The St Andrew’s Scholars are exceptional young people who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing positively to their communities. Selected for their ability to enrich College life and make a meaningful impact beyond St Andrew’s, these students embody the spirit of ambition, service and personal growth at the heart of our community.
We spoke with our 2026 Scholars, Phoebe Driscoll, James Murray and Octavia Williams, whose different backgrounds, interests and aspirations reflect the breadth of talent and opportunity within the St Andrew’s experience.
Phoebe Driscoll
Phoebe Driscoll (Fr 2026) is studying a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney. Originally from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, the same region as our 2025 SAC Scholar Lucy Smith, Phoebe moved to Auckland for boarding school before coming to St Andrew’s College. She was drawn to the College’s well-rounded yet ambitious environment, and the sense of community she found among students who are both down-to-earth and driven.
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
Even though it is still early days, the number of opportunities to step up and get involved on the sidelines and in the community has been amazing. A definite highlight for me has been playing in my very first Rosebowl campaign with the 2026 Tennis team! I am also really excited to be competing for Drew’s in the Rosebowl hockey turf and in Palladian Debating coming up soon.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
Honestly, nothing beats the energy when we get together as a College to support our teams. There is a buzz in the air when we’re adorning ourselves in blue and white and cheering on our mates in events like the Netball, Palladian Drama, Swimming, and Rugby, all events just from Semester 1. Not only supporting but competing in the Rosebowl Tennis was a lot of fun, alongside the feeling of a real sense of belonging as you are cheered on by your peers and friends.
There is also something very special about the College traditions, like hearing the bagpipes and experiencing all of the Highlander events, which have really made me feel connected to the history and legacy of what it means to be a St Andrew’s student.
What would you say to inspire younger students who might look up to you as a role model in your community?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: just take the first step and start. People are going to judge you whether you succeed or fail, so you may as well give it a shot! Even if you don’t land exactly where you planned, you will always end up in a better spot than where you started, so don’t be afraid to set big goals.
I think it’s also important to remember that when you’re young, you have a unique, golden window where a massive community is ready to back you and your ideas. If you have the drive to put yourself out there, people will notice and be far more generous with their advice and support than you ever realise. This kind of unconditional backing isn’t always around later in life, so use this to your advantage now. Trust your vision, beat the self-doubt, and just get into it.
James Murray
James Murray (Fr 2026) is studying a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, majoring in Physics and Chemistry, at the University of Sydney. He comes from Bowral, a small town south of Sydney, and was drawn to St Andrew’s for the combination of strong academic opportunities and a welcoming social community.
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
I’ve been here for almost a full semester, and I’ve done so much yet, I’m still finding new opportunities to get involved with at College! The academic tutorials, which I’ve been attending for all of my subjects, have been nothing but helpful, and the student-run financial literacy course “Andronomics” has been amazing for learning an area outside of my degree. Furthermore, the “We Need To Talk” sessions have exposed me to meaningful conversations on current political topics. I’ve been enjoying singing regularly with the College choir, and have been fortunate enough to be selected for the Palladian Big Choir. It’s been so fun cheering on Drew’s at every Rawson, Rosebowl and Palladian event, as well as participating myself in the Social Netball and Intramural competitions! Every social event and student-run initiative, such as Family Week, has been great for connecting with the rest of the College community.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
Every opportunity and event that St Andrew’s has thrown at me has been a moment to remember. However, it’s all the small moments in between that truly make the College experience what it is. Fresh conversation at every meal in the dining hall, late-night chats in each other’s rooms, last-minute study sessions in the libraries, and pool games in every spare moment. This is my favourite part, living with a community of such amazing people who lift you up and support each other in this incredible journey.
What would you say to inspire younger students who might look up to you as a role model in your community?
If there’s anything I hope to pass on, it is ambition and the courage to match. Don’t be afraid to chase big goals, nor should you wait for any ‘perfect opportunity’; the start line is now. Just show up with your best foot forward and a belief in yourself, and you can go anywhere. I am so incredibly grateful for everyone around me who has brought me to where I am. In the words of Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. So be grateful for these people, and don’t forget to offer your own shoulders to those around you. Go forward with love, respect and friendship.
Octavia Williams
Octavia Williams is studying a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW. Originally from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Octavia chose St Andrew’s College for its belief in her desire to make a meaningful difference. She was drawn to the College’s vibrant culture of leadership and excellence, and to the opportunities it offers for personal growth, collaboration and service.
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
Since settling in at College, I have loved being part of opportunities that have shaped my growth as a well-rounded individual. I recently participated in Family Week, which enabled us to connect with older students and opened my eyes to the true sense of community at Drew’s, which fosters a deep sense of belonging and purpose. On the sporting field, I have loved trialling for Rosebowl Swimming and am looking forward to playing Basketball and Athletics for Drew’s. This has been especially rewarding, fostering strong connections and creating a shared sense of identity through representing the college, which makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself and instils a true sense of pride and belonging at Drew’s, no matter your ability. Parents’ Cocktail night was also enjoyable as it brought together our families and reinforced our confidence and independence in Drew’s community through its extremely welcoming atmosphere, which enabled us to develop broader social networks. There have also been so many other exciting events, like PCL-organised run club and Palladian events, which showcase the unique talents of everyone at Drew’s. The academic tutorials and professional talks from real Doctors and Engineers have been truly inspiring and broadened my perspective on innovation, and contributed significantly to my professional growth and understanding.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
While the big formal events have been exciting and life-changing at Drew’s, my favourite moments in small everyday interactions have truly defined my Drew’s experience. The late-night conversations, laughing over dinners, cheering on the Rugby boys or studying on the lawn alongside people who understand the same pressures. Living in such a close-knit environment means that even the simplest experiences become special because they’re shared. Overall, my favourite moments haven’t just been single events, but the feeling of being part of something that constantly challenges, supports, and inspires me. St Andrew’s has given me not only memories, but a community that I know will stay with me well beyond my time here.
What would you say to inspire younger students who might look up to you as a role model in your community?
No dream is too big at Drew’s. The whole foundation of the college is built on the idea that you have a desire to change the world, and we want to build a community that will help you do just that. “The price of self-discipline will never be greater than the price of regret.” When we push ourselves out of our comfort zone and take advantage of the beautiful experiences that we are given, we can take the small things, put one foot in front of the other and eventually achieve things that we never thought possible, and you’re not left wondering what if. At Drew’s, it’s getting up early and going to run club when you don’t feel like it, saying hello to a 3rd year in the dining hall, trialling for a sport you’ve never played, putting yourself out of your comfort zone every chance you get. I know it’s daunting, but that’s the point. Whatever opportunities come your way, you should embrace them and appreciate them. Try something new. Take the risk. And grow. The beautiful thing is that when you do it, others feel like they can too. Before the door slides closed, take the seemingly insignificant moment with open arms, because you never know it might be the one opportunity, the one connection that changes the course of your entire life forever…
Learn more about our St Andrew’s Scholars Program.