Bursaries

John Mordue (1966)

Talk about not getting ‘round to it’. After leaving St Peter’s over 50 years ago I got round to reading a copy of Cross Keys (Spring 2021). I honed in on two articles. One by Brogan Grant about what she had achieved because of receiving a bursary to enable her to attend St Peter’s. This led on to a role for Brogan as a Lead Design Manager in one of the UK’s main construction contractors.

The other article was by Old Peterite Arthur Holmes about the 627 scheme and how this supports bursaries at St Peter’s. It was only recently that I learnt of the 627 Society. I am full of admiration for the way Old Peterites and supporters raise funds for places to pupils who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend St Peter’s.

This is a very worthy achievement! However, if ALL Old Peterites donated just £20 per year this would raise almost £100,000! Please think about donating, yes now! That’s what I did because I know if I say I’ll do that later, then I’ll forget!

Taken overall my time at St Peter’s was a very positive experience. The camaraderie amongst the pupils also contributed immeasurably towards this generally good experience. Most importantly, the school was run along very sensible lines. Rules were largely common sense with Head Master Mr Dronfield keeping a watchful eye to keep the school running smoothly.

I was very fortunate to win a scholarship to St Peter’s in 1961. Without it I would probably not have been able to take up a place. I have always had some

At what age can children apply?

The 627 Society was established for donors and supporters to support bursaries at St Peter’s School. New Donor and Old Peterite, John Mordue, has shared his motivations for giving and joining the 627 Society this year: feelings of discomfort through having received a private and privileged education. Most of my friends now are state school educated, mostly ex-grammar schools.

But returning to Brogan and the 627 Society, I am inspired by what someone can achieve given the right opportunities. I also think it’s very important that St Peter’s has a social mix and with highly-motivated young people with aspiration and ability. This I think is good for all pupils and staff. It really is important that people from York are supported to benefit from what St Peter’s has to offer.

I have only just come to understand that this aim appears central to the philosophy of St Peter’s and as such I feel duty bound to support the 627 Society. I hope you too will give this some consideration.

City Scholars

St Peter’s has a long history of opening its doors to pupils who are talented but otherwise would be unable to attend the school.

The City Scholars’ Scheme was an example of this, introduced By York City Council. The scheme identified boys who were sitting and performing well in the 11+ Entrance Exam and subject to an interview with the Head Master, provided them with an opportunity to attend an independent school in York.

surrounding areas in York and pupils would also join the school as ‘East Riding’ or then ‘North Riding’ Scholars.

City Scholar Howard Gatiss (1976) shared his thoughts on being a City Scholar with us “St Peter’s – its culture, its ambiance and its staff – took what was there and helped me develop as a human being. I remained friends with Edmund Field and Peter Gardiner throughout their lives: a recognition, perhaps, of the profound effect they had on me –and of my respect for their abilities. The buildings have changed (well, not all of them …), and staff have come and gone, but I believe I can still recognise in the St Peter’s of today those essential elements which were so vital to me fifty years ago.”

Howard has been helping the school reach out to the City Scholars we have contact with to ask them to share their stories and reconnect with the school. If you were a City Scholar and we haven’t yet been in contact, then we would love to hear from you, please contact usalumni@stpetersyork.org.uk

With these schemes no longer in existence, the support provided by our generous donors through the 627 Society is even more important to ensure that pupils who otherwise would be unable to attend the School can benefit from all a St Peter’s education can offer.

Year 7 Year 9 Sixth Form

The scheme ran from around 1948 to 1973 and around five pupils each year, would join St Peter’s as City Scholars. Thanks to recent research by our Archive Team we have been able to make contact with Old Peterites who attended the school under this scheme. Similar schemes existed from Help with fees is usually only available to pupils entering Year 7, Year 9 or Sixth Form.

The bursaries awarded range from 25%-120% - ensuring we cover those added extras including essentials such as uniform and funding for trips.

Giving a regular gift of £20.23 each month would pay for the uniform for a pupil to attend the Sixth Form for a year.

We are so thankful to our donors who have continued to support the 627 Society, and with your help we can do even more!

Simply complete and return the form on the following page to make your donation. When you make a regular donation you will receive annual updates on the progress of pupils who have benefitted directly as a result of your support, recognition on our 627 Society Donor board, invitations to donor events and a 627 Society pin badge.