Development of the Trust

In 1991 a group of committed Headteachers believed that Design & Technology was not being given the profile the subject deserved. It was decided that by introducing a Scholarship Scheme to encourage and stimulate high ability young people in Year 11 to consider engineering and technology as a career, the subject would be enhanced. In the early years of the Scheme only 5 Scholarships were awarded with funds from industry and other Charitable Trusts. The Trust saw a steady increase in Scholarships awarded over the years under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr Tony Pickering former Head of Pocklington School. Read Tony Pickering's profile...

In 2000 it was decided that a more robust business base was needed to take the Trust forward. A full time National Manager and Administrator were appointed together with generous funding and services from The Smallpeice Trust based in Leamington Spa. With this support the Scholarships awarded have grown to 173 in 2006 and it is anticipated that there will be an increase to 200 in 2007.

During the next few months selected Arkwright Alumni are being invited to join a Working Group to share ideas for the further development of our service to Arkwright Scholars and Alumni.