A KIDDERMINSTER student has been helped in realising his dream of studying at Cambridge University after receiving a bursary from examination body OCR.

Declan Amphlett, who completed his A levels at Bromsgrove School, was one of ten students from the West Midlands to receive the £3,000-a-year grant to help their studies at one of the top educational institutions.

Now attending the university to read Modern and Medieval Languages at Trinity College, Declan said: “Studying at Cambridge has been an ambition and a dream since I was young.

“I’m grateful to the OCR bursary scheme for helping this dream become a reality as I can focus on studying and enjoying my time at university and make the most of new opportunities presented without having to worry about my finances.

“Furthermore, the money will greatly help me in my third year as I will spend it studying in Europe as part of my languages degree.

“The bursary has taken an enormous weight off my shoulders, and for that I am truly indebted to OCR.”

The money received from OCR, which arose from OCR’s historical association with the West Midlands Exam Board, can be used for living or tuition costs, or a combination of both.

Liam Sammon OCR director of education and commercial services, said: “Our 2014 bursary award winners have once again shown what incredible talent there is within schools and colleges in the West Midlands.

“We are delighted to fund part of their undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.”

It is the eleventh year that the exam body has funded the bursary scheme which helps talented students in the region make the most of their time at Cambridge.

Headteacher at Bromsgrove School, Judith Holden, said Declan has a zest for life and immersed himself in a wide range of activities while at the school.

“Declan’s contributions to school life go far beyond the confines of the classroom,” she said.

“He is a very talented student and by being awarded this financial bursary he would have a considerable pressure taken off him to find the income himself.”

Declan and the nine other students were awarded with their OCR bursaries by Mr Sammon at a ceremony in Coventry.