Somerville and Gurney Award winners announced

We are delighted to share the winners of the GDST Somerville and Gurney Award.

The Somerville and Gurney Award is open to Year 12 students and involves sitting a two-and-a-quarter hour general exam paper in which participants write two essays. This year’s exam was held online and over 100 students took part, sharing their views on topics from the Covid-19 pandemic and social inequalities, to mental health and activism.

The essay submissions were shortlisted internally and winners were selected by Vicky Tuck, a member of the GDST Council.

We are pleased to announce the following prizes:

First Prize – £500

Havana Ide, Howell’s School, Llandaff

“I am delighted to have been chosen as the first-prize winner for this year’s Somerville and Gurney exam. Not only is this a great privilege, but it has also given me the chance to utilise my essay writing skills and to discuss my opinions and views on topical issues, something that is very important given the year that has gone by.”

Second Prize – £300

Kate McKeough, Wimbledon High School

“Being selected as the second-place prize winner for the competition was very exciting, especially for one that is so engaging to be a part of. After more than a year of all of us being apart, it was so rewarding to be participating in a whole GDST-wide competition with so many other amazing students.”

Joint Third Prize – £200 for each student

Libby Driscoll, Shrewsbury High School

“Taking part in this opportunity was a really valuable experience that helped prepare me for future exams and improved my confidence in my writing ability, especially after not having it tested under exam conditions due to Covid.”

Imogen Muscroft, Royal High School Bath

“I am very grateful and honoured to receive this prize. A lovely moment after a challenging year!”

Highly Commended
Claudia Brainard, South Hampstead High School
Eleanor Roberts, South Hampstead High School
Tasneem Jodiyawalla, South Hampstead High School

We are very grateful to all students who participated and many congratulations to our winners and highly commended students.

Each academic year, we offer ten prizes and scholarships to students of all ages across our GDST family. Subject and interest-specific prizes are awarded, including in modern languages, creative writing and poetry, and scholarships awarded for travel and higher education.