Cambridge sixth formers win Lincoln’s own University Challenge

Top quiz teams from UK sixth form schools and colleges competed in the University of Lincoln’s own University Challenge general knowledge competition – with a team from Cambridge crowned champions in the grand final.

Hills Road Sixth Form College won the prestigious title after pitting their wits against 11 other finalists at the University’s Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, claiming the £1,000 first prize.

Some 60 teams took part in regional events in a bid to qualify for the final hosted on Lincoln’s main Brayford Pool Campus on Thursday 24th September 2015.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, oversaw the prize-giving for successful teams.

The team from Cambridge emerged as winners ahead of joint runners up Beaumont School, St Albans, and Southend High School for Boys. In third place was Carlton- le-Willows Academy from Gedling, Nottingham.

Each member of the Hills Road team secured an individual prize of £50. Francesco Dernie (18), the winning team captain, said they would be donating the main prize of £1,000 to the College’s student welfare initiative and to other student council projects.

He said: “It was our own idea to enter and it’s proved a really good day out. The College’s welfare charity, set up and run by students, supports fellow students and is a very worthwhile cause.”

Francesco was joined by three other students in Ruby Osman(17), Rock Pok Tao Fong, (18), and Jack Kerwin (17).

Ruby said they had surprised themselves by winning the competition. She added: “The best section was on the assassinations of famous people. We seemed to answer those questions really well!”

Glen Taylor, the Director of Student Support at Hills Road Sixth Form College, said he was delighted at the success.

He said: “It’s all down to the group. They wanted to enter and have a go. It’s proved a very good day and what a lovely city to look around.”

The competition was organised by the University’s Education Liaison team. Emma Jubbs, Schools and Colleges Liaison Manager at the University of Lincoln, said: “The competition proved a big success and was very competitive. It was great that so many teams travelled to Lincoln to make the day a success.”