Creating life-changing opportunities

The aim of the Foundation Awards* is to transform the lives of talented young people, giving them the chance to flourish with a Dean Close education. Particularly intended to support those pupils who can really contribute to school life, take part, and inspire those around them.

* these awards are means-tested.

“Being a Foundation award holder has been an incredible experience. Even though I will be leaving Dean Close this year, I will not forget the things I have learnt over the past four years. The opportunities I have had, has given me many amazing memories and friends that I will remember for the rest of my life! I am so grateful for the people who give to the award. Thank you so much for giving me this time at Dean Close.”

Cherissa, Foundationer 2018-2023

As an eleven-year-old boy, I was awarded a bursary. Now, as headmaster, I relate to pupils going through this transformational experience. I greatly value the social diversity bursaries bring because I believe the ability to empathise is one of the key skills we must give all our pupils.

Bradley Salisbury, Dean Close School Headmaster

Contact us

If you would like to come and meet with us to discuss bespoke and personal ways that you can donate, please:

CLICK HERE

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART:

Listen to two of our recent Foundation pupils, Cherissa and Grace, who speak with Bradley Salisbury and their classmates, about just what a difference the opportunity to attend Dean Close has made to their lives and the whole of the Dean Close Community.

Finding and Selecting Candidates

We find candidates by developing partnerships with other schools and organisations such as Springboard. We will also encourage members of the Dean Close community to make suggestions and recommendations. Candidates will sit an entrance test, for which no preparation is necessary. We will also interview each candidate and they will be scored against the following criteria:

Potential

Significant potential in one or more of Dean Close’s key areas of focus: Academic, Music, Sport, Art or Drama.

Evidence of the strength of character to make the most of the opportunities offered at Dean Close, including evidence of leadership potential

Need

Financial – evidence of family financial circumstances, demonstrating that a Dean Close education would be well beyond the family’s means (this may involve a home visit as well as paperwork supporting the application).

Educational – a clear indication that the alternative education available to the candidate will not meet their needs or enable them to flourish.

Commitment

Evidence that the candidate is committed to their educational future, ambitious to do well and has a track record of hard work and determination.

Evidence that the family is committed to education and to Dean Close in particular, and that they are prepared to make financial sacrifices, relative to their means, to that end.

Applications

Applications are invited from Year Seven upwards, as this fits with the step up from Primary to Secondary education within the state system. This will mean that a Foundationer may spend two years at Dean Close Preparatory School or at Dean Close St John’s, before coming through to the Senior School. Applications will also be invited for Fourth Form entry (Year Nine) and at Sixth Form.

If you are interested in applying for a Foundation Award click on the button below to contact Admissions who will advise you further.

Apply for a Foundation Award Bursary

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