Tom Watts Travel Award 2023 Recipient Announced

The ASA Committee is delighted to announce that the 2023 Tom Watts Travel Award has been awarded to Will Hall (Yeomen, 2022).

Will will travel to Tanzania in August to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, all in support of Dig Deep (Africa). Dig Deep is a charity that is working with the Kenyan government to overcome the water, sanitation, and hygiene crisis in Bomet County. Will is currently studying Global Sustainability Development at the University of Warwick, and the expedition ties into his academic studies focussing on issues relating to water security, and the management of water across the world as a fundamental resource.

Will said of the expedition:
“I see the chance to climb Kilimanjaro as an extremely special one. My experiences of my Gold DofE expedition with Ashford School in 2021, led me to believe that I had the ability to achieve something far more significant. The very nature of Kilimanjaro as the tallest free-standing peak on earth means that the climb involves travelling through five different ecological zones. I find this prospect exciting and very interesting due to my deep-rooted knowledge and enjoyment of physical geography”.

Will’s trip fully embodies the spirit of Adventurous Learning. We look forward to hearing all about his travels upon his return. Congratulations again.

About the Tom Watts Travel Award

The Tom Watts Travel Award was introduced in 2016 in honour of the School’s former bursar and benefactor Mr Tom Watts. The award provides financial assistance, up to £1,000, to leavers and recent past pupils who are considering undertaking challenging journeys or expeditions during their gap year, university vacation or similar period. It is awarded by the ASA Committee.

Applications for 2024

Applications for next year’s award will open later this year. In the meantime, if you would like to find out how you can apply, please get in touch with the Alumni Office.