A STAR Alcester student with his sights on Cambridge University is celebrating after receiving a £3,000 bursary from examination body OCR.

Barney Fidler, who recently completed his A-levels at Alcester Grammar School, is one of nine students from across the West Midlands to be awarded the grant to help their studies at one of the top educational institutions.

Mr Fidler, who will be studying natural sciences at Christ’s College, said: “I’m hugely excited to go to the University of Cambridge and will never forget how happy I was when I received my results. However, the debt that comes with higher education was a concern for me. Having access to this financial support means I can get the most out of my time at university without the burden of debt being even greater. I am really grateful to OCR for the opportunity it has given me.”

His teacher Dr Penny Robotham, head of science at Alcester Grammar School, said: “He is an excellent student and a dynamic and enthusiastic learner.

“In a year group of over 240, he is without doubt one of the most able students this school has seen for many years.

“His intellectual ability cannot be overstated, he has proved to be an exceptional student with so much talent and he has been a pleasure to teach.”