Samantha is the eighth girl to win the Simon Bailes Scholarship and the oldest scholarship holder at Polam Hall is Gemma Lyne, currently in the Upper Sixth, who celebrated five A grades in her AS level examinations this summer.

The scholarship, which is the first business-sponsored award of its type, is promoted in local schools every year and was launched eight years ago to extend entry to the school to the whole community.

Short-listed candidates take part in an assessment day, which includes two interviews as well as exams in a range of skills.

Samantha's sister, Lucy, is already studying at Polam and has just moved into the Lower Sixth after gaining 10 A* GCSEs.

Their mum, Helen, said: "Samantha is absolutely delighted to have been awarded the scholarship. We can't thank Simon Bailes enough for giving her this fantastic opportunity. She had to take the entrance exam and did really well. Lucy also applied when she was at primary school but didn't win the scholarship.

"But we were so impressed that we thought she should go to Polam Hall and she has excelled at the school. We're hoping that Samantha benefits in a similar way. At the moment Samantha is aiming to join the police and wants to be a chief superintendent but we'll have to see how she gets on."

Samantha plays the violin, enjoys reading and is a member of the Guides.

Simon Bailes, managing director of Simon Bailes Peugeot, said: "We have supported the scholarship for the last eight years because it forms a part of our company values that we nurture and support talented young people within our community. Samantha is another outstanding winner of the scholarship and I'm sure she will do really well and take advantage of all the opportunities at Polam Hall."

Marie Green, Polam Hall's head teacher, added: "Simon Bailes has been supporting the school for many years and given the scholarship girls a unique opportunity to experience what Polam Hall has to offer.

"I know Samantha will benefit immensely in the years ahead from the rich experiences on offer."

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