Mercers’ Talent Award Hammersmith Academy

Investing in Ambition. Inspiring Real World Success.

At Hammersmith Academy, we believe ambition should be recognised and supported.

The Mercers’ Talent Award is a pathway to excellence  designed to empower our most academically able and aspirational Sixth Form students with the resources, mentoring, and opportunities to reach their goals and thrive in the real world beyond school.

More than just financial support, the award reflects our belief that opportunity and excellence go hand in hand, helping talented students from all backgrounds unlock their potential and take confident steps towards the country’s most competitive universities and degree apprenticeships.

What the Award Offers

This prestigious award is unique to Hammersmith Academy as a Mercers’ School and provides tailored support to help students stand out when applying to the country’s most competitive universities and degree apprenticeships.

Award recipients receive:

  • The option to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – highly valued by top universities
  • Up to £750 funding to support academic and enrichment activities
  • Personalised mentoring and UCAS guidance from our specialist Sixth Form and Careers teams
  • Exclusive enrichment opportunities, including Oxbridge workshops and mentoring through St Paul’s Girls’ School
  • Leadership roles within the Academy community
Award Details

Recipients are awarded:

  • £500 in Year 12 and £250 in Year 13 to support their studies and development.

This funding is designed to remove barriers and unlock opportunity, enabling students to invest directly in their academic and personal growth.

Examples of how the funding can be used include:

  • Travel to university open days, placements, and lectures
  • Essential IT equipment or course materials
  • Summer schools, trips, or enrichment programmes

These are just examples — the award is flexible and personalised.
Students who receive the Mercers’ Talent Award are encouraged to propose their own ideas to the Head of Sixth Form, outlining how the funding could best support their academic or career aspirations.

Who Can Apply?

The Mercers’ Talent Award is open to full-time Hammersmith Academy Sixth Form students who:

  • Achieve a GCSE average point score of 8+ from at least 8 GCSEs
  • Show exceptional commitment to academic progress and personal development
  • Are eligible for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals, or are first-generation university applicants
  • Other strong applicants may also be considered if places remain available.

Application Process

Applications open after GCSE results and close at the end of September. Applicants must submit:

  • A personal statement outlining their academic goals and ambitions.
  • A brief proposal detailing how they would use the Award funding.

Shortlisted students will be invited to interview, while those with a predicted APS of 7+ will be asked to complete an expression of interest form during the application process.

 

Find Out More

To learn more or apply, please contact:
Head of Sixth Form – post16@hammersmithacademy.org