Jim Tyrrell Scholarship

Two scholarships available to support: 1. students from Gloucestershire, and 2. students from the North East of England.

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.

Up to two Jim Tyrrell Scholarships will be awarded annually and the scholarship remains open to all. However, in line with Jim’s wishes, for the first of these scholarships priority will be given to applicants from Gloucestershire. For the second scholarship, applicants from the North East are encouraged to apply, particularly those from DH, NE, TS, DL and SR postcodes.

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 EntryStarting in September 2026
Number of
scholarships available
Up to two
Application deadlineSunday 26 April 2026
DomicileHome or EU
Level of studyUndergraduate
Mode of studyFull-time
Eligibility criteriaHousehold income of less than £50,000 as determined by Student Finance England (or equivalent) and demonstrable financial need. Applicants from Gloucestershire, Jim's home county, are particularly encouraged along with applicants from the North East of England.
Application and
selection process
Application is via an online form which requires a personal statement of no more than 1000 words.

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.

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 informationProvisionally scheduled for Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May 2026.
ProgrammesAll undergraduate programmes
College preferencesApplicants will be expected to demonstrate a strong desire for membership of St Chad’s College through their application and the interview process.
DurationFor the duration of an undergraduate course up to a maximum of 4 years which can include a foundation year.
Contact informationchads.admissions@durham.ac.uk

The online application form for this scholarship can be accessed HERE.

Additional information

As above, recipients will be able to demonstrate ‘financial need’. 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 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.