Bedford School Sixth Former Wins Top Prize for Oxford University Essay Competition

Published by Bedford School on Thursday 15th of November 2018

Bedford School Sixth Former, Harry Ward, was surprised but delighted to receive a letter from Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford, to say that he had won one of the top prizes in their Staton Essay Competition. His essay entitled Is violence ever justified in the pursuit of empowerment? was one of hundreds of wide-ranging and ambitious essays entered into this prestigious academic competition, this year on the theme of ‘Empowerment’. Harry, who was one of two other top prize winners, was invited to a formal awards dinner at Regent’s Park College to receive his certificate. He took his mother and grandma. Harry was one of three Bedford School pupils to be recognised for their essays. Will Barnes, Head Boy, received a Commendation for his essay of the same title, and Rahul Sheemar also received a Commendation for his essay entitled How important are the use and validation of native languages in processes of empowerment? Harry is currently studying for the IB, with Philosophy, Spanish and Chemistry at Higher Level, and English, Maths and Economics at Standard Level. He is keeping his options open for his future career, but has already applied to read PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Oxford University.