First class Fran thanks Society

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Fran Perkins-Taylor, a member of the Border Counties Branch of the Oddfellows and recipient of an Oddfellows Educational Award, has expressed her gratitude for the funding following her graduation in June this year.

First class Fran

Fran, aged 22 from Lavenham in Sudbury, achieved a first class undergraduate MA (Hons) in Philosophy and Theology from the University of St Andrews.

In 2019 she received £900 from the Society’s scheme which awards a number of members going into higher education a funding boost to help with essentials such as reading materials, laptops and other resources.

Fran spent four years at the University of St Andrews

“Funding from the Educational Award was invaluable not only in helping with course costs, like textbooks and reading, but also university life as the cost of living rose – especially in my final year,” Fran said.

“Having that provision not only helped financially but it also felt like a support from the community which was so motivating while studying, especially at an institution so far from home and with so many different people from backgrounds unlike my own.”

Career launchpad

Fran was alerted to the Oddfellows' Educational Awards scheme by her grandmother, Marilyn Walby, also a Border Counties member, and says she would “urge anyone thinking about next steps in education to take a look and apply”.

Fran and Marilyn pictured at Fran's graduation ceremony

Following her studies, Fran took a well-earned break, managing to spend some time travelling in Europe Upon her return she started a role with HMRC on its graduate training scheme, starting in September.

She said: “I’m in no doubt that I would not be in the position I am now without the Educational Award and everything Oddfellows has so generously offered over the past four years of university.”

Educational Awards

The Oddfellows' Educational Awards can be applied for by members who have five years of continuous membership (Young Oddfellows membership is taken into account).

Members due to embark on their first degree can apply for the First Degree Course Educational Award, like Fran did. The Society grants up to three of these a year, each consisting of £900 per year for the duration of the course.*

Those heading for an apprenticeship can apply for up to £250 per year for the duration of their studies via the Apprenticeship Educational Award. Up to three of these are also awarded every year.*

Find out more about the scheme and how to apply on our Educational Awards page.

*Terms and conditions apply to all financial benefits. All Oddfellows benefits are non-contractual and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Read the full list of member benefit terms and conditions.