Bursary Mentoring Scheme
Our former bursary students have helped us to establish a mentoring scheme for pupils on fee-assisted places.
We want to ensure South Hampstead is a place where every pupil can thrive, regardless of means. As we seek to significantly increase our number of bursary places, the new mentoring programme aims to support pupils from their application and throughout their school life.
Datshiane Navanayagam (Class of 2005) joined South Hampstead on a bursary in Year 7. She went onto Cambridge and is now an acclaimed journalist, reporter and film-maker; she is a member of our Governing and Bursary Boards, and has spoken about her educational journey in a radio interview with the writer Val McDermid.
“Joining a school like South Hampstead can seem intimidating – I barely spoke for my first term, but I gradually grew in confidence as I made friends. I am committed to encouraging others like me to take up bursary places and help them to make the most of their time at the school.”
Lola Busari (Class of 2005) joined South Hampstead on a full bursary. She now runs a consultancy (Global Legacy Scholars House) which advises families on how to access the very best educational opportunities for their children. She has already recommended candidates for the GDST bursary scheme and, as a member of our Bursary Board, is determined to help families overcome the fear of feeling out of place. Reflecting on her school days, she says: “It was challenging at times but I felt supported by all the staff and pupils and was able to thrive.”
I found South Hampstead a wholly welcoming community and made friends for life.
Datshiane and Lola were contemporaries and friends at South Hampstead; together they hope to encourage other former and current bursary pupils to join them, to create a network of support and mentoring at South Hampstead. They have already been joined by fellow bursary beneficiary Amanda Dewinter (Class of 1982) who is also passionate about helping young people to achieve their full potential. Executive coach Amanda is a South Hampstead Governor and Chair of Governors at a large all-through state school in London; she recently published her first book ‘The Success Code’ which aims to empower readers from every walk of life to prioritise their own success.
Our bursary mentors hope to meet the pupils and parents who have recently applied for awards later this term and look forward to sharing their experiences.
To find out more about our bursary mentoring scheme, please contact development@shhs.gdst.net For more information about how to apply for a fully-funded bursary place at 11+ or for the Sixth Form, please click here.