to Support Local Students

The Wensum Trust has launched the Wensum Trust Scholarship, a targeted funding and support initiative designed to encourage secondary school students to pursue pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Funded through a private donor contribution, the multi-year scholarship scheme offers long-term financial assistance and guidance to students as they progress from Key Stage 4 through Hellesdon Sixth Form and onward into higher-level apprenticeships or university degrees.

Under the scheme, awarded students receive £750 in total funding, distributed across three key stages of their educational journey. In addition to financial backing, scholarship recipients benefit from opportunities to engage with the Trust's strategic industry partners across key sectors, including aviation, construction, digital technology, and finance.

The selection process evaluates candidates based on their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to STEM learning rather than top academic marks alone. Following personal statement applications and panel interviews held in September 2026, three successful Year 10 students were selected and presented with their award certificates at the Hellesdon Sixth Form Centre earlier this week.

"This scholarship provides vital support to nurture curiosity and ambition in STEM subjects from an early stage," said Tom Rolfe, Secondary Strategic Lead at The Wensum Trust. "By supporting our students continuously through GCSEs, Sixth Form, and into post-18 pathways, we aim to empower young people to achieve their goals and access high-value career opportunities."

"We were immensely impressed by the drive, curiosity, and passion demonstrated by the applicants," added Richard Taylor, Director of Sixth Form at Hellesdon High School. "This scholarship creates a meaningful foundation for our students as they explore career pathways in computer science, aviation engineering, digital tech, and broader STEM fields."

Support the Scholarship: Alumni and Community Contributions

To help expand the reach and impact of the Wensum Trust Scholarship for future cohorts, former students, alumni, and local supporters who wish to contribute or donate to the fund are warmly invited to get in touch. Contributions directly enable the Trust to support more young people in pursuing ambitious futures in STEM and beyond.