We are delighted to announce a £300,000 gift from the EPA Cephalosporin Fund to transform bursary opportunities for young scientists in our city. Thanks to the Trust’s latest gift and previous support, King Edward VI School is able to introduce two new annual science Bursary Awards: one for entry into Year 7, and one for Sixth Form.

The EPA Cephalosporin Fund is a charitable Trust set up by Sir Edward Penley Abraham, who studied at King Edward’s from 1924-32. From here he proceeded to Queen’s College, Oxford. In the 1940s Sir Edward was part of the team whose research was responsible for the development of penicillin. Later in the 1950s he went on to develop the cephalosporin range of antibiotics.

The EPA Cephalosporin Fund has kindly supported King Edward’s since the late 1970s, funding scholarships and our existing science building. This gift marks a new chapter in the Trust’s support, with a clear focus on supporting promising young scientists in Southampton who would not otherwise have the financial means to attend KES.  

If you have a passion for science, there are two opportunities to apply each year. Both EPA Bursary Awards cover 100% of the fee, so you will need a household income under £46,000 to apply:

The EPA Bursary Award is for aspiring scientists looking to join the school in Year 7. Interested candidates should apply for a regular bursary, and choose to sit our new additional science entrance examination. The selected pupil will perform highly in the science, English and mathematics papers, and show a particularly strong aptitude for science.

The EPA Sixth Form Bursary Award is for applicants joining for Sixth Form from a state school and choosing to study Biology or Chemistry at A Level. The selected pupil will have high predicted GCSE results in Biology and Chemistry and perform well in subject interviews.

Professors Anton van der Merwe and Penny Handford, EPA Cephalosporin Fund Trustees, said: ‘Sir Edward Abraham had a brilliant scientific mind, driving forwards important research which still impacts our society today. He never forgot the value of his early education at King Edward’s. Given that Sir Edward attended whilst it was a Grammar School, he was particularly keen to ensure that the School remained open to young people from all backgrounds. We are very pleased to continue his legacy by providing this gift for science bursaries.’

Neal Parker, Head, said: ‘We are enormously grateful to the EPA Cephalosporin Fund for their latest generous gift to our School. Sir Edward Abraham is perhaps our most notable Old Edwardian, and through this gift we are able to encourage today’s pupils to follow in his footsteps. If you have a passion for science, please do consider applying for the new EPA Bursary Awards. Sir Edward’s life and career are proof that remarkable scientific journeys can begin at King Edward’s.’