Talented students at Djanogly City Academy Sixth Form who aspire to go to university are set to benefit from a new scholarship scheme.

The Stoneygate Trust has committed to supporting four high achieving students a year from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 cohorts during their university degree.

The aim is to help academically talented and ambitious students realise their potential through study at a Russell Group or recognised research university in the UK.

In total, 12 sixth formers will benefit from the Stoneygate Award Programme. Each student beneficiary will receive £15,000 over three years during their degree at university.

Andy Smith, Principal, Djanogly City Academy, said: “This scholarship programme will be life changing for our students. We serve an incredibly diverse community some of whom cannot afford to go to university even after achieving good A Level grades. We’re thrilled to have received support from the Stoneygate Trust.”

Izabela Dumitrescu, 18, who is going to Durham University to study psychology, said: “I feel so proud of all my achievements and so thankful to the entire sixth form team for always supporting and encouraging me.

“This makes a massive difference because it gives me more financial security at university. Before finding out about this, I was worried about how I’d fund my time at university. This will allow me to fully immerse myself in my studies and participate in extra-curricular activities at university.”

Stefanija Aboltina, 18, who is progressing to University College London (UCL) to study law, added: “I am incredibly grateful for such an opportunity to not worry as much about my financial situation and be able to dedicate that time to my studies and preparing for a career.

“This has given me hope that the work was not in vain by having this recognition. Studying in London is very expensive. However, with this money I might be able to find a good place in a satisfactory location thereby not having to worry about my living situation. Thank you.”

Amelia Wielebinska, 18, who is going to the University of Sheffield to study psychology, commented: “I feel amazing about the scholarship because it has made me re-think my university life and allowed me to move out instead of commute.

“I didn’t believe it at first but I’m so glad I was chosen – it feels like the last memory from Djanogly City Academy, very memorable. With the money, I’ll be able to stay in Sheffield instead of commuting every day from Nottingham.”

Shova Bhandari, 18, who is going to study law at the University of Birmingham, said: “I feel elated and honoured to receive this scholarship. I can’t fully express my gratitude and disbelief.

“It means to me a security in my future that I did not have before. I can feel secure in going to university knowing that I do not have to worry or struggle about the financial burden.”

This summer, students at Djanogly City Academy Sixth Form received offers from top universities including the University of Nottingham, University College London (UCL), Durham University and the University of Southampton.

The Stoneygate Trust was set up in 2007 by Sir Will and Lady Nadine Adderley and supports medical research and education initiatives. Sir Will, who is Deputy Chairman of the home retailer Dunelm, is also a member of Djanogly Learning Trust.

Sir Will Adderley commented: “We are delighted to support these students to realise their amazing potential at university and build on their tremendous A Level results, achieved through hard work and great support from the Djanogly City Academy team.”

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Djanogly Learning Trust, added: “We are so grateful to the Stoneygate Trust for funding such a great initiative. Through their generous contribution, 12 students will be given the opportunity to further their education and pursue their dreams. This is truly life changing for these talented individuals who have worked so hard to achieve the grades that they have.”

The sixth form is based at Djanogly City Academy’s Sherwood Rise site. It was judged as ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted’s latest report after opening in September 2022 and offers 20 A Level subjects.

Ofsted inspectors found that the sixth form provides a transformative environment, which enables students who might not thrive elsewhere to achieve remarkable outcomes.

The report also notes that the focus of the school’s ethos is always on ensuring that each student, regardless of background or ability, has the chance to reach their full potential.

Students also have tailored pathways, expert teaching and the support they need to excel academically.

Find out more about Djanogly City Academy Sixth Form

Pictured: Izabela Dumitrescu, Stefanija Aboltina, Amelia Wielebinska and Shova Bhandari