King Edward’s School Bath has launched a major new bursary campaign aiming to raise £2 million by 2030 to help more children access an independent education regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
The new Transforming Lives Through Education campaign will support means-tested bursaries at the school, with a long-term ambition that any child offered a place at the Senior School will be able to attend, regardless of their financial background.
KES is already providing more than £1.3 million in bursary support to over 100 Senior School pupils this academic year. However, the school says some talented children are still unable to take up places because of financial barriers.
The campaign aims to raise a further £500,000 annually beyond 2030, enabling the equivalent of an additional 25 pupils each year to benefit from a KES education.
Founded in 1552, KES says widening access remains central to its charitable purpose. The campaign builds on the recently established 1552 Foundation, which supports the school’s wider charitable and philanthropic work.
Martin Boden, Headmaster at 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 has also announced a new partnership with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, a charity which helps young people facing unequal life chances access independent and state boarding education.
The partnership will connect more local children, including those with experience of the care system, with opportunities at the Bath school.
Ali Henderson, CEO at the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, 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.”
KES will also appoint its first Bursary Support and Educational Partnerships Lead, a new role focused on building relationships with local primary schools, youth organisations and local authorities across Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.
The role will also provide additional guidance and support for bursary pupils and their families throughout their time at the school.
Mr 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.”
Means-tested bursaries at KES are available for entry into the Senior School, usually at Year 7 and Sixth Form level, and can cover up to 100% of fees as well as additional costs including uniform and school trips.
Wera Hobhouse welcomed the initiative, saying, “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.”
