Science has always been a passion for Grace, but the 18-year-old from Hartlepool couldn’t have imagined the opportunities it would bring.

Offered a place to study MSc Chemistry and Earth Sciences at Durham University, her enthusiasm and talent for her subject saw her scoop a full scholarship as well.

Selected to receive the Brian Cooper Scholarship, the former Bede Sixth Form student said: “I couldn’t believe it when I opened the email. I had sent off my application and then forgot all about it.  I never thought for a second I would get it.”

Now studying the subject that she loves at her chosen university, the award has certainly made life that little bit easier for Grace in what has proven to be a uniquely challenging year for all.

She said: “It would have been quite difficult for me without it.  I would have had to find a job to help support my studies which, with everything closed, wouldn’t have been easy at the moment.”

Having the financial burden lifted has also given her more time to focus on her studies.

The Brian Cooper Scholarship Fund offers an annual scholarship to a local student, complementing the university’s work to attract talented students from the region to study at Durham.

Submitting a personal statement, along with a reference from her tutors at Bede, Grace, who previously studied at St Hild’s Church of England School in Hartlepool, said: “I am so grateful to all the team at Bede for their support.”

Studying A level Maths, Chemistry and Physics at Bede, she walked away with a triple A*.

Having completed her studies in lockdown, she said: “I was feeling quite stressed at times but it all worked out in the end.” As for her final results, she added: “I was thrilled.”

Looking back at her time at Bede, Grace said: “It was wonderful and by far some of my best years of education. It was definitely the right choice for me.”