Outwood Academy Riverside student secures prestigious scholarship to Yarm School
Anjie Falana, a Year 11 student at Outwood Academy Riverside, is celebrating after being awarded a life-changing scholarship to attend the Sixth Form at the renowned Yarm School in September.
The highly competitive scholarships at Yarm School are awarded based on a rigorous assessment process, including entrance examinations and interviews, and are often supported by means-tested bursaries to ensure that the highest calibre of students can access a world-class education regardless of financial background. The award, which covers 100% of tuition fees, is a powerful recognition of Anjie’s academic distinction and her exemplary personal character.
Anjie plans to focus her Post-16 studies on a diverse curriculum, selecting Psychology, Religious Studies, and Business Studies. She said:
“I am delighted to be given this opportunity; I am very proud of myself and I am excited to see where this takes me.”
This achievement marks the third student from Outwood Academy Riverside to secure such a pathway in the last two years, highlighting the academy’s commitment to placing students in the best educational environments in the country. Last year, Abdul Bazina, then Head Boy at the academy, secured a place at Eton College on a full scholarship as a recipient of the Orwell Award, while Hisain Marzug performed exceptionally well on the entrance exams for Harrow School and was granted admission with a 95% bursary.
Melissa Brant-Smith, principal at Outwood Academy Riverside, said:
“I am bursting with pride to see Anjie accepted to Yarm School. This is a truly life-changing opportunity and a testament to Anjie’s exceptional work ethic and the academic ambition we foster here at Outwood Academy Riverside.
“Anjie’s success marks a wonderful milestone for us; following two students who secured similar scholarships last year, she continues a growing tradition of our students accessing the very best educational pathways available. It is a joy to see our students’ hard work and the dedication of our staff rewarded on such a prestigious stage.”
Anjie’s success is also a moment of immense pride for her family, who have watched her develop into a determined and responsible young leader.
Anjie’s Mother added:
“Anjie is very respectful, very independent and self-motivated. She always wants to outdo her previous performance; she’s a very responsible and caring person, and I’m very proud to be her mum.”
While the scholarship is a significant milestone, it remains conditional upon Anjie achieving her predicted grades in her upcoming GCSE examinations this summer. The entire school community does not doubt that she will continue to excel and serve as an outstanding ambassador for the academy as she moves on to this next chapter.
Rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, Outwood Academy Riverside, part of the Outwood Family of Schools, is committed to providing a high-quality education that transforms the life chances of its students in the Middlesbrough area. A new state-of-the-art school building is currently under construction on land close to Middlesbrough College and the town’s railway station. Work started last summer with construction led by Bowmer + Kirkland on behalf of the Department for Education. Students are expected to move to the new site next year.
Prospective families are invited to explore the school community at an Open Evening on 16 September 2026. For further details, visit riverside.outwood.com.
