Norwich School have just launched a brand new Bursary Funding Campaign, which has been established with the bold ambition to generate ten new fully funded School places by 2023. We caught up with Development Director Jonathan Pearson, who told us a bit more about the meaning behind the campaign and why bursaries are so transformational:

When at interview for my job here in 2017, the Head asked why I would want to leave a successful job in pharmaceuticals to come and work at Norwich School. My answer was heart-felt and immediate: I wanted to foster a positive, strong community dedicated to helping Norvicensians enjoy the best of education here.

As we launch our new bursary campaign, never has this been more relevant.

Norwich School dates its history back to the 11th century, established under Bishop de Losinga, with early statutes declaring the School was set up to provide charitable education for the sons of Norwich citizens. We are the fortunate 21st-century heirs of those guiding principles.

Bursary provision has always played a valued and integral part in the culture of our School. Similarly, our ethos talks of compassion and inclusivity being at the heart of what we offer.

Put simply, bursaries don’t just change lives, they transform them.

The pandemic has shown us all the value of education, and many felt this keenly when deprived of face-to-face tuition during recent lockdowns. Consequently, demand for places at Norwich School is high, with approximately 1 in 4 parents applying to join us requesting some kind of financial help.

We already pledge a generous sum out of income, but our support is falling short. The campaign we are now launching to raise funds for additional means-tested bursary places at Norwich School is a direct response to that. We are aiming high: my intent is to generate ten new, fully funded places at the school ready for 2023.

We know our family of alumni and friends has historically responded generously, keen to ensure their positive educational experience is passed onto the next generation. I am keen we build on that virtuous circle of inter-generational philanthropy.

So, why is a well-funded bursary scheme so important to our School?

I believe it is critical that Norwich School remains accessible to the brightest talent in the area, rather than just to those with the ability to pay fees. Staff, parents and Governors all want a school built on aptitude and one that realises pupils’ potential. A socially diverse, vibrant school community is good for all pupils and helps prepare them for the challenges of the world beyond Cathedral Close. Everyone benefits.

It is no overstatement to say a Norwich School education is transformational. Let’s work together to ensure talented Norvicensians of the future get their opportunity.

If you can support us in any way, do get in touch:

jpearson@norwich-schoool.org.uk

07970 657 629

Jonathan Pearson

Development Director