Launch of the David Wilkinson First Generation Scholarship

The David Wilkinson First Generation Scholars Fund has been launched this year by the outgoing Principal, Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, himself a first generation scholar from the North East. The scholarship promotes widening participation and access by providing accommodation scholarships for students from first generation, BAME and lower income backgrounds, offering two scholars annually up to half of the College accommodation costs for their first year.   

Already alumni and friends of St John’s have contributed almost £30k to the scholarship fund. David Wilkinson comments: "My own opportunity at Durham University came in the days when grants were available not just for tuition but also living expenses. The situation is now very different and I am delighted at the launch of this fund to give opportunities to this generation of students. Thank you to all who have contributed so far and may I encourage others to consider supporting it." 

“Delighted to support David's great initiative in a small way which highlights the great spirit of St John's to encourage and support those who would not otherwise be able to attend College as they see earlier contemporaries leaving Uni with huge debts.” 

Luke March, Law and Politics, 1970-1973 

New students to St John’s College for the academic year 2023/24 will be invited to apply for a scholarship. We continue to welcome donations to this appeal. Find out more: Principal's Appeal