THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED THE MARLBOROUGH DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR
TRANSFORMING LIVES TOGETHER
Two years since the public launch of the Marlborough Difference Campaign, I am delighted to share with you news of our excellent progress, thanks to your unwavering generosity and commitment.
Your support, through funding, volunteering and legacies, has directly contributed to 47 talented Marlburians receiving free places at the College today, with a further 112 pupils benefiting from College-funded partial bursaries. There is no doubt that, together, we are transforming lives – importantly, both those of the recipients and those of their peers – creating a lasting, positive impact on our whole community.
As our work towards a more accessible and diverse Marlborough has continued, and despite the political headwinds, we have been proactive in ensuring that our pastoral care is such that it more than meets the needs of all our families. The arrival of a dedicated Head of Bursary Pupil Admissions and a Head of Bursary Welfare in 2024, both of whom work very closely with parents and carers in school and at home in advance of and throughout their children’s time with us, has made an enormous difference. Establishing these strong foundations of support means not only that we ensure the experience of our bursary holders and their families is set for success but also that we are confident we have the expertise and capability to further increase our numbers over time.
I hope as you read this magazine that you will enjoy the snapshots of positive change that you have helped to effect in this last year and that you are reassured that the College will not waver in its commitment to this crucial and enhancing area of its growth. Thank you for your wonderful support and I look forward to meeting you all, hopefully in person, over the course of the coming year.
Louise Moelwyn-Hughes Master
A committee of parents and OMs have arranged an online auction in aid of the Marlborough Difference Campaign for life-changing bursaries. The auction will be launched in April but, to see a preview of the items, provided by our wonderful community and their connections, please scan the QR code or visit www.marlboroughdifference.org/auction
Our
progress
so far...
The number of full bursary places is
47
159 pupils receive some financial aid via a full or partial bursary
The Campaign has secured £29.3m in funding including £10m from the Gerald Curgenven Will Trust.
AN INSIGHT INTO THE BURSARY ADMISSIONS PROCESS
“Thanks to your philanthropy, we can offer more pupils a life-changing bursary.”
What is a bursary?
A bursary is a discount applied to school fees where a pupil's family or carer(s) do not have the financial means to access a Marlborough education. Depending on family circumstances, a bursary can cover between 5% and 110% of fees. With 110%, help can be provided towards extras such as IT equipment, academic trips, travel costs and uniform. This academic year, there are 47 pupils with free places (100% bursaries) and a further 112 pupils on partial bursaries. In total, at least 10% of the pupil community receives some funding.
What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?
I hear OMs and parents use “bursary” and “scholarship” interchangeably, but a bursary is a means-tested award for pupils who would otherwise not be able to attend Marlborough. A scholarship is an honorary award made in recognition of a child’s ability in a specific discipline and which offers no reduction in school fees. Some pupils may receive both a scholarship and a bursary, but they are separate awards.
of funding that the child will need to come to Marlborough. The bursary application and assessment process takes place before offers are made.
What is the admissions process for a bursary applicant?
Applications for bursarial support precede the application process which enables us to treat all pupils the same on assessment days, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are looking for enthusiastic, talented and academically ambitious young people who are eager to throw themselves into College life and make the most of the huge range of opportunities available.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to Marlborough on a bursary?
I would encourage anyone considering applying to visit and discuss the opportunity with myself and our Admissions Team. We are always happy and keen to help.
In 2024-25, there are 47 pupils with free places and 112 pupils on partial bursaries
The Head of Bursary Pupil Admissions is a new role funded by a donor
How do you decide how much a bursary pupil will receive?
It is important to us that we are transparent throughout the process. To help us allocate funding fairly, we partner with Bursary Administration Limited (BAL), an impartial third party that reviews a family’s financial circumstances and suggests the level
Do financial circumstances limit a child’s ability to participate in College life?
No. Some pupils receive full bursaries, where not only their school fees are covered, but also additional costs to help them fully participate in College life. We want to do all we can to ensure that every pupil, regardless of their financial circumstances, can make the most of everything that Marlborough has to offer.
How do you attract bursary applications?
This academic year, we welcomed a Head of Bursary Pupil Admissions to the College, a new role which is kindly funded by a donor. As we increase the number of bursaries, this person will help us attract children from a wide range of different schools and backgrounds who will benefit from a Marlborough education. The Head of Bursary Pupil Admissions is working with our partners, including primary and secondary schools as well as other organisations, to identify potential applicants. Recently, we have also been exploring new connections with schools further afield and other organisations such as IntoUniversity and Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy (EYLA).
Is there specific funding for children of Old Marlburians?
The Marlburian Club Charitable Funds (MCCF) allocate funding to bursaries for children of OMs each year. As with all our bursaries, these are mean-tested awards and are subject to a successful application.
What impact has the Campaign had on admissions?
Thanks to your philanthropy, we can offer more pupils a life-changing bursary, allowing them to benefit from everything that Marlborough has to offer. The Campaign aims to increase the number of fully funded places to 100 and, thanks to the generosity of donors, the College now has more resources to attract and care for these pupils to ensure that they will flourish in our care. Thank you to everyone who has supported bursaries so far. Whether you are directly sponsoring a pupil to attend Marlborough or have a monthly direct debit, you are making an enormous difference to the entire Marlborough community.
James Lyon Taylor Director of Admissions
A
curious
mind wanting more. A Shell
bursary is her path of self-discovery Learning new things, pushing herself. A voice that shines in plays the choir, concerts. More confident with each performance. Surrounded by friends in House. Supports new pupils. Makes a difference Inspired by a future in psychology This is the difference Marlborough makes
By supporting The Marlborough Difference campaign for life-changing bursaries, you enable motivated and talented young people like Millie to achieve their full potential and enrich the education of every pupil at the College.
. , . . .
SUPPORTING BURSARY PUPILS BEFORE DAY ONE
I joined Marlborough as Head of Bursary Welfare in April last year having previously worked in state education. My role, which is fully funded by philanthropy, provides extra support for bursary pupils and their families throughout their time. I am their point of contact from before they start, helping to ease their transition to a new school, right the way through to when they leave.
In my first few weeks at Marlborough, it was clear to me that bursary pupils had little time to transition to their new school. They had lots of questions during the summer holidays when they were packing their belongings and preparing for their first few weeks. To help answer their questions and get to know our bursary pupils and their families, I travelled across the country making informal home visits to our new Shell and Lower Sixth pupils during the holidays. When they started school in September, I already had an insight into their circumstances, and they were comfortable approaching me with any challenges they faced. I also support parents in those first few weeks who are often anxious about the huge move their children are making – often geographically as well as academically.
This year, I presented to Common Room who our bursary pupils are and some of the difficulties they may face. Academic staff, Housemistresses, Housemasters, Dames, and any other members of staff are encouraged to
come to me if a bursary pupil is having problems so that, together as a community, we can help. As the main point of contact for bursary pupil welfare, I can oversee any challenges whether they are struggling academically, socially or having family difficulties which allows me to offer the contextualised support they need.
I hold half-termly “keeping in touch” meetings with each bursary pupil so that I can stay up to date with their College experience. There are so many opportunities available to pupils whilst they are here and at these meetings, I encourage them to fully participate in college life. In these meetings, I can also offer a proactive use of additional funding for those on 110% bursaries. I have helped a talented lacrosse player source equipment, arranged funding for a pupil to participate in an overseas school event, and organised travel and accommodation for a prospective medical student to attend work experience at a London hospital.
I am looking forward to working with our Head of Bursary Pupil Admissions on improvements to pupils’ admission and transition processes, continuing to build on pupil and parent relationships in College and in doing so evolving a confident, happy and high achieving bursary cohort.
Lisa Milner Head of Bursary Welfare
“I am their point of contact from before they start, helping to ease their transition to a new school, right the way through to when they leave.”
12 informal home visits with bursary pupils and their families
Each pupil will have at least 6 keeping in touch meetings a year
A local girl determined to come to Marlborough. Her dream made possible thanks to a bursary. Made life-long friendships. Thrived in the classroom Discovered a passion for law and politics Now working in law. Already giving back to Marlborough. A volunteer. An Ambassador. A Club Committee member This is the difference Marlborough makes
By supporting The Marlborough Difference campaign for life-changing bursaries, you enable motivated and talented young people like Emma to achieve their full potential and enrich the education of every pupil at the College.
LIFE BEYOND MARLBOROUGH
Our research tells us that 71% of bursary pupils come to Marlborough for the academic challenge and many of them leave Marlborough with fantastic academic outcomes which support their ongoing aspirations, in line with their classmates.
In summer 2024 of bursary pupils come to Marlborough for the academic challenge 71%
The average grade for bursary pupils is equal to an A at A Level
University destinations of bursary pupils who left in 2024
Pupils on full bursaries join the Marlburian Club free of charge of former bursary pupils are engaged with the Club 88% of former bursary pupils have attended an event 54% of former bursary pupils have volunteered for the Club
14 bursary pupils have gone on to universities in the last academic year including:
Cardiff University
City St George’s, University of London
University of Durham
University of Edinburgh
Kings College London
University of Loughborough
University of Newcastle
University of Oxford
Royal College of Music
University of Wolverhampton
“I support bursaries because I very much enjoyed my time at Marlborough and would love others to have the same opportunity that I had.”
Sarah Too (CO 1989-91)
To celebrate the first anniversary of The Marlborough Difference Campaign, some of the College’s most supportive Old Marlburians, parents, bursary ambassadors, and friends gathered at the House of Lords. Thank you to Lord Dominic Johnson (C2 1987-92), who kindly sponsored the event and to Mariella Frostrup, renowned broadcaster and current parent, who hosted the evening.
“My family decided to include Marlborough in our will because we want to allow others, who are perhaps less fortunate, to experience everything that Marlborough has to offer. For those of us who know what a great privilege it is to be part of this community, this is our opportunity to show our appreciation for what Marlborough has done for our family.”
Andrew Barnes (B1 1973-79), current parent & 1843 Society Member
WHY WE
Thank you to everyone who has supported sponsor an individual pupil throughout community of donors, you enable these Marlborough and benefit from everything
1712 donors since July 2019
40% of are OMs 40% of are current
As well as the bursaries that are funded Sponsors (listed on page 16), there are thanks to the collective support
The Launch Day Bursary
The parents of the Class of 2022 Bursary
“At a time when it was less common, a generous businessman approached the College and offered to pay the fees of a pupil who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend; by chance, I was the lucky beneficiary. So it was with added pleasure that a charity I and my wife Jane funded was able to pay the fees for a Sixth Form pupil, and we’re delighted to hear that the bursary recipient – now in her second year – is doing very well.”
Mike O’Regan (B2 1961-65)
WE GIVE
supported the Campaign so far. Whether you throughout their time here, or you are part of our these pupils the opportunity to come to everything that this fantastic school has to offer.
donors OMs donors current parents
39 donors have sponsored at least one bursary pupil
funded by our incredibly generous are currently four pupils on free places support of our entire community.
The parents of the Class of 2023 Bursary The Marlborough Difference Walk Bursary
“Marlborough gave me an excellent start in life. I support bursaries to enable other young people
to have the same opportunities.”
Peter Child (CO 1962-66)
“Sponsoring a child on a bursary is an opportunity to make a profound difference in their life and future. Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty, providing children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. By sponsoring a child, we are not only investing in their academic journey but we are also empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. It allows us to nurture the next generation and contribute to a more equitable and just society. We are blessed to be able to support the Marlborough Difference Campaign.”
PJ and Pearl Wong, current parents
It was wonderful to welcome back members of the 1843 Society for their annual lunch at the College. This year’s 1843 lunch had a new and exciting twist with the introduction of the ‘Back to School Class’. Members were joined by three beaks for a class on English, Geography, Philosophy and Russian.
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF OUR OUTREACH PROGRAMME
Alongside increasing the number of bursary places, increasing and enhancing outreach is a key priority within the College’s strategy. The Outreach Programme at Marlborough continues to thrive, expanding its reach and impact year on year. Thanks to the generous support of our donors who have funded my position as Outreach and Partnerships Manager, we have been able to grow meaningful connections with more partner schools, charities, and the local community.
Marlborough envisions a future where partnerships are built on reciprocal benefits, allowing partner schools to gain educational and mentoring support while Marlburians engage in meaningful service that contributes to the wider community. Through outreach, pupils cultivate a culture of volunteering, learning to give their time and effort selflessly. They develop a sense of responsibility and compassion for those from different backgrounds, gaining a deeper appreciation of their own strengths and weaknesses, which in turn builds self-esteem.
This year, we have expanded our programme of outreach activities available to pupils with an additional ten activities, bringing the total number of outreach opportunities available to 21. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce more activities in September, further broadening our reach and engagement. As we look to the future, we remain committed to strengthening our outreach work, fostering valuable partnerships, and making a difference in the lives of those around us. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey
Emily Taylor Outreach and Partnerships Manager
Academic Partnerships
The Partnership between Swindon Academy and Marlborough College is one of the longest-running and most successful state-independent school partnerships in the UK.
In 2016 Swindon Academy introduced the ‘Grammar Stream’, an innovative new scheme by which selected students at the school follow a Grammar School style curriculum taught by specialist teachers, including teaching staff from the College.
Working with Primary Schools
We work with 18 primary schools, helping around 300 primary school children every week. Marlburians visit schools in the local area to help younger pupils in their lessons.
In the Summer Term, an afterschool club is organised for 100 local primary school pupils who are entertained with a wide range of outdoor games and activities.
“I have loved feeling like I make a difference to someone’s week.”
Sixth
Form pupil visiting a Care Home
Working in the local community
This academic year, we expanded our work with the local community with partnerships with Devizes Foodbank, Prospect Hospice and a Community Orchard. Other activities include visits to local retirement homes and day centres as part of the good neighbourhood scheme where pupils have the opportunity to share experiences and connect across the generations.
Oldest of four brothers. Confidence noticed. Marlborough gives the skills to lead. Prefect. Football Captain. Role model. Proud of his bursary. Proud of his family. Encourages his brothers to follow his path.
A bright future ahead
This is the difference Marlborough makes
By supporting The Marlborough Difference campaign for life-changing bursaries, you enable motivated and talented young people like Ollie to achieve their full potential and enrich the education of every pupil at the College.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU HAVE MADE SO FAR
In 2024, 241 generous donors pledged and donated over £2m towards bursaries. The College has also received £10m from the Gerald Curgenven Will Trust. This means that since July 2019, when we started to increase bursary fundraising, a total of £29.3m* has been secured towards the Marlborough Difference Campaign.
While we have made every effort to ensure your details are correct and we have been careful to omit the names of those donors who wish to remain anonymous, if you spot an error, please get in touch so that we can correct our records for future publications.
During 2024, proceeds from Marlborough and the Great War book raised £2,782
The 2024 Choral Society CD raised £1,618 for the Campaign
In addition, you gave over £100,000 to sports projects including a new state-of-the-art Golf Swing Studio
Since July 2019
1,712 donors have pledged and donated over £29.3m for bursaries*
30 donors supported the most urgent needs of the College
WE HOPE YOU WILL BE ON THE LIST NEXT YEAR
In recognition of your support, you will be listed in the Donor List 2026, unless you let us know you wish to remain anonymous.
Make a onlinegift
You can set up a direct debit for a regular gift or make a single gift today. We welcome gifts of any size – every contribution makes a difference. www.marlborough difference.org/donate
Make a gift by post
We have enclosed a donation form for you to complete and return to: Freepost Marlborough College Foundation. We welcome cheques payable to The Marlborough College Foundation
Donate Stocks and/or Shares
Donating your stocks and/or shares is a simple, tax-effective way to support the Campaign. Please email development@ marlboroughcollege.org for more information.
Donate from overseas
We support tax-effective giving from the US, Hong Kong, Canada and a number of European countries. www.marlborough difference.org/ give-to-the-campaign/
Leave a Legacy
A gift to Marlborough in your Will plays a significant role in shaping our school. To recognise your generosity, you will be invited to join the 1843 Society. Please email jperrins@marlboroughcollege.org to discuss your wishes.
Marlborough College Foundation
Marlborough College, Bath Road, Wiltshire SN8 1PA
01672 892558
development@marlboroughcollege.org
