Albyn pupil Rhys Crawford is heading to America on an impressive academic scholarship to pursue higher education and his sporting passion.
Rhys was delighted to secure three A’s in his Advanced Highers last week in Maths, Mechanics and Chemistry, after achieving straight A’s in his Higher exams last year. He admitted the pressure was off in his final year at school after he secured his place at university after S5, however credited his parents for keeping him grounded.
“I definitely leaned on my parents to keep me motivated for my final year. They kept me focused.”
Rhys is heading to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque next month on an academic scholarship to study Chemical Engineering. The university has been home to the likes of Team GB athlete Josh Kerr who recently achieved a silver medal in the 1500m at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
On choosing a university across the pond rather than staying closer to home, Rhys shared: “I think the sports programmes are a lot better over there and the university structure is based around the sports which I like.”
Rhys Crawford
A keen sportsman, Rhys has excelled in sport throughout his time at Albyn and has thrown himself into football, cricket and athletics. Recognising his talents he pursued his passion for athletics and competed in multiple regional and national competitions, with his most recent success being crowned as the U20 Scottish School 800m track champion.
Rhys is following in the footsteps of his brother, Kai, who left Albyn School in 2022 to pursue further education at the University of Alabama on an academic scholarship. Kai is also a talented athlete who is an integral member of the Alabama Track and Field team.
Rhys has spent his whole educational life at Albyn after joining the nursery in 2009. Reflecting on his time at school he recalls:
“The sporting aspect of school has been a big highlight, but if I was to pick another highlight away from sports it would have to be the Lip Sync event the school hosts. I was out of my comfort zone but really enjoyed it.”
Thinking about the advice he would give to his younger self he shared:
“My advice to my younger self would be to relax, everything will take care of itself. Keep working hard but have fun along the way!”
Results published by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) show that in S4, Albyn pupils have achieved a 96% pass rate (A-C) at National 5, with 89% of those grades at A or B level, surpassing the standard set last year.
In S5, the pass rate (A-C) for Highers is 93%, with 84% of pupils receiving A-B grades. 39% achieved all A grades across their 5 Higher exams, with 77% of pupils gaining 5 or more Highers.
The S6 cohort also attained outstanding results with 78% of pupils receiving A-B grades at Advanced Higher level.