The 1590 Bursary Fund was officially launched with the inauguration of the 1590 Society, as former generations pledged their support for future generations of pupils at QEH.

A dinner earlier this week, held in the Head’s office, marked the beginning of efforts to provide a QEH education to pupils regardless of their background through means-tested bursaries. While we are currently supporting 10% of pupils with financial aid, the fund aims to reach 15% by 2026 and eventually 25%.

QEH, rooted in John Carr’s philanthropy, relies on community generosity to fulfil its mission. The 1590 Bursary Fund invites contributions of any size from £15.90 to £159,000, emphasising collective efforts to widen access to education. Supporters who make transformative donations are recognised by the 1590 Society. 

Founding donor and OE, Ian Filby (1971 - 1977) commented, “As a founding donor of The 1590 Society I strongly believe in the power of education to transform lives. By investing in bursaries, we are able to provide opportunities for pupils to thrive and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

A parent of a current QEH bursary recipient has said, “My son was granted a 100% bursary and for that I am forever grateful. I cannot thank QEH enough for the opportunities that my son has had. He has become such a mature, polite, and happy boy. Even in the pandemic, he didn’t miss out on anything in the curriculum due to the high standard of online learning that other schools did not have. He has had so many opportunities at QEH including extracurricular opportunities that he wouldn’t have ever been able to experience without the support of a bursary. It has been outstanding.”

If you are able to and would like to support our 1590 Bursary Fund, please do get in touch with Michelle Hazell, Director for Development, by emailing mhazell@qehbristol.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can find out more on our Support Us page and give back online: https://qehelizabethansociety.com/supportus