First 'De Neumann' Scholar

First 'De Neumann' Scholar

Owen Smith joins RHS Sixth Form as the first De Neumann Scholar after achieving some excellent GCSE results including the very top grades in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.


The Royal Hospital School's founding mission of 'improving navigation' is deeply rooted in mathematics and navigational science, producing leaders in these fields for over 300 years. This tradition continues today amongst many alumni who have studied mathematics and gone on to apply it within roles such as commerce, industry, science and technology.

Professor Bernard De Neumann (1943-2018) was a former RHS pupil who was passionate about the history and continuing relevance of mathematics at the School. In 2019, the School received a gift from his estate to support the continued development of the subject. As a result, a gifted young mathematician can benefit from a life-changing opportunity to join the sixth form on a means-tested scholarship of up to 100% of the fees.

Owen, explained the process:

"After completing the application, I was invited to attend an assessment day where I sat a maths test and had an interview. I was shortlisted along with two others for a larger interview panel and a week later I delighted to be offered the scholarship".

Owen is studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics and feels sure that any future career will involve maths and/or engineering.

Owen's parents said "We are very proud of Owen for gaining this scholarship and look forward to watching his progress through sixth form at RHS"

To apply for the De Neumann scholarship for entry in September 2022, applicants should:

  • Have a strong interest in mathematics (essential)
  • Study maths and/or further maths at A Level (essential)
  • Have competed in UKMT Mathematical Challenges (desirable)
  • Be looking at a career in mathematics or engineering (desirable)
  • Have a high predicted grade and a strong reference (essential)
  • Currently attend a state school in Suffolk or Essex (desirable)

Please contact, Mrs Kate Evers, Registrar, at 01473 326136 or kevers@royalhospitalschool.org