Wyke is delighted to celebrate the success of Year 1 A Level German student and former Beverley High pupil Ava Donoghue, who has been awarded a highly competitive Dresden Trust scholarship for summer 2026. This prestigious opportunity will see Ava spend several weeks studying at one of Dresden’s leading schools, immersing herself in German language, culture and daily life in one of Germany’s most beautiful and historic cities.
Reflecting on the news, Ava shared her excitement:“This opportunity will be genuinely life changing and I’m ecstatic that I’ve been given a chance to see a new part of the world. The prospect of being accepted onto such a prestigious programme promoting world friendship and cultural understanding is such an honour. I’m so grateful that I get to participate in such a unique opportunity with likeminded people from all over the UK.”
The Dresden Scholars’ Scheme was founded to strengthen British‑German understanding by enabling young people to learn, live and form friendships across borders. During her stay, Ava will also produce two written reflections: a short report in English on her time in Dresden, and a brief piece in German exploring an aspect of friendship, collaboration or Versöhnung (reconciliation), which lies at the heart of the Trust’s mission.
The Dresden Trust itself is a British charity dedicated to fostering positive relations with the city of Dresden in Saxony. Once one of Europe’s great cultural centres, the city was devastated by Allied bombing in February 1945, and its post‑war reconstruction has become a powerful symbol of resilience and reconciliation. The Trust has played a significant role in encouraging dialogue and strengthening British‑German relations over many decades.
Competition for this year’s scholarships was exceptionally strong, with the Trust receiving “many more high‑calibre applications” than they were able to award. Paul Stocker, founder of the scheme, praised the outstanding standard of applicants and the commitment they demonstrated to their German studies. In an email to Ava and her teacher Heather, he wrote: “We don't normally comment on individual applications, but we were impressed by your exceptional effort since you started at Wyke, and are sure that you will seize this opportunity too with both hands.”
Ava is a passionate and dedicated linguist, and this scholarship represents a remarkable opportunity to extend her learning beyond the classroom. Her success is a testament to her hard work, her enthusiasm for German and the support of her teachers. We look forward to hearing all about her experiences in Dresden later this year.
