How Schools Can Effectively Implement and Promote Bursaries to Attract Outstanding Pupils

To make a real impact with bursary programmes, schools need to go beyond simply offering financial assistance – they need to actively promote these opportunities to reach talented pupils who will thrive and contribute to the school community. For institutions like the Royal Hospital School (RHS), this means creating an environment where current pupils become advocates for the school’s mission and where teachers engage meaningfully with local communities, allowing us to attract the very best pupils who align with our values.

Bursaries may sometimes be viewed as a “tick box exercise”, but with the right approach, they don’t have to be. At RHS, bursaries have been a cornerstone for us since our school’s move to Holbrook in 1933. Initially established on philanthropic principles, the school has been providing bursaries, from its first intake of pupils, and today we work hard to continue this spirit of giving.

Building Pupil Ambassadors

Where pupils are proud of their school and its mission, they naturally become advocates, helping to promote bursaries by sharing their experiences. Schools can encourage this by empowering bursary pupils to share their journeys and success stories. When pupils who have benefited from bursaries speak to prospective families, or share their experiences on social media, in newsletters, on websites, and during open days, it creates an authentic narrative of how the school supports talent and inclusivity.

Several RHS pupils and alumni have shared their inspiring bursary stories during our Giving Days in 2023 and 2024, illustrating the impact of a bursary on their education and personal growth. Their stories have become testimonials, showcasing to prospective families and donors alike how bursaries transform lives, helping RHS attract outstanding pupils who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend.

By cultivating pupil ambassadors, schools can demonstrate how their bursary programmes transform lives, building a powerful reputation that resonates with talented pupils and their families. Inspired by their success, pupils and alumni can be some of the best advocates in promoting the school’s bursary offerings, showing first-hand how these opportunities enable pupils to reach their full potential.

Engaging Teachers in Outreach Efforts

Teachers play a crucial role in promoting bursary opportunities by engaging with the wider community and showcasing the unique programme and values that make them stand out. Through outreach activities such as open days, focus events, and partnerships with local schools, teachers can help spread the word about their commitment to accessibility and educational excellence and, in collaboration with community organisations and educational initiatives, teachers can actively seek out promising pupils who may not have considered independent education.

Activities that engage our wider community, such as last year’s Star Wars-themed GCSE Maths Grade Booster Symposium, play a role in identifying bursary recipients and help highlight candidates for our De Neumann Scholarship. The symposium brought together over 100 Year 10 pupils from local schools, offering a unique, collaborative mathematical experience that broadened awareness of RHS opportunities and bought together a community of young mathematicians, all working together to solve mathematical problems.

By participating in events like career fairs, hosting workshops, or even visiting local schools, faculty can connect with families and show them how the school’s bursary programme could benefit their children. This proactive engagement enables us at RHS to reach pupils who are motivated, talented, and would thrive within our community.

Partnering with Community and Alumni Networks

An effective bursary programme is supported by a network that includes not only current pupils and staff but also alumni and local community members. By nurturing relationships with past bursary recipients, schools can leverage alumni networks and community connections to spread awareness about bursary opportunities.

Our Alumni and Development Office has a unique advantage, with all three team members being RHS alumni, two of whom were bursary recipients. This connection adds depth and authenticity to our storytelling, allowing them to genuinely convey the transformative impact of bursaries. Their personal experiences resonate with families and stakeholders, making the benefits of our bursary programme feel real and attainable. By sharing first-hand stories, they reinforce the value of a supportive educational environment and the lasting opportunities it provides. This alumni-driven approach strengthens our bursary outreach, creating a compelling narrative that inspires both new applicants and donors alike.

Community engagement is essential in promoting our bursary programme and advancing social mobility, a key priority for the school. As part of Greenwich Hospital (a Crown naval charity) RHS proudly upholds its historic ties to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary and, through this connection, the school offers discounts and bursaries to first-generation seafaring families, ensuring their children can access an outstanding education.

In addition, through partnerships with organisations like the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, we connect with families who might otherwise be unaware of bursary opportunities or not initially consider an independent school. These collaborations help identify pupils with the talent and determination to excel, offering them a pathway to transformative educational experiences. By building trusted connections with local charities, educational foundations, and community organisations, we create a supportive bridge between RHS and prospective pupils.

Creating a Culture of Inclusivity and Opportunity 

To attract the best pupils, a school must also cultivate an environment where bursary pupils feel fully integrated and supported. RHS achieves this by creating a culture that values inclusivity and celebrates diverse backgrounds and talents. When prospective pupils and families see how bursary recipients are welcomed and thrive, they are more likely to feel that RHS is a place where they, too, can succeed.

Through mentorship programmes, academic support, and opportunities to participate in all aspects of school life, we ensure that bursary pupils are fully included and empowered to pursue their ambitions. This sense of belonging makes bursary pupils more likely to advocate for the school themselves, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to consider RHS.

Promoting and celebrating bursary programmes effectively means creating a network of advocates within the school and beyond. By empowering pupils to share their stories, engaging teachers in outreach efforts, partnering with alumni and community organisations, and having an inclusive environment, schools can attract outstanding pupils who are eager to be part of the school community. A well-promoted bursary programme not only brings talented pupils to RHS, but also strengthens the school’s mission, making it a vibrant and diverse place for everyone.