A legal settlement from a national newspaper is to be used to fund a new decade-long scholarship for law students in Derby, following a false claim about a Member of Parliament’s education.
Catherine Atkinson, the Labour MP for Derby North, has launched the “Catherine Atkinson future lawyers award” at the University of Derby. The initiative is funded by a payout of approximately £5,000 in damages and legal costs from the Mail on Sunday.
The dispute arose after the newspaper published an article in July 2024 claiming that Ms Atkinson had “concealed” a private education at the prestigious Benenden School. In reality, the MP was educated at Sacred Heart High School, a state comprehensive in Hammersmith.
The scholarship will provide an annual award of £500 for at least the next 10 years. It is specifically designed to support social mobility within the legal sector, an industry often cited for its high barriers to entry for those from less affluent backgrounds.
Eligibility and support
The award is open to first-year law students enrolled at the University of Derby. To be eligible, applicants must have been educated at a state school located within the city of Derby.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, has formally welcomed the investment, noting the importance of such support for students entering the profession. The funding is intended to help with the costs associated with the first year of a law degree, which can include textbooks, professional attire, or travel for work placements.
The MP confirmed that the total sum received after legal expenses has been dedicated entirely to the scholarship. By committing to a 10-year period, the fund aims to provide a consistent pathway for local state-school pupils who aspire to follow a similar career path to Ms Atkinson.
National context of media accountability
The settlement marks a significant instance of media accountability resulting in a direct community benefit. According to reports on media standards and social mobility, the correction of the record regarding the MP’s state-school background highlights ongoing sensitivities around the representation of political figures’ educational histories.
Students at the University of Derby who believe they meet the criteria for the Catherine Atkinson future lawyers award are encouraged to contact the university’s financial support office for details on the application process and upcoming deadlines for the current academic year.