Spence Agricultural Scholarship
The Spence Agricultural Scholarship grants recipients £5,000 a year for three or four consecutive years, whilst studying at university. The scholarship was launched in recognition of the work of John Spence, a former Senior Warden of the Trust, and reflects the educational aims of the charity to support agricultural education in addition to its long-standing work within civil engineering education.
The scholarship was first awarded for the 2018/19 academic year, and scholars must have passed each year of study at their first attempt and provide a report to the Rochester Bridge Trust on their academic and other achievements at the end of each academic year.
The scholarship is available to Year 13 students intending to study for a BSc Hons in England or Wales:
- Agriculture
- Agriculture and Crop Science
- Agriculture and Livestock Science
- Integrated Agricultural Business Management
- Integrated Agricultural Business Management with Industrial Placement Award
- Agricultural Engineering
The qualifying areas are: Medway, Kent, London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire. Students must live or study in one of these areas at the time of their application.
Potential students, who are aged 17 or 18 and studying in Year 13, who wish to apply for the scholarship must submit a personal statement (maximum of 750 words) and a one-minute video explaining why they wish to study agriculture and how they might use the scholarships.
Preference will be given to candidates from state schools and a non-agricultural background. The school of the successful applicant(s), as attended at time of application, will be granted £500.
For the duration of their three or four-year degree course, the Trust provides financial and practical support for the scholars, and also seeks to organise unique enrichment opportunities, thanks to its strong connections with agricultural producers and affiliated organisations within the industry.
Scholars are requested to produce an end of year blog for use on the Trust’s websites and social media channels. Scholars are asked to reflect on student life, their studies and their experiences of life in agriculture – a great way to inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps.
Scholars are also invited to support significant events in the agricultural calendar such as the Kent County Show and the educational Living Land Show. This is to further engage and enthuse young people in understanding more about how much we all rely on agriculture and the farmers, scientists and engineers who make it happen.
To apply, please download the application form at the bottom of this page, then send a scanned copy of the completed application form and supporting evidence to james.miller@rbt.org.uk Applications must be received by 27 September each year to be eligible.