A hard-working, Darlington school girl has become the ninth recipient of a much sought-after scholarship to one of County Durham's top public schools.
Rachael Phillipson has been awarded the Simon Bailes Scholarship to Polam Hall School, in Darlington, after passing entrance exams and impressing staff with her interview skills and broad range of hobbies.
Eleven year old Rachael is the first winner of the award from Skerne Park Primary School in Darlington. She will now study at Polam Hall thanks to the support of Simon Bailes Peugeot and hope to follow in the footsteps of Gemma Lyne who recently gained 5 As at A Level and took up her place at Newnham College, Cambridge.
Polam Hall School approached Simon Bailes Peugeot ten years ago wanting to extend entry to the school into the wider community and Simon Bailes agreed to the now very successful scholarship plan. The scholarship, which is the first business-sponsored scholarship and the only external 11+ award assigned by Polam Hall School, is promoted in local schools every year.
To be in with a chance of being awarded the scholarship, shortlisted candidates take part in an assessment day which includes exams which aim to test thinking skills and assess potential. Detailed reports from the primary school are a key part of the process and all candidates have an interview.
In addition, Simon Bailes Peugeot has recently supplied Polam Hall with a new 17 seater minibus to be used for school trips both throughout the North East and around the UK. Simon Bailes Peugeot already regularly supplies organisations with bespoke minibuses to meet their needs as the buses are built to the highest safety standards and have additional safety features.
Simon Bailes, managing director of Simon Bailes Peugeot said: "I am delighted to have been able to support Polam Hall School for the last ten years, watching the ongoing achievements of the scholarship pupils who work incredibly hard with the committed staff at the school.
"As part of our Company Values of Customers, Honesty, People, Standards and Profit, I have always been passionate about nurturing local talent. The Polam sponsorship is totally consistent with this ethos, giving as many young people as possible the opportunity to develop their skills and their education to the highest level."
Head teacher of Polam Hall School, Marie Green said: "The Simon Bailes Scholarship is of immense benefit to the students and creates a unique opportunity for local primary school pupils to enjoy our school. Rachael is an outstanding recipient and we were all impressed with her performance in the entrance tests. We are delighted that the continued support of Simon Bailes enables more of our scholars to go on and achieve great things."