A life-changing event, such as the passing of a parent, or the main salary earner losing their job, impacts not only the family as a whole but also the potential future of the student during this crucial period.
The Bursary Fund
...is a charitable body, independent from the British School in The Netherlands (BSN) which works within the school, to raise funds and administer financial support to students in years 10 to 13, who would otherwise be unable to complete their critical examinations (GCSE, AS, A2, IB), due to a change in family financial circumstances.
External exam periods represent some of the most important years of a student’s life. Life isn't always as kind as we would like, however, and, when these years coincide with a set of unexpected circumstances, the emotional impact can be hugely detrimental. A life-changing event, such as the passing of a parent, or the main salary earner losing their job, impacts not only the family as a whole but also the potential future of the student during this crucial period.
Funds are raised to support the Bursary Fund charity through various activities, including the End of Summer Sale and Arts and Crafts Fair as well as the Winter Wonderland and Laser Show in the autumn term. Events take place at one of the BSN schools and are widely advertised in advance - the Executive Committee is always open to creative suggestions for fundraising and relies on the support of the School and the community to make fund-raising events a success.
Who Manages The BSN Bursary Fund?
Notwithstanding its name, the fund is completely independent of the BSN. It is managed by an Executive Committee (chairman, secretary, treasurer and about a dozen further members) - drawn mainly from parents and staff - and which meets 6-8 times per year. Much of its deliberations and activities are related to fund-raising. The treasurer is also responsible for taking care of the funds raised and for paying any bursary awards.
How Are Funds Raised?
Funds are raised through various activities, the most well-known of which are the two big events – The Craft Fair and End Of Year Sale in the Summer term, and the Winter Wonderland and Laser Show in the Autumn term. Events usually take place at one of the BSN schools and are widely advertised in advance. The Executive Committee is always open to creative suggestions for fundraising and relies on the support of the School and the community to make fund-raising events a success.
How Are Funds Used?
Funds are used to contribute towards the school fees of a BSN pupil in years 10-13 in those rare situations where the changed personal circumstances of the family mean it is unable to fully support the School fees. Pupil performance in these years can have a long-lasting effect on his or her future and the aim of the fund is to relieve some of the pressure during an already difficult time for the family and allow the pupil to study for and complete his or her examinations without extra stress. The intent is to ensure uninterrupted schooling to the next level of examination where alternative schooling arrangements are not appropriate.
What Is The Application Procedure?
All the details around how the funds raised are used - and how to apply for support from The Bursary Fund are here on the Gateway parent portal - only existing BSN students in Years 10-13 and whose personal circumstances mean it is not possible to fully support the School fees are eligible.
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