Dulwich College Deputy Master External Cameron Pyke on the life-changing value and whole-community benefits of independent school bursary funds

Transformative is a word frequently used to describe the benefit of a bursary, and it is undoubtedly true that in a world where opportunity can hinge on access to quality education, the provision of a full award, including a wider package of support, to attend an independent school can be a life-changing gift. Of 220 means-tested awards held by pupils at Dulwich College (valued at £4.4m), 129 are for full fees.  

The impact of financial assistance is felt far beyond individual lives. It is often why schools’ bursary funds are supported so enthusiastically by parents and former pupils. They recognise the benefits social diversity in the pupil body brings for the wider community –one of the reasons why parents choose a particular school for their child.

Delighting in diversity

A diverse community enriches the educational experience for everyone and fosters cultural empathy, and adaptability. It brings together individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds and life experiences, preparing them to flourish in an interconnected global community. This is essential for success in the 21st century.

A bursary award can instil a sense of pride and accomplishment that radiates from the scholar to all those who have supported this journey. Parents witness their child’s burgeoning confidence, and the extended family unit can become a dynamic hub of support, fostering a culture of educational achievement that transcends generations. We have full fee-paying pupils at the College whose father or grandfather attended the school because of a bursary award.

Independent schools can become catalysts for unlocking and nurturing untapped potential for the benefit of others. As Dulwich alumnus CJ Obi, UCL graduate and founder of Urbanist Platform, puts it: “There is a direct, tangible impact that receiving financial support in the form of a bursary has had on me. It’s there in all my work as I help to shape places, towns and cities, and inspire people today”.

Pupils who benefit from bursaries very often develop a deep appreciation for the power of education. They go on to become advocates for equal access to quality learning, using their experiences to champion educational opportunities for others.

A positive contribution

Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity through means-tested bursaries and making a genuine contribution to positive social change can help dispel the notion of exclusivity and elitism that can surround independent schools. Many parents at Dulwich are drawn to the school because of our social mission.

Pupils and their families who benefit from bursaries often commit to a lifetime of philanthropy and giving back to society. Many donors to our Bursary Appeal Fund are alumni who themselves benefited from financial assistance, also existing bursary holding families. They speak passionately about their time at the school and what they themselves contributed.

A school’s bursary provision lies at the heart of fostering inclusivity, social mobility, and a deep sense of community, creating an environment where every pupil can thrive and contribute their unique gifts. For many parents, this ethos is one important part of how they select a school for their child.

Dulwich College dulwich.org.uk

Further reading: School partnerships – adding value on all sides

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