THE future is bright for a young Kingswinford engineer after being awarded a prestigious scholarship.

Crestwood School year 11 pupil Alixandra Hooper has received an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, awarded to the most dedicated and talented students with the aim of inspiring and nurturing future leaders in engineering and design.

As a reward for gaining the scholarship, Alix, aged 16, will receive engineering experience days hosted by the engineering industry, mentoring by graduate engineers and designers, access to exclusive undergraduate scholarships, as well as £600 to spend on text books, project materials and enrichment experiences.

Giles Smith, head of design and technology at the Bromley lane school, who has seen Alix develop over the past five years, said she has shown “great determination” and a “fantastic attitude” toward her studies since she joined the school.

He added: “This will have a massive impact on Alix’s future, sponsorship through sixth form and university with a great career prospects at the end of her degree.

“Alix’s success will inspire others at the school, I am sure.”

Alix was selected from hundreds of applicants across the country, following a tough aptitude exam and interview at Loughborough University, and will be formally presented with her award at a ceremony hosted by the Arkwright Scholarship Trust in October.

As part of the scholarship, Crestwood School will receive £400 to be spent on equipment, materials or teacher training for science, design and technology, engineering science, computing and maths, to benefit other pupils.

Tony Bowles, headteacher, said: “We are extremely proud of Alix’s achievement. It has been obvious for a long time that Alix is bound for success, she has worked incredibly hard during her time at Crestwood School and epitomises the school motto of ‘Service Not Self’.

“We look forward to welcoming Alix back into the school in the coming years to pass on her experiences and enthusiasm for engineering and design to our students.”