Following the announcement of the development of a new science centre, Christ College Brecon has joined forces with Tredegar based company Penn Pharmaceutical Services Ltd to launch a joint scholarship scheme aimed at providing career opportunities for young scientists.

 The “Penn Scholarship” will be awarded to sixth formers wishing to study a combination of A Level sciences at Christ College. Pupils will have up to 100 per cent of their fees paid for two years, receive mentoring from Penn Pharmaceuticals and have the opportunity to complete up to four weeks work experience at the company’s research facilities in Tredegar.

In an agreement arranged by Foundation Director Steve Maggs and HR Director of Penn Valerie Ellis, pupils will find that during their work experience, pupils will get the chance to become involved in a range of business initiatives and science-based projects as well as having the chance to work towards a work-based qualification.

Peter George, CEO at Penn, said: “Over recent years the number of pupils that go on to study degree courses in science at university has dropped therefore fewer high-quality graduates are going into the science industry. We welcome this partnership with Christ College as we are passionate about inspiring pupils to get involved in science and we are well positioned to demonstrate the excellent opportunities existing within the science industry. Christ College’s reputation in developing young scientists is outstanding and they are developing some of the best school science facilities anywhere in Wales.”

Head of Christ College Emma Taylor said: “We are extremely grateful to Penn Pharmaceutical Services Ltd who have recognised the potential of this exciting and innovative scheme, and will provide enormous opportunities to pupils who are passionate about seeking a career in science. As well as potentially having some or all of their fees paid, the pupils will benefit from the support and expertise of one of the UK’s leading pharmaceutical companies who compete on a global basis.”

Foundation Director Steve Maggs added “The scheme is open to any applicant in Wales and is part of the school’s very firm commitment to make education at Christ College as accessible and available to pupils from as many different backgrounds as possible. The Penn Scholarship is a welcome addition to the other science scholarships provided by the Hubert Jones Legacy, and enables Christ College to provide even more financial support to families of able and talented pupils who want to study in our superb environment. Once again, this is a clear demonstration that Christ College is playing a full part in producing outstanding young scientists, teaching them in 21st Century facilities, as well as demonstrating its continued commitment to its charitable aims and objects. After all, Christ College was founded in 1541 on charitable principles and we remain true to those principles today.”