The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College is delighted to announce that second-year student, Meg Knight, has received an unconditional offer to study at Stanford University, California in September.  

Meg is also a world champion rower achieving gold at the World Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships in February this year.   

Stanford University’s Head Coach recognised Meg’s extraordinary talent after watching her become the World Indoor Rowing Champion and promptly offered her a scholarship.  

Meg commented “I am excited about going to one of the top universities in the world but also a little bit nervous, it’s a long way to go on my own. One of the Head Coaches of Sanford University reached out to me after competing in the World Rowing Championships, he sent me a message through Instagram to congratulate me and asked if I would be interested in a scholarship with them.” 

As part of the scholarship, Meg will become a member of the women’s rowing team representing the university where she will train and compete in national competitions.   

Meg anticipates that she will be training 20 to 30 hours a week at university which is like her current training schedule with Trentham Boat Club. Training will be part of her study timetable to ensure her continued academic and athletic success.  

The course at Stanford University is a total of four years, for the first two years, she can choose to study from a range of courses. For the remaining two years she will specialise in one area to achieve her major. She is still undecided about what she would like to study but she considering maths and engineering as an option.  

Sixth Form College quickly recognised Meg’s outstanding abilities and have supported her athletic ambition and academia through the High Achievers Programme and Junior Elite Scholarship Programme.  

The High Achievers Programme provides students with mentoring, guidance, and support from professionals knowledgeable of university admissions processes and tests. This was also complemented by the Junior Elite Scholarship Programme in partnership with Staffordshire University to nurture the development of elite athletes who compete at county level and above. 

Phil McPherson, Assistant Principal commented “Everyone at the Sixth Form College is incredibly proud of Megan’s rowing performances including winning a gold and silver medal at world level rowing. The award of this scholarship at Stanford University reflects her hard work, dedication, and positive attitude to both her training at Trentham Boat Club and academic studies where she is currently excelling in Further Math’s, Biology and Physical Education A Levels.” 

 “The college’s Junior Elite Scholarship Programme provides a fantastic opportunity to support talented sports performers such as Meg, working in partnership with Staffordshire University and we would encourage athletes from across the region to contact or visit the college to find out more. We are extremely excited about continuing to support and celebrate Meg’s future rowing career and academic studies when she moves on to Stanford.” 

Edward Swann, Director of Teaching and Learning and Head of High Achievers said “As a member of the High Achiever’s, we are incredibly proud of Megan. Her amazing academic achievements and success at the World Indoor Rowing championships have gained her the opportunity of a lifetime. We wish Megan the best of luck.” 

In January, Meg and her parents will be flying out to visit the university campus, exploring what life will be like as a student there. A WhatsApp group has been set up with other students who have received an offer and form part of the women’s rowing team.  

One other female from the UK has also been offered a place who achieved silver at the World Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships.  

Meg will be flying out to California at the end of August to have a period of settling in before her studies begin in September.  

After her studies, she is hoping to row competitively for as long as possible and she has hopes to represent Great Britain in the Olympics.  

We wish you the best of luck Megan! 

More information about Megan becoming the World Indoor Rowing Champion can be found here Rowing for Gold! – City of Stoke-on-Trent College Sixth Form College (stokesfc.ac.uk)