Alumnus Jim Tyrrell died in June 2022. He was only 60 – his death was premature and unexpected, and a tragic loss for his two daughters, his partner, his many friends and all who loved him. Jim studied French at St Chad’s between 1984 and 1990 and had maintained a connection with St Chad’s for much of his working life.
Jim wanted to support deserving students and fund scholarships for students in financial need. These included a series of Jim Tyrrell scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, a Student Support Fund to help students in unexpected financial need, and a variety of funds to ensure that all students are able to participate fully and fairly in all that Chad’s and university life has to offer regardless of financial means.
Jim was proudly from Gloucestershire and was particularly keen to support students from his home county throughout their studies at St Chad’s. While this scholarship remains open to all, applicants from Gloucestershire are therefore particularly encouraged.
We remain hugely grateful to Jim and his family for making this important and transformative scholarship possible.
Scholarship Overview
| Amount | £3,000 per academic year |
| Year of Entry | Starting in September 2025 |
| Number of scholarships available | Up to two |
| Application deadline | Sunday 27 April 2025 |
| Domicile | Home or EU |
| Level of study | Undergraduate |
| Mode of study | Full-time |
| Eligibility criteria | Household income of less than £42,875 as determined by Student Finance England (or equivalent) and demonstrable financial need. Applicants from Gloucestershire, Jim's home county, are particularly encouraged. |
| Application and selection process | Personal statement of no more than 1,000 words and academic reference submitted to chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidate will be invited to interview. Successful candidates will also be asked to share a copy of their student financial support statement as proof of household income. |
| Interview information | Provisionally scheduled for Thursday 1 and Friday 2 May 2025 |
| Programmes | All undergraduate programmes |
| College preferences | Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a strong desire for membership of St Chad’s College through their application and the interview process. |
| Duration | For the duration of an undergraduate course up to a maximum of 4 years which can include a foundation year. |
| Contact information | chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk |
Additional information
As above, recipients will be able to demonstrate ‘financial need’ – defined as a household income below £42,875. However, additional consideration will be given to applicants from neighbourhoods with low participation in higher education and from applicants who are a first generation scholar.
Scholarship applications should include the following –
- a personal statement of not more than 1,000 words describing how your personal circumstances make you eligible for this award, how the bursary would help you to study at Durham University, and why you want to study at Durham University and St Chad’s College.
- a character reference from one of your teachers in support of your scholarship application to be sent by email to chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk. Please ensure your referee submits the reference on letter headed paper which contains their name, position, contact details and your full name.
Scholarship applications are invited from 1 October one academic year before the applicant is due to begin their undergraduate studies.
All eligible applications for this scholarship will be considered on the basis of their personal statement, reference and interview by two members of College staff, tutors or governors at St Chad’s College. The financial and personal information you provide will be treated with strict confidentiality by members of the selection panel.