Sunningwell School of Art (SSoA) Children and Young People’s Bursary Scheme Policy

  1. Purpose of the Bursary Scheme

The Sunningwell School of Art Youth Bursary Scheme has been established to provide financial assistance to children and young people aged 5-16 who would benefit from access to high-quality art education but whose personal or family circumstances mean they are unable to afford full course fees.

The aim of the scheme is to:

  • Support access to the arts for young people from lower-income backgrounds.
  • Contribute to the development of future artists by offering opportunities to study with working professionals in a supportive, creative environment.
  • Strengthen the School’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and community engagement.
  1. Scope of the Bursary Scheme

This scheme applies only to children and young people’s courses (ages 5-16) run directly by SSoA. It does not apply to adult courses, masterclasses or workshops.

Bursaries may take the form of:

  • A 50% reduction in course fees.
  • In exceptional cases, a full bursary (100% fee waiver) may be granted.

All bursaries are granted for one academic year (three terms) at a time and are subject to review before renewal.

All bursaries are subject to places being available.

  1. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:

  • Aged 5-16 at the time of application.
  • Family circumstances where full fees would present a barrier to participation (e.g., receipt of means-tested benefits, low household income, challenging personal circumstances).

Priority will be given to:

  • Households in receipt of Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or similar.
  • Families experiencing temporary hardship (e.g., unemployment, health issues).
  • Students already engaged in GCSE / Art and Design education.

Applicants who are residents of Sunningwell Parish may already receive a 10% discount; this scheme is separate from that provision.

  1. Application Process

Applications can be made at any time during the academic year.

Applicants (or their parent/guardian) should email Sunningwell@artschool.org.uk with a few brief details of themselves and which class they would like to join.

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • A brief statement explaining a little bit about their circumstances and why the bursary would make a difference.
  • Supporting evidence of financial need (e.g. benefit statements or benefit award letter). Full financial disclosure is not necessary
  • A commitment to regular attendance and active participation if awarded a bursary.

All applications will be treated in confidence.

  1. Assessment and Allocation

Applications will be reviewed termly by the School’s Directors. Assessment will consider:

  • Eligibility against criteria.
  • Financial need.
  • Potential benefit to the applicant.
  • Availability of bursary funds.
  • Availability of studio places.

Decisions will be communicated in writing via email. The School’s decision is final; there is no appeal process.

6. Conditions of Award

Recipients of a bursary are expected to:

  • Commit to regular attendance and active participation.
  • Uphold the School’s values of respect, creativity and community.
  • Engage positively with tutors and peers.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in the bursary being withdrawn.

7. Monitoring and Reporting

The School will monitor bursary uptake and outcomes annually. Key performance indicators will include:

  • Number of bursaries awarded.
  • Feedback from students and parents.
  • Impact stories / case studies.
  • Contribution to the School’s diversity, inclusion and outreach goals.

Outcomes will be reported to the Board of Trustees annually, and in the AGM.

8. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors and Trustees to ensure its relevance, sustainability and alignment with the School’s mission and resources.

Approved by: [Alan Franklin, Chair of Trustees]
Date: [1st September 2025]
Review Date: [1st September 2026]