Young academic wins eminent scholarship
KING’S School young medic Ailbe Smith has won the most prestigious scholarship offered by Imperial College London towards his medical studies.
The 18-year-old will receive £3,000 in his first year to act as an ambassador for one of the world’s leading medical schools.
He is one of 112 undergraduates from some 3,000 students each year who are selected for the generous bursary. It was awarded for academic potential recognised both in his results and his interview.
Ailbe, who wants to become an orthopaedic surgeon, got seven A*s one A and one B in his GCSEs and has just completed his A-levels in maths, chemistry and biology.
He goes up to London this October.
Ailbe said: “My enthusiasm was fired for orthopaedic surgery after completing a work experience placement in St George’s Hospital in London and discovering that orthopaedics is such a diverse and fascinating branch of medicine where the doctor sees such a wide range of patients exhibiting so many different problems.”
An active community service volunteer, every week Ailbe devotes much of his time to helping the Cheshire Independent Living Service talking to and assisting adults with learning difficulties.
Ruth Roberts Head of the King’s Sixth Form said: “We can all fully understand why Imperial College chose Ailbe for this top award.
“He is very hardworking, pays great attention to detail and is always such a pleasure to talk to, all ideal qualities in a doctor.”