Liverpool teenager secures prestigious scholarship

A Liverpool student is one step closer to his dream of becoming a doctor, after securing a scholarship for a prestigious Summer School programme.

15-year-old Kevin Hilemichael, who is currently a student at the Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) in Kensington, has been awarded The Louis Albrecht Memorial Scholarship by Summer Boarding Courses. Educate were delighted when we first reported on Kevin back in March winning a prestigious medicine bursary.

The prestigious scholarship means Kevin will study medicine at Wycliffe Hall College at the Russell Group University this summer. It covers tuition, careers advice, lectures and accommodation for two weeks – valued at £4,000.

Set within one of Oxford University’s colleges, the summer school provides a comprehensive academic curriculum with an engaging and varied social programme, designed to prepare students for their future studies.

Aspiring doctor Kevin is from Eritrea in northeast Africa and arrived in England just five years ago with little English skills. He now lives in Everton with his parents, who were ‘delighted’ when they heard the news and very proud of their son’s success.

Since starting at ASFA in Year 8, Kevin has learnt English and is now on course to achieve grade nines in his GCSE subjects – the new grade introduced last year to recognise the very highest performing students.

After a rigorous three-part application process, which saw Kevin produce a five minute video to fit the brief “tell us about your life and city”, the lead of the course called Kevin to offer him a 100% scholarship for the programme.

Kevin said: “I cannot wait to attend the Oxford summer school and take the next step towards achieving my ambition of becoming a doctor.

“The reason my family and I moved to the UK was for a better quality of education, and this is a perfect example of the opportunities I now have access to.

“My school worked with me in order to prepare my application and I am so appreciative of the support they have given me.”

During the course, Kevin will develop practical skills, medical knowledge and English language ability as he starts his journey to becoming a doctor.

Additionally, Kevin will receive practical advice on studying medicine at university, as well as taking part in full first aid training during the course. Beyond medical theory and practice, Kevin will look at the role of medicine in a wider, ethical context to develop critical thinking skills.

Tracey Greenough, head of school at ASFA, said: “Massive congratulations to Kevin on being awarded The Louis Albrecht Memorial Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Kevin to gain hands-on work experience, increase his knowledge of the medical profession and take an exciting step closer to his career aspirations. We are so proud of him and will support him every step of the way.”

Assistant headteacher Kate Sedgwick, who helped Kevin with his application, said: “Everyone at the school is so proud of Kevin’s achievements to date, and securing this scholarship is further testament to his ability, work ethic and passion to become a doctor.”