ARMED FORCES FUND
ARMED FORCES FUND
The Armed Forces Fund provides financial support for the independent education of children of UK Service personnel killed or wounded while serving their country. The Fund is available to boys and girls of Service men and women of all ranks.
Entry to Radley for boys is possible at 11+ (with help for two years at an independent prep school), 13+ or 16+. Girls can apply at 11+, 13+ and 16+ to one of the Fund’s partnership schools: Downe House, near Newbury or St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire. Day places at both these all-girls schools are also available.
Award holders will be selected on all-round merit following an interview and assessment. Financial needs will also be taken into account in line with the criteria agreed by the Bursars of the three schools. The Fund is means-tested and can range from 10% to more than 100% of fees.
As soon as we came here, it was like a shroud of kindness.
SEYMOUR SHAW
Seymour Shaw spent five years at Radley (2016-2021) on a full Armed Forces Fund award following the tragic death of his father, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Shaw, who served in the first Gulf War, Kosovo, and Iraq. At the end of his time at Radley, Seymour and his mother, Angela, sat down with the Warden to reflect on their journey together. We hope you enjoy watching the moving insight into Seymour’s time at Radley. Watch Seymour’s Story
RADLEY’S HISTORY OF MILITARY FUNDING
Radley has a long history of helping families affected by death and injury in warfare. In 1917, the Radley College War Memorial Fund was created with donations from former pupils and their families to provide a Radley education for the sons of ORs killed in The Great War.
The Armed Forces Fund was launched in 2010 following the loss of two Old Radleians, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe MBE and Lieutenant Dougie Dalzell MC in Afghanistan. It builds on past achievements by offering education to the sons and daughters of Forces Personnel of all ranks who were killed or wounded while serving their country.
We are immensely proud of the numerous Old Radleians who have served their country with distinction over the years. We admire the dedication and selflessness of British troops abroad, and we have been in awe of the bravery shown by ORs.
For a long time the injuries I sustained in Afghanistan meant I couldn’t have dreamed of sending Felix to a school like Radley but with the support of this Fund, he has been given an opportunity to thrive in an environment that not only educates him to a high standard but has been instrumental in developing him into a young man who will benefit our wider society.
CAPTAIN ANTHONY HARRIS
RUPERT THORNELOE
Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe MBE (1983, E) was killed in Afghanistan on July 1st 2009 aged 39. He was commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and the most senior Army officer to be killed in action since since Lieutenant Colonel “H” Jones VC in the Falklands in May 1982.
Rupert loved the Army. He was a born soldier, an inspiration. I know he led from the front and would not have had it any other way, as he cared deeply about his men. Rupert was my very best friend and his death is a devastating blow. Hannah and Sophie will have to grow up without their beloved Daddy, although I will see part of him in them every day.
SALLYTHORNELOE
DOUGIE DALZELL
Lieutenant Dougie Dalzell (1996, A) of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards was killed in Afghanistan on his 27th birthday. He was awarded the Military Cross posthumously and left behind his parents, Anthony and Colette, his sister Olivia, brother Angus (2003 H) and many friends.
FELIX’S STORY
Felix came to Radley as a Shell in 2020. His father, Captain Anthony Harris, served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and was seriously injured by an IED in Afghanistan in May 2009. We spoke to him as he entered his final year at Radley to find out about his experience so far and his hopes for the future.
Do you remember your first impressions of Radley?
I came to look around when I was about 10 years old, I was at my local primary school at the time, and I remember Radley seemed like Hogwarts! I was offered a place and moved to The Beacon School for two years from Year 7, supported by the Armed Forces Fund. I was excited to board as I hadn’t spent that much time away from home. I didn’t get particularly homesick, but I know my mum missed me a lot! I’m definitely more productive in boarding school than I would have been in a state day school.
Did anything surprise you about Radley?
I do remember my first surprise being the gowns! But in terms of actual school life, for me it was how much people focused on their work; it's more of an academic culture than state school.
Is there anything you’ve learnt about yourself since joining the College?
I was made Head of Army in the CCF this year so I need to organise - and sometimes teach - the younger years. It’s been a great way to gain skills in motivation and leadership. I used to have quite bad stage fright, but I think that’s gone thanks to this role. I was also lucky enough to get picked to go on the USA politics trip to the Iowa Caucuses. I’d never been to America before, and we went with Dr Frank Luntz [American Election Expert]. We met some incredible people, and even saw Trump speak, which was an amazing experience.
What has been your most memorable moment at Radley?
It’s funny how my most embarrassing memory immediately pops into my head! Raft building in Removes in the Michaelmas Term is a very distinct memory. We had to build a raft in freezing weather and then get it to the other side of College Pond. The whole raft collapsed so I was swimming in freezing water as an underweight Remove – I thought I was dying! A positive memory though is one I get regularly. It’s that moment returning to Radley after a long holiday and seeing friends again and catching up.
What are your plans after Radley?
I’m hoping to go to Durham or Reading University to study Geology. The other option I’m considering is enlisting in the Royal Marines. My dad enjoyed working with the Marines and is quite supportive of me joining, but my mum, aunt and granny aren’t quite so keen. We will see...!
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
We are always keen to hear from families considering applying for the Armed Forces Fund at Radley, Downe House or St Mary’s Calne. Sophie Langdale, Director of Admissions and Communications, is available for initial conversations prior to application and will be happy to talk through the entry and assessment process with you. All financial awards are subject to means-testing, but awards of more than 100% of fees are available.
11+
For families with a son at a state primary school, we are able to help fund two years at an independent prep school before boys come to Radley in Year 9. Applications should be received by the end of October in Year 6.
13+
We encourage families to register with us by the end of July in Year 5. The assessment process will begin in Year 6, with boys encouraged to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test prior to an interview at Radley.
16+
Boys will follow our Sixth Form process. We encourage families to visit our Sixth Form Open Day in the October of Year 11. The assessment process takes place in November, with unconditional offer letters sent at the beginning of December.
For further information and to register for an Open Day, please visit www.radley.org.uk/apply
The Armed Forces Fund is financial support that we, as a College, are very proud to offer the families of UK military personnel killed or injured in the service of their country. Please do be in touch with us and we will guide you through the application and the admissions process
SOPHIE LANGDALE
Sophie Langdale Director of Admissions & Communications
admissions@radley.org.uk