Here Sarah Bannister, a District Nursing Sister in the East of Newcastle and RGS bursary parent, talks about what a bursary meant to her daughter Ella Bannister (19-21).
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OUR B U R SA RY STO RY BY SARAH BANNISTER
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t all came from Ella: it was her dream, her desire, her wish to come to RGS. As a single parent I’d always told her that she was bright, and empowered her to believe she could do anything, but she also knew that the transformational opportunities at RGS were beyond my financial reach. When she realised the bursary programme existed and this was her chance, she came home and thrust those details in my hand, determined she’d win her place at the school on her own merit. I knew Ella had talent, but perhaps her work ethic is her most inspiring characteristic; she’s always reading, studying and making revision cards and her efforts have been rewarded with stellar results. She’s super-headstrong so I was surprised when she shifted her lifelong dream to be a Dentist, to follow her love of English, Art and History and – at the direct encouragement of RGS to follow her heart – she’s successfully pursued her dream of reading History at Oxford. I was blown away, when I realised that her education has been funded by so many small donations, mostly from Old Novos – individual gifts that have collectively funded her phenomenal journey at RGS. I am so humbled and indebted to those who have invested in my daughter’s future. If I can ever repay RGS then I will, and I know Ella will honour our family’s gratitude by making an indelible mark on the world. Ella and Chloe (see page 22) are just two of over 400 bursary students we’ve supported since the scheme opened in 2002. If you are able to make any size of donation, or legacy pledge, to support other young people just like her then please contact Susan Beck, Director of Development at development@rgs. newcastle.sch.uk. We really would appreciate hearing from you.
