Bursaries at St George’s
Denis Nowlan, Chair of Governors, St George’s Weybridge
As Chair of Governors, and as someone whose own life was shaped by the opportunities created through the Government’s Assisted Places scheme, I wish to offer a personal reflection on the importance of this appeal. My brothers and I were able to attend St George’s because of that scheme. It opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed to us, and it changed the trajectory of our lives in ways that continue to resonate decades later.
The education we received was exceptional, but it was the broader formation that proved most enduring. St George’s instilled confidence, ambition, and a commitment to service. It encouraged us to aim high and to recognise the responsibility that comes with opportunity. These qualities guided me throughout a long career with the BBC, where I held senior leadership roles across Radio 4, Radio 3, Radio 4 Extra, and the Proms. I know that many of the foundations for that career were laid here at St George’s
Widening access has always been a vital part of our ethos. As a Josephite Catholic school, we are committed to nurturing young people of character, compassion, and purpose. We believe that talent should be recognised wherever it is found, and that financial circumstance should not determine a child’s opportunity. This principle is woven into our history and our charitable mission.
Today, however, the pressures facing families and the independent sector mean that the school cannot sustain transformational bursaries without philanthropic support. If we are to remain faithful to our mission, we must act decisively and collectively.
A bursary benefits not only the recipient but the entire school community. It brings diversity of experience and perspective, enriches classroom discussion, and prepares our students for the society they will go on to shape. It strengthens St George’s in ways that are both tangible and profound.
I am proud to serve this great educational community. I am equally proud to have been one of the children whose lives were changed by the opportunity we are seeking to continue. I invite you to join us in ensuring that this opportunity endures for future generations of Georgians.
Why We Need Your Help
While our commitment to excellence remains steadfast, the financial landscape facing independent schools is changing rapidly. We work hard to maintain a competitive fee structure that responds to economic pressures while ensuring we continue to attract and retain exceptional educators. Tuition fees support rising operational costs and help sustain the high standards that define our community, but philanthropic support is essential for funding key initiatives and fulfilling our charitable mission.
Economic pressures, including the introduction of VAT on fees, the loss of Mandatory Business Rate Relief, and increased employer National Insurance contributions in 2025, have placed significant strain on school-funded transformational bursaries. As a result, the number of new bursaries will fall by 75% unless this gap is met through philanthropic giving.
For 2025–26, our bursary budget stands at £1.18 million, with £947,000 dedicated to transformational bursaries. Yet only 13.9% of this total currently comes from donations, leaving a shortfall of approximately £1.1 million.
Through your generosity, we can ensure that the life-changing experience of a St George’s education remains accessible to the brightest young people, regardless of their background. By supporting these students, we are creating a richer, more dynamic learning environment for all. It encourages fresh energy, ambition and a shared drive to succeed.
Together, we can continue to open doors, transform futures and uphold the values that define our Georgian Family.
Bursaries at St George’s
St George’s offers far more than a traditional education. We nurture the whole individual – academically, creatively, spiritually and personally. We are proud to be in the top 1% of schools nationwide for Value Added, a testament to the transformative impact of excellent teaching and learning. Our students consistently achieve GCSE and A Level results beyond expectations. With a vibrant community of 991 students, St George’s College is a place where young minds are shaped, futures are forged, and lifelong passions are ignited.
Bursaries at St George’s are offered to families who need financial assistance to cover the cost of school fees. They facilitate access to an education that might otherwise be financially challenging. At St George’s, we provide Transformational Bursaries (fee remission up to 110%) and Fee Assistance Bursaries, with the awarded amount varying based on the specific circumstances of the applicants’ parents.
Anyone can apply for a bursary to enter the College at 11+, 13+ or 16+. Currently, all our bursaries are directed towards College students to maximise impact.
How You Can Make a Difference
If you share our belief that quality education can drive social mobility and shape a better world, we encourage you to support our mission. At St George’s, we would like to create a future where admission is based on a child’s ability to thrive, not on their financial means.
A St George’s education shapes well-rounded, confident individuals. For a student from a disadvantaged background, the opportunity to learn alongside ambitious peers, guided by exceptional teachers and supported by outstanding facilities, can be truly life changing. It empowers them to aim higher, achieve their full potential, and, in turn, inspire others in their community. By supporting bursaries at St George’s, you are not only changing a life, but you are also helping to break down barriers, raise aspirations, and create a lasting impact for generations to come.
Bespoke Giving
We would be delighted to explore tailored philanthropic opportunities with you, including named spaces, programmes, bursaries or endowment funds. We are pleased to recognise significant support through meaningful naming opportunities and legacy initiatives that reflect your values and create lasting impact.
