Meg and Will Among Only Five UK Morehead-Cain Scholars

Following the release of the official Morehead-Cain Foundation Class of 2030 scholar list, Shrewsbury School continues to celebrate Upper Sixth pupils Meg H (UVI, M) and Will M (UVI, S), who have both been awarded the prestigious and fully funded Morehead-Cain Scholarship to study at the University of North Carolina.

The publication of the global scholar cohort confirms Shrewsbury as the only school outside the United States to receive two scholarship offers this year, with Meg and Will also representing two of just five UK recipients in total. They follow several Old Salopians into the Morehead-Cain community, with two former pupils currently studying at UNC on the scholarship programme.

In the interviews below, you can hear Meg and Will reflecting on their time at Shrewsbury and on the application process for one of the world’s most competitive undergraduate scholarships.

Head of School, Meg H, said:

“I felt that the Morehead-Cain and what it offered almost reflected my experience here at Shrewsbury and was something that I wanted to continue, especially in terms of that whole person development.

“So, more than a degree, I felt that with the Morehead-Cain I was developing my leadership skills, those kind of holistic communication and teamwork skills that come from experiences in the workplace, doing group projects and learning outside of the classroom.”

Will M (UVI, S) similarly reflected on how the scholarship’s ethos resonated strongly with Shrewsbury’s approach to education, he said:

“I really liked the all-rounder nature of the scholarship and how it very closely aligns with the School’s values.”

Will spoke about the breadth of opportunities he embraced during his time at Shrewsbury, including football, the CCF and leadership within the Eco Committee, alongside the personalised support he received through the Futures Department during the rigorous application process.

“Being able to get a really wide range of activities and experiences under your belt can help you put yourself forward in the best light,” he said.

Both pupils described the highly competitive six-month selection process, which included essays, online interviews and a finals weekend in North Carolina involving group exercises, panel interviews and written assessments. They also highlighted the strong network of support from staff and Old Salopians who had previously studied in the United States.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship, founded in 1945, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States. In addition to fully funding four years of study at UNC Chapel Hill, it offers internships, outdoor leadership experiences, global travel opportunities and access to an international network of peers and mentors.

An increasingly strong network of Old Salopians studying and working in the United States has also become an important source of guidance and encouragement for current applicants.

Among them is Old Salopian Alastair, who received the scholarship after attending a Shrewsbury careers presentation more than two decades ago and has since built his life and career in the United States. Reflecting on the growing connection between Shrewsbury and Chapel Hill, he said:

“I am delighted that a Shrewsbury School to Chapel Hill pipeline has developed. I can confidently say from first-hand experience that it has helped pupils to open a really interesting range of life possibilities.”

Alastair described the Morehead-Cain as “the biggest fork in the road moment” of his life, explaining how the scholarship opened opportunities ranging from mountaineering in California and teaching in Namibia to internships in New York and a long-term career in finance in the United States.

He also reflected on the lasting influence of both institutions on his life:

“I’m still trying to maintain my connection to my two favourite educational institutions which helped me out so much in life.”

His reflections underline the transformative nature of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship and the growing legacy of Salopians pursuing academic and professional opportunities in the United States.

As Meg and Will prepare for the next stage of their journeys, their achievements stand as a powerful reflection of the confidence, ambition and breadth of opportunity fostered through a Shrewsbury education.

You can read more about the Morehead-Cain Scholarship here: Introducing the newest Morehead-Cain Scholars