Save Haven Bursaries

Safe Haven Bursaries at St Aloysius’ College

This year, 9% of pupils in the Senior School are on Bursaries. Their family circumstances cover a range of challenges – from young carers for disabled parents – to parents with long-term illnesses who cannot work – or those in employment, but earning modest incomes. The average family income is under £35,000 and over the last five years of Entrance Assessments, the top marks have been achieved by Bursary applicants.

Our Bursary families usually come from areas where there are financial challenges and poverty of aspiration, and we often think of Bursaries in terms of ‘social mobility’. However, it is important to note that the College has a history of supporting pupils whose families have escaped religious persecution or sought refuge in Glasgow from war-torn countries.

The war in Ukraine and the need to offer stability and an education to young people looking for our help gives a new and urgent focus to providing support “where the need is greatest” and so we wish to introduce the Safe Haven Bursaries.

Normal life has been disrupted to thousands of Ukrainian families who have arrived in Scotland, leaving behind fathers, brothers, uncles and grandparents, in order to flee to safety from their bombed cities – making their way through Europe – and many now find themselves living in temporary accommodation in Glasgow City Centre. Aside from the undeniable trauma these young people have experienced, they have missed vital schooling over the last few months and anxiety grows with every day that passes. To compound matters, many are still not in education and are instead on a local authority waiting list, as there is no capacity in Glasgow secondary schools at this time.

Pupils are at various points in Senior School and in terms of learning, some will experience more challenges than others. However, given the pastoral support and dedication provided by our teaching staff, there are possibilities of presenting pupils for Highers over two years instead of one, given their exceptional circumstances.

So far, the College has been able to help three young people of Senior School age from Ukraine, but there are no further funds to extend support. Over and above the fees, basics are also needed, such as school uniform, equipment and even school shoes, so that they can blend in with their peers.

HOW CAN OUR ALOYSIAN COMMUNITY HELP WITH SAFE HAVEN BURSARIES?

Below are some examples of regular gifts and what they can achieve, and single gifts are also welcome.

ALOYSIAN DONOR

£18.59/month + Gift Aid = £278.85 per year This covers the cost of one Retreat.

OGILVIE DONOR

£66.67/month + Gift Aid = £1,000 per year This covers school lunches for 3 full terms.

ENOCH DONOR

£33.34/month + Gift Aid = £500 per year This goes towards the cost of a school uniform

BURSARY ANGEL DONOR

£6,000 + Gift Aid = £7,500 per year This covers 6 months of school fees.