Tuesday 5 December 2017 A bursary to attend The Grammar School at Leeds is literally life-changing and the success stories we hear from former bursary students is testament to the power of education. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, our bursary scheme supports a large number of pupils each year. Hear first-hand from Ben, a Year 8 pupil, how important a bursary is to him and the difference it is making already. Typically 1 in 10 new Year 7 pupils receives financial support, however at least 90 talented pupils are unable to take up their offer of a place because they can’t afford the fees and we have insufficient bursary funding. Philanthropy and the idea of helping young people achieve success led to the creation of Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School and this philosophy continues at the school today where it is the cornerstone of the bursary programme. Principal Sue Woodroofe said: “We strongly believe that no pupil who is academically talented should be prevented from joining The Grammar School at Leeds through lack of means. Results indicate that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds do as well, if not better, than their peers in terms of their final exams – showing the importance of investing in potential. “Your support for our bursary programme will give a child from a disadvantaged background a chance of a lifetime, to study at one of the most outstanding independent schools in the country and, more importantly, to change the course of their life for the better.” A recent State of the Nation report from the Social Mobility Commission found Leeds in the bottom 25 per cent for social mobility. This is further evidence of why bursaries are critically important in enabling bright young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access the best education. Megan, a Y12 bursary student, said: “Every day I remember how lucky I am and I cannot express my gratitude enough to the generous donors who make it possible for me to attend GSAL.” For more information or to make a gift to the GSAL bursary programme please visit www.gsal.org.uk/make-a-gift or call 0113 229 5157 Alumni
