An Evaluation of Leathersellers' Student Grants and Sixth Form Scholarships
Working with Better Purpose, an educational consultancy, the Leathersellers’ Foundation has published a high-level evaluation of its Sixth Form Scholarships and Student Grant Programmes to determine their impact on social mobility.
Natalia Rymaszewska, Head of Grants at the Leathersellers’ Foundation said:
“Understanding the impact of our education focused grant funding, and its effect on social mobility, is crucial if we are to keep ensuring the best possible outcomes for the students we support. This report works towards this goal by providing insights into the impact our funding has on social mobility and the complex factors at play. We look forward to using relevant findings to improve our approaches to these funding programmes in the future.”
Some key findings of the report:
- Funding is enabling access to different educational opportunities.
- Funding is enabling students to make the most of their time at university by building social capital through joining clubs or associations, volunteering, and studying rather than working to support themselves.
- Our programmes broaden horizons – students and alumni who responded suggested the support led them to new educational or career pathways that they weren’t previously aware of, including through meeting others via our networking events and programmes.
- The majority of respondees felt that the grant improved their self-confidence and well-being.
- Alumni indicate that they are pleased with their education, career choices and progress.
Learn more about the programmes
Sixth Form Scholarships
Colfe’s is an independent day school in south-east London, which has been closely linked with the Leathersellers’ Company since the 17th century when the Founder of the school, Abraham Colfe, entrusted the school to the Company.
In partnership with Colfe’s, the Leathersellers provide a number of fully funded Sixth Form scholarships to pupils (up to 20 per annum) from state schools of neighbouring boroughs, who would otherwise not have access to the opportunities offered by the school.
Since 2010 the Leathersellers’ Foundation has awarded £2.85 million for the scholarships with a further £629,000 committed over the next four years.
University Scholarships / Student Grants
The Leathersellers’ Student Grants programme is one of the most significant and enduring components of the charitable giving portfolio. Over 3,000 students have been supported since the first grant was awarded in 1603.
The current programme provides support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to attend university in the UK, recently prioritising care experienced students and/or former students of the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools or Colfe’s School. Grantees receive up to £5,000 per annum for up to four years.
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