A Year 10 student from Woodham Academy has been named Durham University Schools’ Physicist of the Year 2026, recognising her performance and commitment to Physics.
Scarlet Dunn received the award at a recent Durham University Science Outreach event. She stood out across the region for her achievement and consistency throughout the year.
Scarlet is the first student in the cohort to achieve almost full marks across all Year 10 Physics assessments – a significant milestone.
Head of Science, Mr Jenkins, said: “Scarlet has worked exceptionally hard this year and shown a clear commitment to improving her understanding, particularly across Paper 1 topics. Achieving almost full marks across all assessments reflects both her ability and her consistency.”
She has been particularly strong in energy, particles and electricity, and approaches more challenging problems with care and confidence.
Mr Jenkins added: “She applies her knowledge well to unfamiliar questions and responds positively to feedback. Scarlet is a reliable, hard-working student who fully deserves this recognition.”
The award was presented by Durham University’s Science Engagement team and signed by Dr Lorraine Coghill. Scarlet received it alongside senior members of the Physics department, including Professor Paula Chadwick.
Woodham Academy continues to see students progress into Physics at a high level. Scarlet follows former students now studying Physics and Astrophysics at Durham University, including Charlie Pemberton, and Jake Mendelsohn, who is currently undertaking doctoral study in Astrophysics at the University of Oxford and has already published a lead-author paper.
This recognition reflects both Scarlet’s individual effort and the strength of Physics within the school.