L&Q Awards £216,000 in Scholarships to London Students
A housing association has granted scholarships to eleven London students, while a university award supports two future teachers.
Two separate scholarship initiatives are providing key financial support for students pursuing higher education. In London, a housing association has awarded substantial funding to residents, and in the North East, a charitable trust is backing aspiring teachers.
L&Q Foundation Scholarship Programme
Housing association L&Q has awarded scholarships worth a total of £216,000 to twelve young people from low-income households. Eleven of the recipients are from London communities where L&Q provides social and affordable housing, including Brixton, Ealing, and Woolwich. Each scholar will receive an annual contribution of £6,000 for three years to help cover university costs, funded by L&Q's supply chain partners.
The programme, named after former chairman Turlogh O'Brien, was established in 2017 to level the playing field for students from underprivileged backgrounds. It has now supported 41 students since its launch. Alongside the financial award, scholars gain access to mentoring and networking opportunities. Selection prioritizes applicants from lower-income households and is based on attitude and potential, with shortlisted candidates participating in a team-based assessment challenge. Matt Corbett, Director of the L&Q Foundation, stated the programme breaks down barriers for people with the talent to thrive. One scholar, Marisa, said the support was "genuinely life-changing" and made university possible for her.
Sir Tom Cowie Sunderland Award
Two aspiring teachers at the University of Sunderland have received scholarships worth £25,000. Primary Education student Liam Chrystal, 22, and Education Studies student Ava Hurst, 21, were each awarded £12,500 through the Sir Tom Cowie Sunderland Award. The award was established in memory of the Wearside-born entrepreneur to support talented students and widen access to higher education.
Liam, from Sunderland, aims to make a positive difference in children's lives. He views the scholarship as valuable support for his final year and was inspired by Sir Tom Cowie's commitment to creating opportunities. Ava, from Washington, is particularly interested in supporting children with additional needs and plans to use the funding to develop her skills. She sees the award as an investment in her future. David Gray, chairman of the Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, expressed his delight for the recipients. Applications for the 2027/28 award are now open to full-time undergraduate students at the university.
