According to RNCSF, just 16% of young people from disadvantaged communities in the UK pursue A-levels, with only 4.5% progressing to the country’s top universities. This results in many talented students potentially missing higher education opportunities. In contrast, recent data from Ofqual reveals that around 30% of 18-year-olds across the UK take A-levels, with 34% of state school pupils and 67% of private school pupils advancing to more selective universities. RNCSF’s mission is clear and impactful: to break down barriers and ensure that young people who most need access to opportunities can attend state boarding and independent schools for all, or part, of their secondary school careers.
The partnership is about so much more than purely supporting young people with their academic studies. SpringBoarders can access a range of experiences at Epsom – including co-curricular, pastoral, and boarding house activities. And the benefit is mutual. Epsom’s community is enriched by the contributions of the SpringBoard students, who then share their valuable experiences with their previous schools when they return to visit.
Bursaries: More Than Just Financial Support
Epsom’s Head, Mark Lascelles, is “determined that any full bursaries awarded, find their way to the families who need it the most and where the opportunity is genuinely life changing,” This is where the partnership with RNCSF is so important, as the charity ensures they place a student in a school that best matches their character and interests, enabling them to thrive. The positive effects are not just felt by the student receiving the bursary – it is a shift that impacts their family, their school, and wider community – for example, broadening the horizons of pupils at their previous school.
At Epsom College, bursary recipients make their own decisions about whether they want their SpringBoard status to be widely known, or if they prefer to remain anonymous. Some choose to keep it private, while others are happy to share their experiences. Regardless, the goal is to provide the young person with an outstanding education, along with an incredible breadth of co-curricular opportunities.
While financial support makes this possible, it is the character and drive of the SpringBoarders themselves that truly make the programme a success.
A Culture of Inclusion and Character Development
Epsom College welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. Inclusivity and respect are actively encouraged at Epsom, reflecting the College’s core values of kindness, ambition, and integrity. An important part of pupil wellbeing is the development of good character – not just trying to maximise pupils’ exam performance. This aligns very much with the RNCSF’s aims for SpringBoard students.
Each year, RNCSF brings together staff from its wide network of more than 200 schools to share experiences and best practice. The charity’s most recent annual Schools’ Day, hosted by Epsom College, included a session run by Head of Sixth Form, Nick Russell, and his team. “What I love about the SpringBoard programme is that it’s fundamentally about relationships – bringing people together from all backgrounds, to help teenagers become their best selves.” says Nick. He notes its connection to Epsom’s historic benevolent past: “Our relationship with RNCSF and these brilliant young people is very much a two-way process – a partnership of equals.” SpringBoarders have made a profound impact on the Epsom community. “They have been fantastic – bringing energy, imagination, wit, and intelligence,” Nick reflects, “we hope to have served them well, but there’s no doubt we are a much better school for their presence.”
Last year’s annual Schools’ Day – hosted at Epsom College
Looking ahead, Mark Lascelles hopes to expand bursary opportunities to support more children, through a mix of both boarding and potentially day placements. However, the feasibility of this depends on the generosity of donations to bursary funding.
Kioni: A Roller Coaster of a Journey
Kioni Wynter attended Epsom College as a SpringBoarder from 2017 to 2019, after completing her GCSEs at Park View School near Tottenham. The SpringBoard bursary provided experiences she never would have thought of, such as sharing her room with a girl from Malaysia, who would soon become a great friend, and lead to Kioni flying to Malaysia to visit her in the future.
During her time at the College, Kioni threw herself into school life: serving as head student of her boarding house, taking part in networking events, and managing backstage operations for drama productions. A highlight was inviting the Ambassador of Estonia to dinner, an experience that allowed Kioni to engage in discussions with a senior politician – an opportunity she never imagined before.
One of the most profound impacts of her time at Epsom was the confidence she gained. Kioni comments, “I no longer have imposter syndrome and walk into a room feeling that I have as much right to be there as any other adult.”
Kioni after climbing the 272 steps at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The differences between her previous school and Epsom were striking. Kioni shares, “At Park View, textbooks were in short supply and shared among students, whereas at Epsom, I received my own anthology set from Mr Russell, which I could annotate and make my own. I’ve kept it as a memento of my time at the College and it reminds me of the academic opportunities I experienced.”
Boarding was a new and sometimes challenging experience; however, it became one of the most rewarding aspects of her time at Epsom. Living alongside students from diverse backgrounds fostered deep connections and a keen sense of community. She built lifelong friendships with peers from around the world, something she had never envisioned before. Boarding also eased her transition to university life, making the move to halls feel more natural and familiar.
A pivotal moment in Kioni’s journey came at an Epsom alumni event, where she was introduced to Law as a career choice. Inspired by the possibilities, she pursued a degree in Law at the University of Edinburgh and is now completing her master’s degree at the University of Law in Moorgate. With those skills and her thirst for knowledge, she is volunteering at legal clinics in Camden. Her next ambition is to qualify as a solicitor by obtaining her SQE.
Reflecting on her journey, Kioni describes it as “a rollercoaster” – full of challenges, excitement, and life-changing opportunities. Through Epsom College, she gained more than just an education; she found the confidence, connections, and direction that continues to shape her future.
Liviu: Taking to the Skies
Liviu Stanciu joined Epsom’s Sixth Form as a SpringBoarder in 2021, after attending Kelmscott School in Walthamstow. Like Kioni, his story is a testament to how transformative the SpringBoard programme can be.
Q: How did the SpringBoard programme benefit you?
Liviu: Attending a private boarding school was transformative, breaking economic barriers and providing opportunities I never imagined. The academic support, especially one-on-one teacher sessions, boosted my confidence and helped me to excel.
Beyond academics, boarding school exposed me to a completely different way of life – living away from home taught me independence and resilience. Having lived in Romania as a child, before moving to the UK in search of better opportunities, I was already accustomed to cultural shifts. Growing up in East London, a vibrant and diverse community, I was shocked by the stark contrast of boarding school. But rather than feeling out of place, I embraced the opportunity to share my experiences. Coming from a disadvantaged background, I was able to show my peers that hard work and determination can break down any barrier – that success is not dictated by where you come from, but by the effort you put in.
Q: What did you enjoy most?
Liviu: The co-curricular activities were incredible. I joined the CCF RAF section, driven by my love of aviation, became an NCO and eventually flew a plane – an unforgettable experience!
I also embraced leadership roles. As Vice President of the African, Caribbean, and Allies Society, I gave talks on the importance of minority groups and delivered speeches in Chapel – something I never thought I would have the confidence to do. Becoming a prefect and representing my House, performing at school events, trying out new sports, and singing in the Choral Competition were all experiences I once never considered, but shaped me hugely. More than anything, I take the greatest pride in my character growth – becoming someone who is willing to step up, speak out, and accept challenges head-on.
Q: What are your overall thoughts on the programme?
Liviu: The support I received from RNCSF, my peers and teachers were invaluable – they consistently looked out for me, ensuring I thrived both academically and personally. This programme is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious young people who have the drive to succeed but lack the resources to do so. Coming from a working-class background, raised by a single mother, I deeply understood the value of hard work and perseverance. I always looked up to my mother as a source of strength, and through this programme, I was able to not only make her proud but also give back in a way that felt meaningful.
Q: How has it impacted your future?
Liviu: My proudest achievement at Epsom was my personal growth. When I first joined in Lower Sixth, everything was completely new – I was stepping into an unfamiliar environment with people from different backgrounds. In fact, before joining, I did not even know boarding schools existed!
Living away from my parents and sharing a House with a group of boys forced me to mature quickly. The experience prepared me for university life, helping me adapt to independence and structure. Without it, the transition to university would have been much harder. The experiences I gained at Epsom didn’t just prepare me academically – they helped shape the person I am today.
Q: What is next for you?
Liviu: I am in my second year at the University of Nottingham, studying Geography with Business. My aim is to work in aviation management or marketing. Financial challenges persist, but I refuse to let that hinder my education. Epsom taught me resilience and the importance of embracing who I am. Looking ahead, I know I want a career that allows me to connect with people and engage with innovative ideas.
Q: Any final advice?
Liviu: This journey was not easy – I struggled with imposter syndrome and questioning whether I belonged. It took time for me to adapt. But to anyone on this programme: never be ashamed. You have earned your place, and you deserve to be there. Embrace the fact that you are on a bursary! Reminding myself of that is what kept my head high, and I hope it does the same for others walking a similar path.
Liviu would be happy to correspond with anyone about his experience as a SpringBoarder – whether they are pupils, staff, parents, current SpringBoarders, or donors. He can be contacted via his LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liviu-stanciu-78846b305/.
Raising Aspirations at Kelmscott School
Liviu previously studied at Kelmscott School, in Walthamstow, which has a strong, six-year partnership with RNCSF, benefitting 23 students to date who have attended boarding schools across the UK, with more set to join next year. The school’s Assistant Head of Year 11, Amy Ridler, highlights the programme’s growing popularity, stating, “despite the highly competitive selection process, its proven impact continues to drive increasing interest.”
Assistant Head of Year 11 – Amy Ridler
Supporting Pupils and Their Families
Transitioning to a boarding school such as Epsom College represents a major change. New challenges include adapting to unfamiliar routines, making new friends, and engaging with peers from a range of backgrounds.
Kelmscott School plays a key role in helping families navigate the process. Many parents are unfamiliar with bursaries, and teachers like Lucy Dalton, Deputy Headteacher, who has worked with RNCSF for many years, provide direct support – helping with uniform purchases, attending school visits, and staying in close contact with pupils (and their families) after they start at Epsom.
“The benefits are undeniable,” says Lucy. “Pupils gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and thrive in their new environments.” One former pupil even used her newfound confidence and skills to present a case to her local council, successfully securing permanent housing for her family. Many past pupils choose to return to their communities to give back, creating a powerful cycle of positive change, which RNCSF refers to as “the ripple effect”.
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Bursaries changes lives – not just for the pupils who receive them, but for their families, their schools, and their communities. Our programmes prove that with the right support, young people can achieve incredible things, no matter where they come from.
If this story has inspired you and you would like to help transform a young person’s future, please contact Epsom College’s Director of Development, Helen Tranter, in confidence at helen.tranter@epsomcollege.org.uk or call 01372 821290. More information on supporting a bursary can be found on the Epsom College website here. The Head and whole Epsom community is very grateful for any support and donations.
To read more about the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF), click here.
Written by Lindsey Steedman, Communications Manager
