The Impact of a Bursary

The Impact of a Bursary

A Brisbane Grammar bursary can be a lifechanging opportunity, paving the way for a future of purpose and contribution. We know that men of good character come from all backgrounds - which is why our Bursary program is a cornerstone of the School’s history and vibrant community. The Bursary Program ensures talented students with a passion for learning have access to exceptional academic and cocurricular opportunities.

The Bursary Program is only possible through the support of our generous donors, who embody our rich culture of giving and contribution. We thank our community for supporting boys to receive the gift of education, and sharing our vision for holistic education.

From Bonny Hills to Brisbane Grammar School

Imagine growing up in the small coastal town of Bonny Hills, New South Wales, where the rhythm of life is set by the waves and the warmth of family. This is the world that Old Boy Toby Buckley ‘23 once called home.

Bonny Hills offered Toby the perfect backdrop for childhood adventures - surfing, swimming and close-knit family moments. However, as much as this idyllic lifestyle shaped his early years, it also highlighted the limitations of access to educational opportunities.

It was a vote of confidence that helped me believe in myself and my future. Doctor Toby Buckley, Bursary Recipient

At 15, Toby’s teachers at Bonny Hills saw his potential and proposed he seek a more challenging education. After conducting the research himself, Toby discovered Brisbane Grammar School and bravely called the School himself to see what support was available. That call changed the trajectory of Toby’s life.

Moving from Bonny Hills to Brisbane in 2016 as a boarder was both exhilarating and daunting. The transition from a small coastal community to a large metropolitan school known for its academic culture, co-curricular activities and high expectations was a leap into the unknown, but it was nothing short of transformative.

It wasn’t just the classroom that challenged him; it was the very nature of life at Grammar. Boarding meant learning independence and resilience, building a new sense of confidence, and discovering that there was a new definition for ‘community’.

Toby reflects, “The experience at Brisbane Grammar School broadened my perspective and prepared me well for life beyond school.”

While this newfound abundance of academic and personal development opportunities will always be cherished, Toby appreciates that it was the bursary that enabled him to walk throug the School gates in the first place. Without it, his dreams would have remained out of reach.

“The bursary was life-changing,” Toby says. “It not only provided financial support, but it also gave me confidence. To know that others believed in my potential—particularly Headmaster Anthony Micallef—was incredibly motivating. It was a vote of confidence that helped me believe in myself and my future.”

Toby’s journey at Brisbane Grammar School was enriched by the teachers who saw his future and encouraged him to push beyond his limits. His Science and Mathematics teachers nurtured an interest in medicine, while his English and Social Sciences teachers showed him the beauty of human nature and the power of communication. This combination sparked his passion for medicine - a field where empathy and understanding are just as important as scientific knowledge.

His involvement in sports and leadership roles had also helped him develop an appreciation for the teamwork and resilience essential in the medical field. Toby learned early in his university studies that medicine is not just about science, but also about people. It’s about connecting with individuals, understanding their struggles, and offering compassionate care.

This groundwork proved invaluable as Toby navigated the demands of a medical degree at the University of Queensland, and more recently, making a difference in the lives of his patients as a Junior Doctor in Brisbane.

Receiving a bursary didn’t merely change Toby’s educational journey - it fuelled his passion to give back. Having experienced firsthand the barriers that individuals from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds face when accessing healthcare, Toby is driven by the desire to make healthcare more accessible, compassionate and human.

“At the end of a tough day, it’s often the small moments of connection with patients that make the difference,” he explains. “When I can reassure a patient or help them understand their treatment plan, I know I’m making a difference.”

Toby’s story is a testament to the transformative power of bursary support.

Brisbane Grammar School’s bursary program has the capacity to change lives, helping to cultivate future leaders and changemakers, and in the bigger picture, a better society.

To families considering a bursary, Toby’s message is clear: “I would strongly encourage you to apply. A bursary is an investment in your future. Brisbane Grammar offers an environment where you can thrive academically, physically and personally. It’s a life-changing opportunity that opens doors you never thought possible.”