Thank you for showing interest in the West Buckland School Foundation Bursary Programme. This programme is unusual, if not unique, in the South West in its offer of a fully funded rolling bursary programme.

The West Buckland School Foundation was incorporated in 2003 with the purpose of raising funds to provide bursaries and help support West Buckland School in delivering its development programme. Today the Foundation has a significant sum invested in managed funds, the result of the rationalisation of a number of 'pots' of money that previously existed such as the Orchard-Lisle Scholarship Fund, the Old Pupils Charitable Trust and the funds of the Friends of West Buckland. Along with monies raised by the Foundation since 2003 the value of Foundation funds was increased significantly in 2010 by the generous gift of the Fortescue North Devon and Exmoor Charitable Trust (the result of a legacy from Zillah Salter nee Bristow). The income derived from the invested sums has enabled the Foundation and the School to commence a rolling programme of fully funded means tested bursaries that will see at least 15 children enjoy the benefits of a West Buckland School education by 2016. One of these bursaries, to be known as the Fortescue Bristow Bursary, can be awarded each year to a child whose parents derive their main income from, or in connection with, the rural economy.

The bursary programme will start in September 2012. The first three recipients will be Year 7 pupils from the local area whose families are not in a position to afford school fees and the award will support them to at least Year 11. A small fund will also be available to assist with uniform costs and school trips and other matters. One of the three bursaries, the Fortescue Bristow Bursary, will be awarded to a child whose family derives their main income from the rural economy. West Buckland School will liaise closely with local primary schools to identify eligible candidates.

Applications

Applicants must fulfil the following principal criteria:

• They must be permanent residents within the North Devon, Torridge District Council areas or Exmoor National Park.
• The family's financial circumstances would prevent sending any of their children to the school.
• The Fortescue Bristow Bursary will be awarded where the family's main income is from or in connection with the rural economy and they must be resident within the North Devon Council area or Exmoor National Park.

Applicants must also meet the school's academic entrance criteria and will be selected by a panel that includes the school's Headmaster and an independent external assessor.

For further information please call: Sue Pollard on 01598 760164