Proud parents watch as ten deserving pupils awarded scholarships to study at DMU


The talent and determination of ten college students has won them scholarships to study at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

The pupils, who studied at Gateway College, were presented with certificates and £1,000 to help towards tuition fees at a ceremony organised by their former teachers and staff from DMU.

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Jagmohan Singh Bhullar collects his scholarship from Suzanne Overton-Edwards and Professor Andy Collop

The awards are the first in a new five-year partnership between DMU and Gateway, which will see DMU provide support, advice and experience to Gateway pupils, along with £50,000 to fund 50 scholarships over the period.

The first ten students – nominated by Gateway staff – were joined by proud parents and relatives in an evening celebrating their achievements.

Rikhil Majithia, 18, is now studying Photography and Video at DMU. He said he was enjoying the course.

He said: “I heard that DMU had really good employability so I knew I wanted to go there. It feels quite different to college. The lecturers are really supportive but you are expected to think a lot more for yourself, come up with good ideas. I find that really exciting.”

His mum Sushma said she was very proud of Rikhil’s achievement. She said: “I’m a single mum, with four boys, so things can be quite difficult. This scholarship has helped so much.

“Rikhil was determined to achieve a place at DMU and he simply worked hard to get there. So proud of him.”

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Sohail Ibrahim collects his scholarship from Suzanne Overton-Edwards and Professor Andy Collop

Good friends Jagmohan Singh Bhullar, 20, and Sohail Ibrahim, 19, are both now studying at DMU, having won a scholarship each.

Dressed is sharp black suits, the pair were enjoying the celebration. Jagmohan, who is on DMU’s Law LLB course, said: “The money will definitely help with the financial side of things.

“I feel I improved a lot at Gateway and going to DMU will only increase that – the course seems perfect so far, really engaging lecturers.”

Sohail has chosen an BSc in Biomedical Science. He said: “When I heard I’d won the scholarship, I was like, what? I did not expect it. But it’s a really big help.”

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Rikhil Majithia collects his scholarship from Suzanne Overton-Edwards and Professor Andy Collop

The awards were presented by Professor Andy Collop, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of DMU, and Gateway College’s Principal Suzanne Overton-Edwards.

Professor Collop said: “I’m delighted to be here on behalf of DMU; we very much value the relationship we have with Gateway. These are all excellent students, completely deserving of their scholarships.

“At DMU a lot of effort goes into making sure the experience students get is top class and it is easy to see the facilities here at Gateway are really excellent, too.”

Ms Overton-Edwards said: “This partnership with DMU has really opened doors. Along with the scholarships, DMU has invited students to use learning facilities and staff from the university have given lectures here. Groups have also visited DMU and the feedback has been excellent – it really has many benefits.”

Posted on Monday 8 February 2016

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