We are delighted for Sixth Form student Abi (Year 13), who has received a Gold Award in this year's national CREST Awards - a nationally recognised scheme that rewards Science & Technology project work. 

Abi’s research project was entitled ‘To what extent was COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy caused by the lack of vaccination confidence?’. Abi wrote a brilliant piece of research which concluded that vaccine hesitancy is most often caused by a lack of trust in health services, together with issues around the availability and accessibility of vital health service, particularly in rural areas. Abi speculated that vaccine hesitancy is also tied up in lack of understanding about how vaccines are developed. For this reason, she tells us, it is important people are well-informed by different media about development and discovery of vaccines.

To be recognised for such an important piece of research at a national level is a massive accomplishment – a huge well done to Abi. 

More about the annual CREST Awards 

CREST is a scheme that inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers, by designing their own STEM projects. Students will hone their investigative skills and employ the scientific method to conduct their own piece of research. Awards range from Star and Super Star at primary school level right up to Gold level, which is well regarded by universities and employers and can be used by students to enhance their UCAS personal statements.