An aspiring female engineer from Ross-on-Wye has been awarded a prestigious Arkwright scholarship. Kia Ballantyne, 16, will have access to mentors from industry throughout her A level studies at Monmouth School for Girls.

Fellow Monmouth pupils Lisa Davies, 16, and Francesca Westbrook, 17, have also been recognised.

Kia has been matched with ETL Systems, Lisa with the Haberdashers’ Company and Francesca with Rolls Royce.

An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most respected scholarship of its type in the UK to inspire and nurture school-age students to be the country’s future leaders in engineering. All three students, who were successful in the rigorous selection process for the scholarships, are hoping to read engineering at university.

Last year, Kia was awarded first prize in the annual STEM Challenge sponsored by the engineering giant, Renishaw plc.

Kia was abroad and not able to attend the Arkwright scholarships awards ceremony at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London.

The latest figures suggest that 186,000 new engineers are needed in the UK every year until 2024 to fill the engineering skills gap.

Headmistress at Monmouth School for Girls, Dr Caroline Pascoe, says students are encouraged to follow STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“We are very proud to see the hard work and dedication of Lisa, Francesca and Kia recognised by an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship,” said Dr Pascoe. “STEM subjects are the foundations of the industrial and corporate world and can open girls’ minds to the many possibilities as well as boosting their confidence.

“If we can show girls and young women what others have achieved before them, I know we can spark more girls, at a younger age, to take part in engineering.”