Kent Law School finalist Gloria Aghedo has been awarded the State School Scholarship from Middle Temple, recognising her academic achievements, advocacy skills and commitment to improving access to justice. The scholarship will support Gloria as she takes the next step towards a career at the Bar.
Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents before moving to Manchester as a child, Gloria grew up across two cultures and educational systems. She believes this experience has given her a broader perspective, shaping both her outlook on life and her approach to studying law.
Inspired by resilience and a passion for justice
Gloria’s ambition to become a barrister has been shaped by both her family’s experiences and her own.
Her father studied law in Nigeria before moving to the Netherlands in search of new opportunities. However, his legal qualifications were not recognised, preventing him from continuing his legal career. Despite this setback, he later moved to England, where he balanced supporting his family while studying for a university degree.
“My father’s resilience, together with the sacrifices both of my parents made in migrating to Europe to provide our family with opportunities that they did not have themselves, has been a constant source of motivation for me.”
While her father’s passion for law first sparked her interest in the profession, it was her volunteering with the African Association of Bolton that confirmed her ambition to join the Bar.
During her time with the organisation, Gloria witnessed a dispute between social services and an immigrant family and saw first-hand how cultural and language barriers could leave vulnerable people at a disadvantage within systems designed to protect them.
“Seeing the challenges they faced in accessing fair and effective legal assistance reinforced my commitment to a career at the Bar. I hope to develop the advocacy and legal skills needed to provide accessible, effective representation and ensure that individuals, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are able to navigate the justice system with confidence.”
Preparing for a Bar scholarship
Gloria first learned about Inn of Court scholarships through Kent Law School’s Lawyering Skills Programme and the Bar Preparation Course, led by Darren Weir, Director of the Lawyering Skills Programme. The course introduced aspiring barristers to the scholarship application process, funding opportunities and Bar training providers, giving her the confidence to begin her own application.
After researching the Inns of Court, Gloria chose to apply to Middle Temple, attracted by its commitment to inclusion and equality, as well as its policy of interviewing every scholarship applicant.
She had already developed a strong connection with the Inn after receiving the Middle Temple Access to the Bar Award in 2025, which provided work experience and financial support.
“Through that experience, I had the opportunity to meet members of the Inn and gain first-hand insight into its welcoming and supportive community. This confirmed that Middle Temple was the right place for me to begin my journey to the Bar.”
Preparing for the scholarship interview was the most demanding part of the process. With support from fellow students, Kent Law School’s Careers and Employability Service and academic staff, Gloria refined her interview technique through mock interviews, developed her ability to think critically under pressure and kept up to date with legal developments and current affairs.
One month after her interview, she received the news that she had been awarded the Middle Temple State School Scholarship.
A milestone on the journey to the Bar
Receiving the scholarship has been both a practical and personal milestone.
“Coming from a low-income background, the cost of the Bar Practice Course seemed like a significant obstacle, and I questioned whether I truly belonged at the Bar.”
The scholarship has eased the financial burden of professional training while reinforcing her confidence that she has the potential to succeed in the profession.
“Receiving this recognition from an Inn of Court has validated my aspirations and further motivated me to continue working towards a career at the Bar.”
For Gloria, the scholarship is also a tribute to her family’s journey and sacrifices.
“I hope to become the first barrister in my family. Achieving that would not only be a proud moment for me but also a reflection of the sacrifices my parents made to create opportunities for our family.”
Making the most of opportunities at Kent
Reflecting on her time at Kent Law School, Gloria credits the opportunities offered through the Lawyering Skills Programme with helping her develop the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue a career at the Bar.
Through the programme, she competed in mooting competitions and completed advocacy-focused modules including Mooting, Mock Trial Advocacy, Negotiation, Mediation and Client Interviewing. She also became a Moot Mentor and an Outdoor Student Clerk, enabling her to observe live court proceedings and support barristers in court.
Together, these experiences strengthened her advocacy, leadership, teamwork and critical thinking skills, while giving her invaluable practical insight into life at the Bar.
Gloria’s top tips for aspiring barristers
Reflecting on her journey, Gloria offers the following advice to students considering a career at the Bar:
- Take every opportunity. “No opportunity is too big or too small.” Practical experiences will help you discover your strengths and develop your confidence.
- Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Apply for opportunities, even if you are unsure whether you will be successful.
- Ask for support. Make the most of the guidance available from lecturers, mentors, Careers and Employability staff and fellow students.
- Develop your advocacy skills. Get involved in mooting, negotiation, mediation and client interviewing whenever you can.
- Be patient with yourself. “Skills take time to develop, but with hard work and perseverance, improvement will come.”
- Believe in yourself. “You are capable of far more than you think.”
As Gloria prepares to begin the next stage of her legal training, she hopes her story will encourage other aspiring barristers to embrace opportunities, have confidence in their abilities and take the first step towards achieving their own ambitions.
Gloria is one of three Kent Law students to recently secure substantial Bar scholarships. Kent Law School wishes them all every success and thanks Gloria for taking the time to share her experiences.
