Sixth Former Gets His Wings

A budding pilot from The Sixth Form College, Solihull was today honoured by a senior Royal Air Force (RAF) officer with a prestigious scholarship.

Ross Turner (aged 17, from Solihull) has been selected by the RAF as one of just 80 sixth formers nationwide for special attention. Today he was given a certificate to recognise his RAF scholarship, which was presented to him by Wing Commander Elliott (pictured above). Ross’ parents have also been awarded £1,000 to help fund his education in his second year at the College.

He went through a selection process, including an interview to get the scholarship and completed a week-long adventure training activity with other like-minded young people. The activities undertaken included parachuting and flying.

Ross commented, "It was a fantastic week. I got the opportunity to parachute and completed two jumps, which was brilliant. The entire experience whetted my appetite for more and re-affirmed my interest in the RAF."

Ross is currently in the second year of his A Level studies in English Language, Mathematics and Physical Education. He is also studying AS Critical Thinking and completing an Extended Project as part of the AQA Baccalaureate. After College, Ross intends to apply for direct entry into the RAF and has ambitions to become a pilot.

RAF representative, Wing Commander Elliott, added: "Ross is an example of exactly the sort of young person we are looking for to join the Air Force. We have awarded this bursary because we think Ross is a good candidate, but it is not a guarantee and he will still have to go through an aptitude assessment. However, he has already demonstrated that he has many of the qualities we are looking for."

As well as bursaries at sixth form level, additional funding of £6,000 is available to students at university level if they can demonstrate an interest and aptitude for the RAF.