THE DIFFERENCE

A Bursary Can Make

Zakiah Kulkhan Albaythani, Arnold School (2010-2012), AKS (2012-2019)

“I was given the maximum bursary during my time at AKS Sixth Form. My father worked on a contractual basis and could no longer pay for my time at AKS, previously it had been a struggle but it became unachievable towards the end of my GCSEs. Even with the maximum bursary the cap was 85% and so my parents loaned the remainder from a family friend. I am a second-generation Iraqi immigrant; education was incredibly vital in my household: my parents often said they prioritised my education because “education is the way out”.

During my time at AKS, I lived in Blackpool and commuted an hour in on a Blackpool transport bus (until gratefully, a friend of mine passed her driving test and so I could carpool into Sixth Form). AKS really enabled me to achieve my ambitions. It was Mr Maund who suggested a law course to me. Mr Sobey who got me a legal placement, from the parent of an Arnold alumnus, at Cobain’s Solicitors and Mrs Lucking, an alumnus and parent of an alumnus, who got me my Napthen’s legal placement.

When I had dropped a grade during A levels due to personal issues, it was Mr Bridges’ support that allowed me to achieve 100% on one of my A level English Literature papers. This went on to allow me access onto an alternative course. From there I made it to a Russell Group University reading Politics and Philosophy, achieved a 2:1 average and successfully transferred onto a law course.

I am in my final semester of my final year, with a first average on my chosen Law with Criminology Degree. It has been a hard path, but I could not have achieved this without the support of my bursary, my teachers or the alumni network. If I hadn’t gone down this chosen path, I doubt I would have got a law degree, moved to Manchester or developed the skillset I now have.”

“I cannot find the words to express the amazing generosity for the way you have funded my grandchild’s education by enabling them to attend such an outstanding school. I remember the day we received the bursary which was life-changing for not only my grandchild but for the whole family. The teachers not only give my grandchild the tools to learn how to learn but also how to deal with events and daily life and for life after school. My grandchild adores AKS, their confidence is growing and they have a lovely circle of friends. They are beginning to believe they will achieve their ambitions. I do sincerely believe you are helping to better my grandchild’s life and ultimately become a productive and conscientious member of society.”

Ciaran Nelson, Director of Brand and Communications, Anglian Water Group

“There’s little doubt much of what I’ve accomplished over the last three decades can be traced back to the head start I got joining King Edward VII in 1989 at 12 years of age. Those formative years did so much to shape my understanding of my place in the world, and to give me confidence to take on any challenge, no matter how alien it felt.

And it’s inescapably true I wouldn’t have benefitted from those years without the financial support of a bursary. I never realised how beneficial it was at the time, but my gratitude looking back is enormous.

A bursary isn’t a substitute for hard work and determination but it’s a helping hand you can’t put a value on until later in life. Now it’s my turn to pay back some of that opportunity, in the hope it inspires others to nurture talent wherever it can be found.”