What is the Akroyd Scholarship and what did the process involve?

The Akroyd Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship available to Year 13 students across Yorkshire, designed to help students with the financial burden of university. The winners are selected after two rounds – the first comprises writing an essay on an unprepared topic about current affairs and is selected from a list of 15 options. The format is similar to a normal public exam – everyone gets the same question options, and you have a two-hour writing time under exam conditions. The second round is much more selective, and, in my case, I was only one of six candidates shortlisted. This round comprises an interview at Grays Solicitors in York. I was interviewed by the trust’s board panel about my essay points as well as some general academic and personal questions. It’s at their discretion how they award the prize and how much they award. For me, I was awarded a one-off payment of £1,500 dedicated towards university costs, alongside another winner who got an identical prize.

How does it feel to be recognised for your essay-writing skills on a regional level?

It’s great! I’m really flattered they enjoyed what I had to say as much as I was clearly passionate writing about it.

Can you tell us a bit about the essay you submitted and why you chose that particular topic?

My essay was all about whether historical knowledge is useful in understanding and resolving modern conflicts. I had a lot of fun writing about this topic as I was able to pull in a lot of points of interest from my A Level subjects, such as using my knowledge of Augustan Rome from my Classical Civilisation studies to draw parallels with the modern dangers of propaganda in justifying autocratic regimes or comparing some modern politicians to Athenian populist statesmen, like Alcibiades. I also made the point that a detailed knowledge of history is essential in maintaining the health of a multicultural society like Britian, by illuminating imperial history rather than allowing misinformation and resentment to grow. Overall, I argued that a strong and nuanced understanding of history is essential for the health, prosperity, and security of Britain, as well as proving a useful tool to respond to and understand modern issues.

What was your reaction when you found out that you had beaten candidates from multiple schools in the region to win the scholarship?

To be honest, I was very surprised. I mainly entered the competition because I saw it as a fun and interesting challenge, and I wanted to make the most of the opportunities BGS offers. It was more a personal challenge than anything, so it was amazing to find out the judges liked it and that I’d won.

Were you able to prepare for the essay competition, and if so, how?

The questions could have been about anything, so the main thing that helped me was making sure I had strong opinions which I could justify about current affairs and key historical debates I am interested in. I love essay writing and analytical thinking and have previously entered quite a few competitions of varying levels over the years, which definitely helped.

What do you think set your essay apart from others and ultimately led to your success in the competition?

The judges said they enjoyed the passion of my argument, and I do think being so interested in my A Level subjects really helped me argue my points about history more confidently and accurately.

How do you plan to utilise the cash prize that comes with the scholarship?

The prize is invaluable for covering essential university expenses such as living costs and essentials like textbooks for my course.

What role do you think essay-writing plays in shaping your academic and personal development?

It’s absolutely essential! I’m very involved in other activities which promote analytical thinking at school, like being secretary of the BGS Senior Debating Society and previously obtaining a LAMDA Bronze Distinction Award in public speaking through the Year 12 enrichment course. Such opportunities, alongside essay competitions, allow me to sharpen my critical thinking skills, and gain confidence in expressing my ideas and ability to tackle problems from different angles.

Can you share any advice or tips for other students who may be interested in participating in similar essay competitions in the future?

Make sure you’ve thoroughly researched a few topics which interest you. If you’re educated and opinionated about something, you’ll find it easier to draw parallels from your topic to other themes, and it’ll be easier to evaluate and critique your points. But, also have fun! Don’t write an essay about a topic that doesn’t interest you – pick ones which have topics which speak to you and allow your authentic voice to shine through.

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for supporting you throughout the essay-writing process and in your academic endeavours overall?

My dad! From giving me five syllable ‘words of the day’ as he drove me to primary school, to encouraging me from a very young age to read daily. He has always been willing to debate my opinions about academic, philosophical, and political matters, and encouraged and supported me to develop my own voice and to not shy away from using it. He has been a constant support my entire academic life, and certainly a key reason as to why I am where I am today.