Westaway Bursary Fund

Bedford High School for Girls provides a supportive and caring environment in which every girl is able to develop her talents, achieve her best and leave as a confident young woman ready to take her place in society.

There are, however lots of girls who would benefit from a Bedford High School for Girls education whose parents are unable to make the financial commitment required.  

Bedford High School Foundation embraces a longstanding commitment to widen the access to girls of discernible potential and aims over time to provide access to many more girls able to benefit from the excellent education that the school provides.

To meet this challenge it has set up the Westaway Bursary Fund, named after the school's longest serving headmistress Miss Kate Westaway whose 25 year period of office ran from one post war era to another 1924 - 1949. 

The cost of supporting a pupil at Bedford High School for Girls
The cost to support one day pupil through the school is currently in the region of £10,610 per annum.  This figure includes all activities required by the curriculum including external visits.  The only additional expenses are uniform and lunches.

Application and selection
We are seeking to support high achievers, particularly gifted pupils who would benefit from a Bedford High School for Girls education.  All cases will be means-tested in order that the funds are directed where they are needed most. 

For entry at 11+ Foundation candidates will sit examinationin English and Maths.  Entry into the Sixth Form requires a minimum of 7 GCSE passes at Grade C or above with at least 4 at Grade B.  However qualifications for Foundation support would require a minimum of 7 passes at Grade B.

We are looking for your help to build a fund to support a number of bursary places.  A gift from you will help towards giving a young girl a life changing opportunity of a Bedford High School of Girls Education.

There are several ways in which you can contribute to the fund:

• a single gift,
• a regular gift of any value
• a gift of shares
• a gift to the Bedford High School Foundation in your Will. 

or for a gift of £150,000 we can discuss awarding a bursary in a name of your choice.

By contributing to the Westaway Bursary Fund you will be joining many others committed to giving a young girl a life changing opportunity of a Bedford High School for Girls education.  You can choose the size of your gift to match your income and if you are able to Gift Aid your donation it will make a significant difference as we will be able to reclaim from the Inland Revenue an extra 25p on every £1 you give.  HM Revenue and Customes will also be operating transitional provisions for Gift Aid donations made from 6 April 2008 until 5 April 2011, paying a Government supplement of 3p on every pound you give.   

To start helping toward funding a bursary place today just fill in your details on the downloadable Westaway Bursary Form and send it to the Director at Bedford High School Foundation.  To make an online donation by credit/debit card or set up a direct debit this can be done through the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).  For further information and links please look under Making a Donation. 

In return for your valued commitment we will send you regular updates and from time to time invite you to events where you will be able to meet others who are also contributing to the Westaway Bursary Fund.