A fundraising initiative has been launched to support 100 students with bursaries at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook by its centenary in 2033.

A number of initiatives will be taking place throughout 2023 including a Me and My Girl pre-show dinner (4 February), a Studd Charity Gala Concert (25 March) and RHS' first ever Giving Day (26-27 April) to support the Centennial Bursary Campaign.

RHS has a long-standing heritage of providing bursaries, from the original seafarer bursary supported by Greenwich Hospital to the work it does with organisations such as the Royal National Children's Springboard Foundation and legacy gifts like the De Neumann Scholarship.

Combined with the generosity of the RHS Funds, the school has been able to provide bursaries to young people from any background so they can access an education that becomes the foundation for their happiness and success. 

Simon Lockyer, headmaster at RHS, commented on the launch of the Centennial Bursary Campaign: "Launching lives has been at the heart of our school's purpose for over 300 years. 

He said: "Making a positive difference through education lies at the centre of our school's charitable focus which enables pupils from around the country, and indeed the world, to become part of this community during their formative years. I have seen young people grow in confidence, discover passions and achieve amazing things. Changes that are only made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and our benefactors. 

"Working with our partners, we continue to identify young people and families who will benefit from an RHS education. The scale of this is only limited by the funds that we can generate through the giving of legacies, one-off donations and regular donations giving. Every penny donated to our Launching 100 Lives campaign will help to support our drive to increase the number of bursaries that we can offer." 

Sarah Delgado-Barter, a current RHS parent, added: "I am very aware how fortunate my children are to have attended RHS on bursaries as it is far more than just a school that provides an excellent academic education. From the nurturing environment of Blake at age 11 to Nelson in year 13, I feel my children have been well prepared for their next steps after school.

"They have been exposed to so many experiences and have been fortunate to forge lasting friendships with people from all over the world and from all walks of life. I strongly believe that RHS has enriched my children's lives and, for that, we will always be grateful."

Teni, a current bursary recipient at RHS also commented: "A bursary isn't just a grant to enable me to go to a great school but rather an opportunity to be exposed to endless possibilities and activities that wouldn't be open to me unless being in this environment. It has had a life-transforming impact on me in terms of the knowledge and skills

"I have gained but also for my family being able to see me prosper in an environment, which emphasises the importance of tradition and success. This has motivated me to want to achieve more and take every single opportunity presented to me at RHS and take every single skill learnt at RHS into the real-world and hopefully give back in any way possible in the future. I understand the significance of being given a chance like this."

For further information please visit: https://www.royalhospitalschool.org/about/launch100

Simon Lockyer talks RHS and the community...

The Royal Hospital School is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18-year-olds, providing an outstanding, full and broad education fit for the modern world.  

Founded in 1712 in Greenwich, London, the Royal Hospital School moved to its spectacular site, set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour, in 1933. The school has continued to develop its purpose-built site and has grown in size and reputation to become one of East Anglia's leading independent schools. 

RHS has connections with the British Royal Family and is the only UK independent school to have ever been continuously granted the Queen's Banner. It flies its own Admiralty-approved Royal Hospital School Blue Ensign flag.  

The school also has a unique naval heritage and is one of only two UK schools whose students have the privilege of wearing Royal Navy uniforms, with the Royal Hospital School marching band being a perennial part of school life.   

The Royal Hospital School focuses on inspiring pupils to pursue their interests and talents, reach their ambitions and develop essential life skills. Great importance is placed on balancing academic work with interests and achievements outside the classroom.  

Today it is a modern, forward-thinking HMC school anchored on 300 years of history and achievement.