Solihull School

Engineering excellence has been achieved by Upper Fifth pupil Penelope who has been awarded the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, recognising her exceptional promise in engineering and design. As part of the rigorous selection process, Penelope completed a challenging examination and developed an innovative independent project focused on sustainable energy solutions. Her work explored the potential of a small turbine within a sink inlet pipe to generate electricity for LED lighting. Through designing and producing 3D-printed models, she tested and refined her concept before presenting her findings to a panel of expert judges. The scholarship will provide Penelope with valuable opportunities including mentoring, industry engagement, and further development of her engineering skills.

Lower Sixth student, Claire, who joined Solihull in Year 3 has received exceptional recognition in the Biology Olympiad pathway. After securing a Gold Award in Round One, she progressed through to Round Two to be selected as one of just 16 students nationally invited to a highly competitive residential programme. This marks the first time a Solihull School student has reached this stage.

Following an intensive schedule of advanced theoretical study and laboratory work - including PCR, gel electrophoresis, microdissection, and bioinformatics - Claire excelled in both practical and theoretical assessments. She has now been named as one of only four students to represent the United Kingdom at the International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania this July, a prestigious global competition featuring participants from around ninety countries.

Further Biology success has been secured by Lower Fifth pupils Emma and Lois, who have been awarded joint Third Prize in the Key Stage 4 category of the 38th MiSAC Annual Competition, a national event organised by the Microbiology in Schools Advisory Committee to inspire interest in microbiology.

Competing against more than 2,000 entries, Emma and Lois designed an engaging and scientifically rigorous illustrated web-page report aimed at educating teenagers about the vital role of microbes in dairy production. Their work explored how gut microbes support cow nutrition, the importance of microbes in producing silage, and the role of leguminous plants in enhancing feed quality, and their visually striking and academically detailed submission earned them well-deserved recognition at a national level.

Katherine Robinson, Deputy Head (Academic) said: “These achievements reflect the depth of talent, curiosity and determination among Solihull School’s students, and underscore the school’s commitment to encouraging girls to excel in STEM fields."