Old Waconian and Managing Director of international nuclear energy company Berkeley Energia, Paul Atherley, Class of 1974, has committed to funding two full bursaries for girls wishing to study Maths and Science in Cheadle Hulme School’s Sixth Form.
Reacting to the nationwide call for more girls entering STEM careers, the bursaries will be awarded to two 16 year-olds whose families may not normally be able to fund a place at the School and who wish to follow a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.
Each of the bursary places will be available for girls commencing in the School’s Sixth Form from September 2017. The bursary will fund the entirety of their studies together with a work experience opportunity in a STEM industry.
Paul also has very personal motives for funding the places: “My mother wanted to be a doctor but wasn’t permitted to study science subjects at the all-girls school she went to. She had to fight to gain a place at an all-boys school, was the only girl at the school, and subsequently graduated from the University of Manchester as a doctor, together with my father.
“Female engineers, scientists and researchers are one of our biggest untapped resources. The UK is way behind other countries in utilising this opportunity. I want to do all I can to raise the aspirations of young females and give them access to the outstanding education which Cheadle Hulme School provides.”
The girls will also have access to the range of co-curricular activities available at the School, including its many Sixth Form societies and clubs, sports teams, trips and leadership opportunities.
Upon leaving Cheadle Hulme School, Paul Atherley graduated with a First from Imperial College London, before gaining an MApSc in Mining Geomechanics from the University of South Wales and an MBA at Deakin University. He has since held the Managing Director position at a number of global energy companies and was Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China.
Anyone wishing to find out more about applying for a Paul Atherley STEM Bursary should contact the School’s Admissions department at admissions@chschool.co.uk.
