High achieving former SERC student wins JP McManus Scholarship

A former SERC student is among young people from across the North and South of Ireland to receive an All-Ireland Scholarship to help with the cost of university. Jason McClinton from Lisburn studied the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is now studying at Liverpool John Moores University.  

Sponsored by JP McManus, the awards provide students with financial support of £5,500 per year in Northern Ireland and will continue for the duration of the undergraduate programmes chosen by the scholarship winners. Equating to a maximum of £22,000 for a four-year course.

The winners of the All Ireland Scholarships will be officially recognised at an awards ceremony on Saturday 25 November 2017 at the University of Limerick.

Six Scholarships will be awarded to the top Level 3 Extended Diploma students from Further Education Colleges while nineteen Scholarships will be awarded to the top ‘A’ Level students from grant aided Post Primary Schools.

The scheme was established in 2008 to support many young people throughout Ireland so they can avail of third level education.

The educational scheme provides financial assistance to many high achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate/ A Level examinations in 2017.

Congratulating this year’s recipients, SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb said: "I want to congratulate all the recipients of this year's awards. These scholarships offer the opportunity of third level education to young people who may previously not have had that option and will enable them to continue on their chosen career paths. The Scholarships help to widen participation by ensuring that all young people, irrespective of their background, have the opportunity to access higher education.”

Alan Simpson, course co-ordinator at SERC commented on Jason’s success: “Jason was a remarkable student who demonstrated a strong desire to succeed during his course to the extent that he achieved a triple distinction star in his course, the equivalent to three A grades at A level."