King EDWARD'S sCHOOL, bATH LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 'TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION' BURSARY CAMPAIGN
King Edward’s School, Bath (KES) has announced the launch of its new bursary campaign, Transforming Lives Through Education, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to widening access and to ensuring that talented young people can benefit from a KES education regardless of their financial circumstances.
Bursaries have been at the heart of the School’s charitable purpose for generations. In the current academic year, KES is providing over £1.3 million in means-tested support to over 100 pupils in the Senior School. However, each admissions cycle highlights the difficult reality that some pupils are unable to take up places at KES due to financial barriers.
The new campaign sets out a bold ambition, seeking to raise a total of £2 million by 2030 for our means-tested bursary programme, with a further £500,000 each year thereafter, enabling the equivalent of an additional 25 pupils annually to access a life-changing education at KES. In the longer term, King Edward’s School’s vision is to be able to provide the necessary financial support so that any pupil offered a place at the Senior School can attend, regardless of their family’s means. At the same time, the School continues to ensure that its lifetime Senior School fees remain below those of other co-educational independent schools in Bath.
As Bath’s oldest school, founded in 1552, King Edward’s has a clear and enduring purpose: to give young people the chance to realise their full potential. The Transforming Lives Through Education campaign builds on this legacy and on the recently established 1552 Foundation, which seeks to grow philanthropic support for the School’s charitable aims. It also embodies the School’s values of always looking out for, and supporting, others.
Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s School, said:
“Widening access to a KES education is central to who we are. We see, year after year, the transformative impact that a KES education can have on a young person’s life. A Bursary can help a pupil grow in confidence, develop their talents and achieve remarkable things – whilst also leaving a significant impact on their families and the wider KES community. This campaign is about ensuring that opportunity is never out of reach for those with the potential to thrive here.”
Alongside the campaign launch, KES is introducing two new initiatives to strengthen its outreach programme and support for bursary pupils.
The School has established a partnership with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF), a national charity that works to expand access to independent and state boarding education for young people facing unequal life chances, particularly those with experience of the care system. This partnership will help connect more local children with opportunities at KES.
Ali Henderson, CEO at RNCSF, said
“We are delighted to work alongside King Edward’s School, Bath as they welcome their first SpringBoarder. Partnering with our accredited schools is instrumental in helping us deliver life-changing outcomes for young people, opening doors to education, opportunity, and brighter futures.”
Made possible through early philanthropic support as part of the campaign, the School will also appoint its first Bursary Support and Educational Partnerships Lead. This new role will focus on building partnerships with local primary schools, youth organisations and local authorities across Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire, helping to identify and support pupils who could benefit from the School’s bursary provision. The role will also provide ongoing guidance and support to bursary recipients and their families throughout their time at KES.
Martin Boden added:
“We know that widening access is about more than funding alone. It is about relationships, outreach and sustained support. Through our partnership with SpringBoard and the creation of this new role, we are strengthening the way we connect with our community and support pupils on their journey through King Edward’s.”
Unlike many independent schools, King Edward’s does not have a historic endowment and relies to a large degree on the generosity of its community to fund bursaries and other charitable initiatives. The Transforming Lives Through Education campaign therefore calls on alumni, parents, local supporters and charitable trusts to contribute towards this vital work.
The School is also keen to hear from families who may not have previously considered an independent education as within reach. Means-tested bursaries are available for entry into the Senior School, typically at Year 7 or Sixth Form, and can cover up to 100% of fees plus associated costs, such as uniform or school subject trips.
“With the support of our community, we can give every child the chance to flourish within the life-changing atmosphere here at King Edward’s,” said Mr Boden. “Together, we can transform lives through education.”
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath commented:
“King Edward’s commitment to widening access to their education through increased bursary provision is truly outstanding, and it is great that this inclusive approach is strengthened through their exciting partnership with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation - so even more young people will benefit from this opportunity.
“I look forward to following the pathways of the beneficiaries in the months and years to come.”
Watch our film to hear from previous recipients of a KES Bursary.
To find out more about The Transforming Lives Through Education bursary campaign click HERE.
If you would like to donate to the Transforming Lives Through Education bursary campaign, click HERE.
What is a Bursary?
A Bursary can cover up to 100% of fees and is means-tested based on a family’s financial circumstances, including their income, outgoings, savings, property value and the value of any realisable assets. Bursaries also take into consideration the size of a family and any other dependents.
You can find out more about the criteria for awarding a Bursary and the application process HERE.
If you would like to contact KES to discuss a potential bursary application, contact Bursar@kesbath.com
About SpringBoard
The Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF) is a leading children’s charity dedicated to creating life-changing pathways for children and young people - improving outcomes through education, care, and opportunity. Working across a national network of over 200 boarding and independent schools, the charity partners with local authorities and community organisations to unlock fully-funded school places for those who would otherwise not have access to them.
RNCSF plays a vital role in ensuring these placements are successful, working closely with schools and local authorities to provide ongoing support and prioritise care stability. This partnership approach ensures that each SpringBoarder is supported academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their educational journey.
