Investing in Excellence: Scholarships awarded to South African students Zuri Conroy and Mackensie McKay

Inspired Education Group is proud to announce Zuri Conroy and Mackensie McKay as South Africa’s newest recipients of the prestigious Nsouli Scholars Programme. Both girls commenced their high school journey at Inspired’s Reddam House schools in January and have recently completed their first term, excelling both academically and personally as they settle into their new environments.

As Inspired’s flagship scholarship programme, the Nsouli Scholars was established in honour of Nadim Nsouli, founder of the leading global group of premium schools. Designed to offer life-changing opportunities to exceptional students across the globe who would not otherwise have access to Inspired’s world-class education, the scholarship fully funds tuition and boarding where applicable, for the duration of a student’s senior school years. Approximately 16 new scholarships are awarded at Inspired schools around the world each year, making the Nsouli Scholars Programme one of the most impactful and prestigious scholarship initiatives of its kind globally.

Zuri and Mackensie embody the core pillars of an Inspired education—academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to co-curricular achievement in sport or the performing arts. Both girls stood out for their resilience, drive, and capacity to inspire others.

“At Inspired, we believe that talent should never be limited by circumstance,” says Nadim Nsouli, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Inspired. “Zuri and Mackensie represent the future – determined, compassionate, and courageous young women who are already making an impact. We’re proud to support their journeys and welcome them into our global group of schools.”

The Nsouli Scholars Programme will support up to 50 students at any one time across Inspired’s global group of schools. Both girls were selected through a rigorous application process involving academic assessments, interviews, and external endorsements.

Scholar profile: Zuri Conroy

Zuri Conroy joins Reddam House Constantia as a 2024 Nsouli Scholar, following an impressive journey at Wynberg Girls’ Junior School in Cape Town, where she excelled in sport, culture and academics.

Zuri’s passion for water polo has shaped her school life and ambitions. Initially hesitant to try the sport in Grade 5, she quickly rose through the ranks to become a goalkeeper on the Western Province U13A team. Since joining Reddam, she has continued her commitment as part of the U14A team, helping secure two gold medals this year. She also hopes to expand into hockey as a goalkeeper in 2025.

A natural leader, Zuri was Head Monitor at her junior school and nominated for both Head of Sport and Head of Culture. Her leadership style centres on fairness and team cohesion, and she’s shown the ability to support others even when not in charge.

Zuri is driven by strong academic discipline, particularly excelling in EMS and maths. She is passionate about justice and hopes to one day become a lawyer. Equally motivated by values and purpose, she dreams of sponsoring a student through school in future.

Alex Gitlin, Executive Head of Reddam House Constantia, says, “Zuri brings a remarkable sense of integrity and leadership into every space she enters. She’s articulate, engaged, and energised – already a valuable member of the Reddam House Constantia community. We are delighted to have her here.”

Q&A with Zuri Conroy

What excites you most about your new school and the scholarship?

I’m most excited about the chance to grow in both academics and water polo, and to be part of a school that offers so many opportunities. It’s a fresh start where I can truly shine.

What motivates you to succeed?

I always want to do better than I did before – whether that’s in the pool or in class. Setting goals and working hard towards them keeps me focused.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life so far?

My Grade 4 teacher, Miss Willis. She believed in me so much that I promised her I would never settle for less. That really stayed with me.

What’s your dream for the future?

To become a lawyer and eventually help someone else through school – like I’ve been helped through this scholarship. 

Scholar profile: Mackensie McKay

Mackensie McKay has joined Reddam House Bedfordview as a 2024 Nsouli Scholar, following a standout academic and sporting record at Bedfordview Primary School.

Mackensie is a top academic achiever, having been Dux Scholar for five consecutive years, with an average consistently in the high 90s. Her academic performance is all the more impressive given her demanding gymnastics training schedule of two to three hours a day. She is part of a trio that has won national titles and will compete in the World Championships in Germany this year.

Known for her calm approach and emotional maturity, Mackensie serves on her school’s student leadership body. She balances academics, elite sport, and school life with grace and focus. Her future ambition is to become a paediatrician and improve access to healthcare for children across under-resourced communities in Africa.

Outside of gymnastics and academics, Mackensie enjoys giving back. She has volunteered for local river clean-ups and speaks passionately about her desire to combat poverty and uplift others globally.

Stephen Hazley, Executive Head of Reddam House Bedfordview, says, “Mackensie is an exceptional student who embodies excellence, compassion and perseverance. She balances elite sport and academics with quiet strength and humility – we’re honoured to have her at Reddam Bedfordview.”

Q&A with Mackensie McKay

What has this scholarship meant to you?
It’s an amazing opportunity. It’s helped me believe that if you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible.

What drives you to keep pushing forward?
I want to keep improving. Whether it’s gymnastics or school, I want to be the best version of myself every day.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?
Being chosen as a Nsouli Scholar and being a South African gymnastics champion. I’ve trained for years to get here.

What impact do you hope to make in future?
I want to become a paediatrician and help children in Africa live healthier lives. That’s where my heart is.

Image credit: Freepik