AN A-Level student at Malmesbury School with a passion for Maths will be heading university debt-free thanks to a four-year scholarship from the James Dyson Foundation.

Eighteen year-old Toby Chamberlain found out he won the scholarship, which is awarded every year to one student intending to study science, technology, engineering, product design or maths at university, meaning all his tuition fees for the next three or four years will be paid in advance.

"The James Dyson foundation came into my Monday morning assembly to tell us who the winner was," Mr Chamberlain said. "I was shocked. Lots of my friends had applied for the scholarship too and I didn't expect to win it as out year is so strong and I didn't think I had a chance. It is absolutely brilliant!

"Going to university is a lot of money, and like everyone I was worried about my finances. I knew it would make such a big difference if I won the scholarship, so I could focus on my studies and on being successful at university. It is fantastic that I won’t have the worries that come with taking a loan.

"I am hoping to go to Oxford University to study Maths. I went to an open day there and thought it was brilliant, there was such a buzz – and I met lots of people who love Maths as much as I do! I know that I would learn a lot there and be challenged, too, which I think is really exciting."

Students applying for the scholarship were asked to explain what inspired them about their chosen degree, as well as writing 300 words about their favourite invention. Toby wrote about the importance of the Cat's Eye and even brought one to his interview to demonstrate how it worked when he was shortlisted.

Sir James Dyson added: “Toby is a very clever young man with clear passion for his chosen degree. He is immensely eloquent when discussing the importance of maths in solving problems, and I have no doubt that he will make a great success of his time at university.”