The Gift of Opportunity

Now in its third year, the Harrodian Bursary programme is providing the gift of opportunity to a growing band of pupils. 

Thanks to funds provided by the successful financial appeal and launch of the bursary at our 25th anniversary May Ball in 2018, Harrodian has had the resources to welcome and financially support a number of successful bursary candidates at both 11+ and 13+ entry points. We now have bursary-funded pupils in the 11s, 12s, 13s and 14s (Years 7 to10), all of whom are thriving and enjoying Harrodian school life . 

Our bursary's mission statement, (which is set out in more detail here, along with details of the application process) is 'to give the gift of an extraordinary education to talented youngsters, who do not have the financial means but who could benefit enormously from studying at the Harrodian.'  Those in receipt of the opportunity bursary places provide are in no doubt of their value.  'The bursary programme and Harrodian community have been tremendous for our family,' comments the parent of one current bursary pupil. 'Our child is continuously exceeding expectations in all subjects.'

Head of Upper Prep (Academic) Ben Roets is very proud of our bursary pupils and their journey since joining the 11s (Year 7). 'Three years in, we are already celebrating the achievements of the pupils who have come through our programme,' he enthuses. 'I am also particularly pleased that one of our bursary pupils featured in the highly selective group of scholarship applicants too.'

Criteria for entry goes beyond academic achievement alone. A great deal of time and effort is taken to select the right candidate during the interview and home visit process. 'It is really important that our bursary candidates are not only academically able but also equipped to contribute to other areas of school life and to fit in socially,' explains Rachael Snaith, Bursary and Development Officer. 

To encourage all-round participation and social integration, the bursary also supports pupils financially so they can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and extra-curricular activities and trips, including individual music lessons at school.

 

Lisa, a peripatetic music teacher at Harrodian, has been teaching violin to one of the bursary pupils and is amazed at the progress already made. 'It's the first time I've taught a bursary student at Harrodian and it's been quite a journey. The bursary purchased the violin, then my pupil started at absolute beginner level and is now getting ready for the Grade One examination next term,' she says. 

The Bursary gives current and past families within the Harrodian school community the chance to leave a legacy of their association with the school by providing financial support for the bursary scheme. A number of generous founder donor parents have given to the fund that supports the scheme in different ways. Contributions in the past have come from parents who have chosen to forgo the balance of their school deposits or to take up funds from internal scholarships and to contribute them to the Bursary instead. Others have made one-off donations or they have contributed by buying tickets to previous bursary events, by donating prizes or purchasing items at the 25th anniversary ball auction. 

'Supporting the bursary is a practical way for me to show a little appreciation to all the great teachers and staff at the school,' says one parent of his generous contribution. 'It's a way to spread a little good now that will go a long way and last a long time.'

Fundraising during the current economic climate has obviously been a challenge, particularly as all events for 2020 were cancelled due to covid-related restrictions. 

This means that, for the moment Harrodian's Bursary fundraising team is focusing its efforts online. There are exciting plans in the pipeline for a virtual series of 'Summer of Culture' podcasts/zoom interviews with special guests and Harrodian-branded merchandise bundles (already on sale on our Harrodian Community website shop here and below for members of the site) will be available to purchase and collect on site next term. 

There are also a number of fundraising events planned for 2021/2022 from the autumn onwards, once social-distancing restrictions have hopefully eased. 

We'd like to extend huge thanks to all those who have already been involved in helping with the Bursary. All forms of support are greatly appreciated, as Headmaster James Hooke acknowledges: 'We are delighted with the support we receive from both within and outside of our community to help talented and deserving children from families who would not otherwise have the means for a private education.'

For further information on how to donate or help, please get in touch with Rachael Snaith on 0208 748 6117 (extension 153) or on her email address.