​Surge in applications for fee assistance to Pocklington School

There has been a sevenfold increase in applications from external candidates for means-tested bursaries at Pocklington School. This follows the School's continued drive to encourage a culture of giving back and increase accessibility to the school.

Following a sustained programme of outreach activities and visits to local senior schools, Pocklington School has successfully generated interest from pupils looking for different post-16 options in the local area. Whilst visits to the school were not possible due to the pandemic, online presentations and video tours were utilised to demonstrate the wide range of educational and co-curricular opportunities on offer at Pocklington School, plus the availability of up to 100% fee assistance for the school’s Sixth Form.

Almost 80% of the applications for fee assistance in the last 12 months were successful, with the majority receiving full funding to enable pupils to attend the school. All of the awards are offered on a strictly means-tested basis to families who would not otherwise be able to afford the full fees.

The increase in applications comes in the same year as Pocklington School has launched its ‘Shape the Future Campaign’ to raise money for bursaries. The Campaign seeks to raise £10 million for the John Dolman Trust endowment fund in 10 years to provide bursary places at the school in perpetuity. The Campaign also aims to raise £50,000 every year for the Annual Bursary Fund, which is used for immediate need.

Kate Groves, School Governor at Pocklington School, has been appointed as an Ambassador for the campaign and will be assisting in the fundraising programme. Kate said: “I am delighted to be part of the Shape the Future campaign, through which we can support and nurture individuals, allowing them to develop and giving them the confidence to achieve their full potential. Pocklington School is a warm, inclusive, fabulous school and this Campaign will allow us to provide additional bursary places and to give those pupils the opportunity to join this wonderful community and experience everything the school has to offer.”

Sixth Form student Kim currently receives fee assistance to attend Pocklington School and is studying for A Levels in Art, Business and Photography. Kim said: “From my first visit to Pocklington School I was immediately welcomed by the homely atmosphere and instantly knew that this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I was very keen to be resilient and to try new things such as boarding, which allows me to focus on my studies and learn important skills, preparing me for the future as well as living with friends and having fun.

“With the help of the supportive staff and peers I quickly settled in. Being here has allowed me to expand in my athletic and creative abilities due to the excellent facilities and teachers that the school offers. It has also increased my confidence and ambition and I am proud to have been awarded roles of responsibility including School Prefect and Head of Faircote House. Without the fee assistance I wouldn’t have been able to experience this life changing opportunity, which I believe has given me such a great platform for my future.”

To find out more about applying for fee assistance to Pocklington School’s Sixth Form contact Gemma Briggs on 01759 321200 or download the booklet and information at https://bit.ly/38Bn6Ib

The Shape the Future fundraising campaign is currently being rolled out to the Pocklington School community with information also available on its website at www.pocklingtonschool.com/shapethefuture