DevelopmentBurton Bursaries
Burton Bursaries
For the next generation to go further in life
The Burton Bursaries is a fund to help provide means tested fees assistance for local families who would not otherwise be able to send their children to LES.
Each year the LES Foundation gives out around £1million in means-tested fees assistance and scholarships, the equivalent of 80 places in the schools, but it cannot help everyone who needs assistance. This is why the Burton Bursaries are so important.
Your gift can make a life changing difference to a young person’s future, and ensure that the Endowed Schools maintain a commitment to educational access and the traditional ‘grammar school’ ethos.
We thank all those Old Loughburians, Old Girls, staff and parents who are supporting the Burton Bursaries.
Click on the images to read these inspiring testimonies:
Stephen Mitchell
Stephen read Politics and Modern History at Manchester University and he started a career in journalism at Thomson Regional Newspapers where he was a reporter and sub-editor in Newcastle and Cardiff. He then joined the BBC Radio newsroom in 1974 and through steady progression he became Head of BBC Multimedia Programmes in October 2007 and then Deputy Director of News in April 2008.
“Attending Loughborough Grammar School certainly changed my life; it opened up my mind to the many opportunities that life holds, and thanks to LGS I was well prepared to seize some of these opportunities when they came along. I feel privileged to have been educated at LGS and am pleased to continue my association with the school. I am also sure that others share my hope that the school will continue to keep access open to local children whatever their families’ means.”
Yasmin Jetha
Recently appointed as Chief Information Officer at Bupa, the leading international healthcare company, Yasmin is responsible for their global IT function. She was previously the Chief Operating Officer at the Financial Times and prior to this, a Board member of Abbey National bank, the first female executive director in its 150 year history. Yasmin is an Ismaili, a member of the branch of Shia Islam led by the Aga Khan. In addition to her business life, Yasmin is Vice Chair of the University of Bedfordshire’s Governing Body.
“The opportunity to learn and re-learn is crucial. Along the way to success, there may be setbacks but we should never let these go to waste. In my book, they are a vital part of our learning. Looking back, Loughborough High School provided an enabling and stimulating environment in which to develop as an individual and I am proud to be one of the Old Girls.”
Joseph De Bono
Joseph read Medicine at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and New College, Oxford, achieving a first in Medical Sciences. His PhD investigated the effects of exercise training on the heart and he subsequently won the Heart Rhythm UK Young Investigator award. Now a Senior Fellow in electrophysiology at the Heart Hospital, London and the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, Joseph specialises in heart rhythm management, effectively, ‘rewiring’ peoples’ hearts. He is also a clinical lecturer at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, training the next generation of doctors.
“Beyond learning the answers, LGS made us question ‘why?’ This approach was invaluable throughout my training; I still challenge scientific problems and apply it to each clinical patient I see. LGS expanded my horizons beyond science and I believe that such opportunities are essential for the next generation.”
Amanda Fuller
After leaving Loughborough High School, Amanda attended Cambridge University and received a Masters in Engineering with first class honours. Her PhD thesis investigated the aerodynamics of Formula One car engine cooling. After graduating, she joined Cambridge Consultants and became group leader of the diagnostic product development group, she is now a Senior Consultant.
“My broad education at LHS helped shape who I am, and what I do, today: the Science teaching was exceptional and definitely inspired me. Science affects every aspect of our daily lives, and it's fascinating to work at the forefront of new developments and technologies for industry.”
Iona Brown
A scholar at the Royal Northern College of Music, Iona Brown specialised in chamber music and won several prestigious prizes. Iona is now principal first violin and soloist with Northern Sinfonia. She performs regularly with the Da Vince String Quartet and has guested as a principal player with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Hallé Orchestra. In 2003 Iona won an Arts Council grant to study in Paris with Jean-Jacques Kanterow.
“LHS provided the right foundation for me to fulfil my musical potential. Above all, LHS instilled a strong sense of self-discipline, which enabled me to dedicate the many hard hours of practice needed to achieve my goals. I have many fond memories and will always be grateful for the opportunities LHS gave me.”
Felix Buxton
Felix left Loughborough Grammar to pursue his love and passion for music. He is now part of the famous music duo, Basement Jaxx, and has received international recognition and success in the charts and performing live. The duo has made a number of albums and has just released a new one entitled “Scars” – so keep your ears and eyes open!
“Thanks to Loughborough Grammar School I was given an education in an environment quite different from what I was used to. It was an opportunity I will be hugely thankful for throughout my life. LGS gave me the confidence to follow my passion for music.”
Alice Bowe
After leaving Loughborough High School, Alice trained in fine art at the Ruskin, Oxford University. She completed graduate studies in garden design and landscape architecture at the Oxford College of Garden Design. Founder of Garden Boutique, she was the winner of the BT Essence of an Entrepreneur award 2006 and is now an established garden designer and gardening correspondent for The Times. Alice was a BBC presenter for the Chelsea Flower Show and was recently named one of seven ‘Gardeners of Influence’ by BBC Gardeners’ World. Her book ‘The Greener Garden’ will be published by Timber Press in the Spring 2010.
“My time at LHS gave me the confidence to believe I could achieve anything I set my mind to, and the skills to make it happen.”
Ben Murphy
For Ben the sky really is the limit. Now Team Leader of the Red Arrows display team for 2010, we are very proud that he was educated at Loughborough Grammar School. Ben became interested in flying whilst a member of the Combined Cadet Force where he was awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship. This led to a private pilot’s licence at the age of 17 before he had learned to drive!
“If there’s one thing I learned at LGS it was to keep trying – my ambition was to fly and I’ve made it, but it took a lot of determination, hard work and persistence. These are life skills that started at LGS. My message is ‘believe in yourself!’.”
Stephen Mitchell
Yasmin Jetha
Joseph De Bono
Amanda Fuller
Iona Brown
Felix Buxton
Alice Bowe
Ben Murphy
