The first winner of the new Edexcel International Scholarship has been drawn from over 1,000 names drawn randomly by chief executive, John Kerr.

Sri Lankan student, Sisitha Karunaratne, is first winner of the £1,000 (one thousand pounds sterling) scholarship awarded in a free draw to students from around the world who sign up to the Edexcel International Student Club.  There are four more draws taking place between August 2004 and January 2005.

Sisitha – aged 16 (dob 14/4/88) attends Colombo International School in Kandy and has just finished studying for GCE O levels.  He now intends to take his AS levels (in 2005).

Launched in 2003, the club gives students around the world shared information on how to study or work in a different country.   Formed in partnership with Hobsons (specialists in international recruitment) both organisations have ties with thousands of educational institutions and employers in over 110 countries where Edexcel qualifications are taken.

James Tucker, Market Development Manager for Edexcel International, says: ‘The club has proved extremely popular so far with over five hundred students already signed up.  Lots of students with Edexcel qualifications are keen to complete their studies internationally and each one of them is automatically entered for the free draw.

“Congratulations to Sisitha – we hope that this scholarship will help him to finish his A levels and hopefully to progress on to higher education.”

Sisitha was presented with his prize by Elizabeth Lowen, DGM Edexcel International at the school.