A student from Stanmore has been awarded a prestigious engineering scholarship.

Jayan Patel, 16, who attends Park High School in Stanmore, has been awarded an Arkwright Scholarship sponsored by Leicester University.

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships support young people from across the UK who have the potential to be industry’s future leaders in engineering.

During his sixth form studies, Jayan will receive £600 to support his technical courses and have access to a range of opportunities to learn more about engineering, such as mentoring and company visits.

Park High School will also receive £400 for the scholarship awarded to Jayan.

Year 12 student Jayan was selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailed application form supported by a teacher’s reference, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university.

From a pool of 30,000 eligible students, this year teachers endorsed the applications of 1559 students and 397 scholarships were eventually awarded.

Jayan was congratulated at a special assembly at the school on Wednesday, January 6 by the mayor of Harrow Cllr Krishna Suresh.

Park High School head teacher Emlyn Lumley said: “I would like to say how very proud I am of Jayan and his achievement in gaining the Arkwright Scholarship and I would also like to acknowledge the teachers in our design technology department, particularly Ms Attfield, who have so inspired him, and continue to do so.”

During the assembly a presentation was made about Arkwright Scholarships and more students at the school were encouraged to apply for them.

Dr Martin Thomas, chief executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “I have been hugely impressed by the creativity, technical skills and leadership prowess of the young men and women receiving their scholarships this year.

“The country needs thousands new engineers to take the economy and society forward.

“But some of these newly-trained people need to also act as outstanding leadership beacons within industry and academia.

“The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are the first step on that road to achieving such a vital position within the UK engineering profession."

“Congratulations to Jayan and all of our new scholars.”