SMK Gateway Scholars’ Progamme
Purpose
Working with Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF), we help to identify those students who may benefit from a fully funded bursary within the UK’s boarding network of both state and independent schools. The programme is not aimed at the academically elite, but to support suitable students, who may have complicated home lives, in areas of socio-economic deprivation and social immobility, with life changing opportunitie
Why
Those children and young people, on the edge of care or who reside in areas of socio-economic deprivation, who have been placed through the programme have been shown to exceed the academic expectations of similar cohorts who did not have access to placements (99% receiving 2 or more A-levels compared to 35% nationally[1]), finish school havinge raised aspirations and, developed emotion and social wellbeing, which allows them to contribute positively to society.
This partnerships working has also ensured that bursary opportunities form part of broader efforts to raise aspirations across whole communities as evidenced nationally, through the network of RNCSF alumni, and locally in Milton Keynes through the ‘ripple effect’ of siblings aspiring to achieve academically and pursue higher, or further, education.
Eligibility
Boarding school is not suitable for every student, and we will work with referring schools to determine if a bursary is the right thing for each individual.
Initial eligibility looks at low-income families, whose home postcode falls within the top 30% of deprivation in the UK. Candidates should have significant barriers to accessing education. For example, and not limited to, caring responsibilities, family relationship breakdowns, precarious housing situation, history of abuse within the immediate family home or health issues within the home which have an impact to a student’s ability to profit from learning.
If students meeting these criteria and are successful in interview, RNCSF will attempt to match them to the most suitable school which will provide excellent education and valuable life experiences.
Support
Once a child is offered a placement through the programme we at SIEVEMK:
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Prepare the pupils and their families for the boarding experience, and help to build self-confidence prior to that first term;
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Support pupils through every step of their school journey liaising with families, tutors and RNCSF through the school year, and providing wrap around assistance during the holidays;
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Encourage families to become part of their child’s journey by helping with school liaison, parents’ evenings and ensuring that everyone’s needs are considered;
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Continue to support pupils after their boarding journey in promoting the benefits available through the RNCSF Alumni Programme e.g. acting as mentors or role models for younger students and inspiring them to aim high.
Contact: For further information, referrals or a more in-depth discussion about pupil needs, contact us
For more information about our partner, click here