175th Anniversary Bursary Appeal

BY ALEXANDRA HORNER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

At Queen’s, we are passionate about widening access to talented students who otherwise would be unable to benefit from a Queen’s education. Mr Tillett has set an ambitious goal, which is to have 10% of all Queen’s pupils on full bursaries by our 175th Anniversary in 2023. We are making great progress so far, but we still need to raise a significant sum to hit this target. This year alone we have granted an additional 30 ‘Covid’ bursaries, as so many families in our community have sadly seen their livelihoods shattered by the pandemic. We are very proud that, thanks to the generosity of donors from across our community, no pupil has had to leave Queen’s because of her parents’ financial difficulties. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Bursary Appeal during this time of crisis – it really is very much appreciated. If you would like more information on our Bursary Fund or any aspects of giving please contact development@qcl.org.uk. Fundraising during a global pandemic is obviously hard, however, as we have discovered along with many other charities this year. In an effort to boost our fundraising efforts, this term we launched ‘High-Flying Headmistress & Plummeting Principal’ where Mrs Hall, Headmistress of QCPS, will ‘wing walk’ strapped to the roof of a plane and Mr Tillett, Principal of QCL, will abseil down the tallest sculpture in the UK to raise money for our Bursary Appeal. Please do sponsor them and support this fantastic cause on www.justgiving.com/campaign/bursaryappealchallenge.

My goal is to have at least 10% of pupils on full bursaries by the time we celebrate our 175th Anniversary in 2023. I’m delighted that we are well on track to achieve this figure, but to meet our target we do need to raise a considerable amount of money this year. I hope these - frankly terrifying - stunts will capture our community’s imagination and help us raise vital funds to support our bursaries. I also hope both Laura and I survive in one piece!” I was so inspired by stories of the life-changing impact a bursary can have on young people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to a Queen’s education, that I wanted to do something really big. I have a life-long fear of heights so undertaking a wing walk - essentially being strapped on the roof of an airborne plane - is my basic nightmare. But I’m also fond of telling our pupils at QCPS that it’s important to take risks in life and challenge ourselves to go outside our comfort zones - so I’m really putting my money where my mouth is on this one!”

Mrs Hall, Headmistress of QCPS

If that wasn’t enough, our Senior Leadership Team will also embark on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer to raise money for our Bursary Appeal. Dr Abbott (Deputy Head - Pastoral), Mr Wilkins (Deputy Head - Operations), Mr Wardrop (Senior Deputy Head - Academic) and Mr Tillett will attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales, all within 24 hours. Please do follow the College and the Prep on social media to learn more about these fantastic fundraising efforts!