Delivering RGS Bursaries

For our target families, the misperceptions about independent education can be a significant barrier, and the Head of Bursary Support may need to invest significant time to build understanding and trust.

“Mum was guided to apply to RGS by Jimmy’s current school, who considered him academically gifted, and had heard of the bursary support available. Upon meeting ... at her home, there was sense of disbelief that this door was opening...”

– RGS Bursary Pen Portraits 2022

The final allocation of bursary places is undertaken by a broad team but all colleagues rely on the recommendations of the Head of Bursary Support who, by this point, will have a rich knowledge of all bursary candidates. Despite the annual heartbreak of losing out on a place, the intensity of involvement, coupled with Jan’s experience and compassion, means that even applicants who are unsuccessful report that the application experience is a positive one.

We have a bursary induction which supplements our typical new student induction; this is as much about supporting parents as it is the bursary child. The induction support is usually bespoke and can extend to uniform purchases and addressing any other barriers to joining, for example planning travel to school, supporting lunches, and home broadband. The Head of Bursary Support is a consistent pastoral contact throughout a bursary student’s whole career in the school.