The Founders’ Award is a bursary scholarship awarded for all-round excellence, service to the community and leadership. It was introduced in 2016 with the express intention of being able to go beyond the usual cap of 40% on fee remission. We are now fundraising for 100%  and 110% Founders’ Awards which will provide fully-funded places, and in the case of 110% funding, will allow for assistance towards equipment, uniform, devices, trips etc. Our aim is to raise £2m by 2025 through single gifts, regular giving and legacy pledges. 

Chloe Parker, first recipient of a Founders Award in 2016, talks to us about what she's been up to since leaving MSJ. 

After graduating from Malvern St James in 2018, I followed my love for physics, mathematics and product design that I had developed at school with my choice of degree. I am currently nearing completion of an integrated Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. MSJ provided me with a first-class non-judgemental non-stereotyped environment, in which girls were encouraged to pursue any career path they desired, supported by genuinely caring teachers. 

I was fortunate to be a recipient of the Founders award in 2016, providing me with the opportunity to board, which I hold as one of my fondest memories during my time at MSJ. The experience was the perfect transition between living at home and moving away for university. The mindset and independence developed during my schooling proved invaluable for the next phase of my life. 

Imperial College focuses exclusively on science, technology, medicine, and business and is based in in South Kensington, London. The course has been a demanding academic challenge covering subjects such as Thermodynamics, Stress Analysis, Fluid Mechanics and Nuclear power. While my degree has been my most challenging undertaking, it has also been massively rewarding. I found adapting to life at university smooth since I had developed a resolute study ethos and a good level of independence at school. I have loved having the opportunity to live and study in London. It is diverse, exciting and never a shortage of new restaurants and experiences! 

During my undergrad, I have chosen to specialise in the mechanics of materials. I was fortunate to be offered an Undergraduate Research Opportunity where I spent a summer working on a project titled “Exploring the possibility of using hydrogen in truck compression engines as the working fluid, and its impact on NOx emissions.” This is potentially a more sustainable and affordable alternative to electric power, and possibly a better pathway in reducing emissions. For my master’s thesis I am undertaking a commissioned leading-edge research project into novel steels, conducting experiments and microstructure analysis to characterise their mechanical performance with the objective of using them within a new generation of nuclear reactors.  

During my time at MSJ I was an avid lacrosse player, playing from years 7 to 13.  I have carried on playing, both women’s and mixed lacrosse, throughout my degree. This year I have joined the women’s rugby team, which acts as both a competitive and supportive team. During lockdown whilst my lectures and laboratories were moved online, I taught myself to bake and cook, and started running. 

The Founder’s Award was one of the most beneficial aspects of my school education. Without it I would not have developed independence, learnt the importance of pushing oneself, motivating yourself and forming meaningful and long-lasting relationships in a communal environment. Its bespoke nature means it can meaningfully contribute to a girl’s education in the way that will best suit her. 

I am extremely excited about the next stage of my life after graduation. The enjoyment I have had in my final year project has led to my decision to undertake a PhD. I will be undertaking a research project in the Soft Solids division of Imperial’s Engineering Department and will scientifically examine the development of more sustainable and healthier food products. The project is sponsored by a world leading household name.