JLC Student Wins Physiotherapy Scholarship

From John Leggott College to a Fully Funded Physiotherapy Degree: Pehesara's Story

Every so often, a student's journey through sixth form leads to something truly special. For John Leggott College student Pehesara, years of commitment, community involvement and academic focus have resulted in one of the most competitive awards available to UK students: a 100% fully funded scholarship for a BSc Physiotherapy degree at York St John University.

With only two or three of these scholarships awarded nationally each year, this is an outstanding achievement and one the whole college community is celebrating.

What the Scholarship Involves

York St John University offers a small number of fully funded physiotherapy scholarships each year. The selection process is highly competitive and looks at far more than grades alone. Applicants are assessed on their academic performance and their genuine commitment to contributing to society through volunteering, community service and wider extracurricular involvement.

To be considered, students need to show who they are beyond the classroom. That is exactly what Pehesara did.

The Activities That Made the Difference

When asked about his application, Pehesara was clear about what he believed gave him the edge.

Alongside his A Level studies at John Leggott College, he took on roles as both a Student Ambassador and a Wellbeing Ambassador, supporting his peers and playing an active part in college life. Outside of JLC, he volunteered with St John Ambulance, gaining practical healthcare experience, and also gave his time to Cancer Research UK.

None of this was last-minute preparation. It was a consistent pattern of involvement built up over time, and it told a compelling story about the kind of person Pehesara is.

As he explained: "I was doing lots of extras other than my studies. All of these led me to achieve this."

How JLC Helped Pehesara Get There

Behind this achievement is a team of people at John Leggott College who supported Pehesara every step of the way, and he was keen to acknowledge each of them by name.

Samantha from the JLC Careers Team played a central role in guiding him through the scholarship application process, helping him understand the requirements and present himself with confidence. Hannah Thorpe supported him in finding and securing work experience directly relevant to physiotherapy, which formed an important part of his application. His Progress Tutor Olivia, along with the rest of his teaching team, provided the ongoing academic support and encouragement he needed throughout his time at college.

This kind of joined-up support is something students at John Leggott College consistently benefit from. Whether it is careers guidance, help finding work experience or the day-to-day relationship with a progress tutor who knows you as an individual, JLC takes a genuinely personalised approach to helping students move forward.

Why This Achievement Matters

BSc Physiotherapy is a rigorous, clinically focused degree that prepares graduates to work across the NHS, private healthcare, sports settings and rehabilitation services. Entry is competitive, and a fully funded scholarship of this kind is recognition not just of academic ability but of character, values and commitment to others.

For Pehesara, the combination of strong grades, relevant experience and a record of giving back to his community made his application stand out in a national field. That combination did not happen by accident. It was built, piece by piece, through his time at JLC.

What This Tells You About Post-16 Study

If you are currently thinking about sixth form or weighing up your post-16 options, Pehesara's story is worth reflecting on.

Choosing to study at John Leggott College is about more than the subjects you take. It is about the two years you spend developing as a person, building experience and finding out what you are capable of. Students at JLC have access to dedicated careers support, structured volunteering and ambassador opportunities, work experience guidance, and a tutorial system designed to ensure no one gets lost along the way.

Competitive scholarships, top university places and sought-after degree programmes go to students who can demonstrate both academic ability and a wider sense of purpose. JLC is set up to help students build exactly that kind of profile, whatever direction they are heading in after sixth form.

A Brilliant Next Step

Pehesara described the opportunity as "really exciting" and "very rare and very valuable," and he is absolutely right. A fully funded degree in a profession he is passionate about, at a university he has worked hard to earn a place at, is the reward for years of effort and genuine commitment.

From everyone at John Leggott College, congratulations Pehesara. You have earned this.

FAQ Section

What is the York St John University physiotherapy scholarship?

York St John University offers a small number of fully funded scholarships for its BSc Physiotherapy programme each year. The award covers the full cost of the degree and is given to students who demonstrate strong academic grades alongside a genuine commitment to volunteering and community contribution.

How competitive is this scholarship?

Very. Only two or three places are awarded nationally each year, making it one of the most competitive scholarships available to students pursuing a healthcare career at undergraduate level.

What can sixth form students do to strengthen a competitive university application?

Strong A Level grades are essential, but universities and scholarship panels also look for work experience relevant to your chosen subject, volunteering, leadership roles and evidence of contributing to your wider community. Starting early and building up a consistent record makes a real difference.

How does John Leggott College support students applying to competitive courses and scholarships?

JLC has a dedicated careers team that helps students identify opportunities and prepare strong applications. Students also benefit from work experience guidance, ambassador programmes and a progress tutor who supports their development throughout their time at college.

Is physiotherapy a good career path?

Physiotherapy is a highly rewarding profession with strong demand across the NHS, private healthcare and sports settings. It combines science, practical clinical skills and direct patient care, making it a great option for students who are interested in health and in helping people recover and improve their quality of life.