Ensuring that talented and academically gifted girls from all backgrounds have access to education at Notting Hill & Ealing High School is integral to the school’s vision and ethos. Our students, staff, current and former parents and alumnae represent all backgrounds and reflect the culture and community of our school. We know bursaries change lives and benefit the whole school community. At NHEHS, we have a long history of providing bursary awards and our bursary pupils have contributed hugely to the diversity and endeavour of the school.

However, each year we turn away many talented applicants, currently we have around 6% of our students on bursary awards but our ambition is to do much more.

In 2023/4 we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary, such an important milestone feels like the right time to extend our bursary programme to anyone with the ability and potential, regardless of background of wealth.

Over the summer we will be sharing some stories from our alumnae and their families showing what a difference a bursary can make.

Here’s what it meant to Brenda, Class of 1978:

‘I was ecstatic when I discovered that I had been awarded a direct grant; it was life changing assistance. My home life was not very happy after my Father lost his eyesight; my parents would not let me read as they had a crazy belief that reading too much was the cause of my Father’s blindness. Sadly, even as a teenager, I had to view my education as a way to escape. There would have been no way my parents could have afforded private education. Without the assistance, my life would have been very different and probably not in a positive way. 

I had a wonderful experience at NHEHS. In the seventies we did not have the facilities that the girls have now but the teaching staff were dedicated to our education. Apart from a first class education, opportunities to join sports teams, choirs and orchestras, Notting Hill gave me confidence; made me successful. I swam for Southall swimming team, sang in a choir and played the violin (very badly). I really did throw myself into everything! One of my contemporaries said ‘Notting Hill doesn’t produce failures’ and I think she’s right!

On leaving Notting Hill, I attended the Chelsea School of Chiropody. I qualified in 1981 as a podiatrist and have practised ever since. I have had four children and educated them privately at secondary school age. I have worked in industry, private practice and for the NHS. My career has been very rewarding.

My message to a bursary student starting in September is this: take every opportunity that you are offered; join in as many extra curricular activities too; try not to feel intimidated by the girls who come from wealthy families but consider how wealthy you are now you are in receipt of a Bursary. The school must really want you to attend and you obviously have a talent, be it academic, sport or music. Well done!

To those of you who are considering giving: please donate. Your gifts, however large or small, will give a girl the best education and opportunity to aspire.’

Brenda Owen (nee Lewis), Class of 1978

If you would like to learn more about our Bursaries & Assistance Fund, read more on the GDST website. If you wish to donate, please click here. Thank you.