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Rebecca Thornley

AN outstanding physicist has been awarded a science scholarship to help with her university costs.

Former Oldham Sixth Form College student Rebecca Thornley will receive £6,000 throughout her four-year degree from The Ogden Trust which promotes physics teaching and learning.

Rebecca (18), who achieved three A*s and an A in her A-levels this year, is studying physics with astrophysics at Manchester University.

She was the trust’s Rochdale and Oldham Physicist of the Year last year, and was also chosen to attend its physics symposium at Durham University.

Oldham Sixth Form College has close links with the Ogden Trust, which sponsors students of outstanding scientific ability wishing to read physics or a related degree at a top British university.

It awarded 62 scholarships this year to students from families with an income of less than £50,000.

Rebecca, who attended Waterhead Academy, said: “I am really happy to get the scholarship and it will make such a big difference to my finances at university.

“It will mean I don’t have to worry about finding part-time work to pay for textbooks and I can really focus on my studies and assignments.

“I was thinking I might also spend some of the money on a good telescope which will help me with my astrophysics.”

Sandra Badcock, an Ogden Trust teacher fellow based at Oldham Sixth Form College, supported Rebecca’s application.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see our students receive the recognition and reward they truly deserve. Rebecca worked incredibly hard and it’s been a privilege to have supported her during the time she spent with us.”