A Whakatāne teenager has earned a full scholarship to study in Singapore, giving him the opportunity to attend one of the world’s leading international schools for the next two years.

Jack Karetai-Barrett will attend United World College (UWC) Southeast Asia in Singapore from August, with the scholarship covering travel, accommodation and living costs.

Jack is already well known in Whakatāne for his community activism, including a walk to Tauranga and a bike ride to Wellington to raise awareness of Māori wards.

The 16-year-old said he was excited to study subjects not available at his current school, including Leadership for Change and Sports Science.

He expects the academic workload to be significantly more challenging than in New Zealand.

“If you’re top of your class in New Zealand, you’re going to go to the bottom of your class at UWC,” he said.

Jack said the application process took months and included several essays and English exams.

“I had a few essays, a couple, English exams – three English exams actually,” he said.

Whakatāne High School principal Pete Barsdell contributed several hours to support the application process.

Jack recently received his Duke of Edinburgh Hilary Gold Award, achieving the qualification at the youngest eligible age.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme encourages young people to develop leadership, teamwork and outdoor skills through volunteering, physical activity and expedition challenges. Participants complete bronze, silver and gold levels, with each stage requiring months of commitment. For the Gold Award, participants must complete a year-long programme and a residential component.

Jack said the programme involved tramping, cycling and kayaking expeditions, with participants taking turns in leadership, navigation and first aid roles.

“It is about getting kids out on journeys, exploring, working as a team and learning how to be a leader,” he said.

Completing the Gold Award has qualified Jack as an outdoor leader, allowing him to assist with Department of Conservation programmes, work as a hut warden and help lead outdoor expeditions, including on New Zealand’s Great Walks.

His mother, Mawera Karetai, said the award had played a significant role in building his confidence and resilience.

“The Duke of Edinburgh Award has been a real game changer for Jack,” she said.

“It’s taught him to stick with something even when it’s hard. It’s created a high level of resilience as well as confidence and given him such a love of the outdoors.”

Karetai said the family was proud of Jack’s achievement and the opportunities ahead of him.

“I flip between being devastated that my last child is leaving home and being extremely proud of him that he saw an opportunity and he ran with it,” she said.

The family hopes to help other young people apply for future UWC scholarships, with the next application round opening this month.

“Because Jack’s been through that whole process, he can help people. He did it all himself, so he can help others apply,” Karetai said.

Jack leaves for Singapore on August 4 and will remain there for two years, although he is already planning trips home.

“I’ll spend a month with Mum back here in New Zealand and then maybe spend a month with some of my cousins and some aunties and uncles in New Jersey,” he said.

Jack said he was looking forward to experiencing a new culture, travelling and trying Singapore’s food.

“One of the things I’m really looking forward to is food because, oh my gosh, that’s just the best cuisine over there.”