Cambridge Butler Politics & International Relations Prize - top ten for Exeter School pupil

An Exeter School pupil has been highly commended in a prestigious University of Cambridge essay competition.

Upper Sixth Former Hattie Milner reached the top ten in the Cambridge Butler Politics & International Relations competition for her essay on 'Why is it so difficult to combat climate change?'

The R.A Butler Prize is a national essay competition run by Trinity College Cambridge and Cambridge University's Department of Politics and International Studies, open to Year 12 pupils.

The prize's objectives are twofold: to encourage pupils with an interest in modern politics and world affairs to think about undertaking university studies in Politics, International Studies or a related discipline; and to recognise the achievements both of high-calibre students and of those who teach them.

Senior Prefect Hattie said she was very surprised to win a prize for her essay.

"Planning it was a task that hung over me all summer but once I had broken the back of the essay I really enjoyed formulating my argument," she said.

"I chose climate change because I knew very little about the politics surrounding it.

"The essay isn't just developed nation based, it features developing nations which I really enjoyed researching as the economic viability of reducing pollution and emissions.

"Luckily the commendation said there was excellent potential for the study of Politics so hopefully my application for Politics and Economics will be successful.

"Edinburgh is my top choice at the moment."