Cambridge Bursary Success For Former Pupil Keisha Simms

Former pupil and school captain, Keisha Simms, is one of ten high achieving students from across the West Midlands who have been awarded a bursary towards their studies at the University of Cambridge by UK exam body OCR.

Recipients of OCR bursaries receive £3,000 for each year of their undergraduate studies which can be used for living or tuition costs, or a combination of both. The award fund, arising from OCR’s historical association with the West Midlands Exam Board, helps talented students in the region make the most of their studies at the University of Cambridge. This is the 11th year that OCR has funded the bursary scheme.

Keisha, joined by her Mum, Grandma and Alison Tumber, Head of Sixth Form, was presented with her bursary award on Friday 26 September by Liam Sammon, OCR Director of Education and Commercial Services, at a ceremony in Coventry.

Liam Sammon, said: “Our 2014 bursary award winners have once again shown what incredible talent there is within schools and colleges in the West Midlands and we are delighted to fund part of their undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.  The OCR bursary scheme is in its 11th year and our ten winners richly deserve their prizes. They have all demonstrated extremely high academic achievement, often in the face of adversity and challenges.  They can now progress to Cambridge without having to worry unduly about financial constraints and make the most of their time there.”

Head of Sixth Form, Alison Tumber, commented "I was delighted to hear that Keisha has been awarded an OCR bursary to support her undergraduate degree to read Economics at Cambridge. Keisha is an exceptional young lady of great intellect, independence, maturity and humility. Coming from a modest background, Keisha made the most of every opportunity afforded to her both inside and outside of the classroom and as School Captain ensured that others flourished whilst at Bablake. In the wider community Keisha has had a very positive influence and I am sure that she will continue to develop as a fine intellectual and inspirational role model during her time at Cambridge."

We are very proud of Keisha’s fantastic achievements and wish her all the best in her Economics degree at Jesus College.