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 how an NHEHS bursary helped Noor.

‘Both my parents grew up in Pakistan and we lived, and still do, in Ealing. My parents have always considered good education and working hard to be important, so they stretched to sending my two older brothers and sister to independent schools. However, both my parents developed significant health issues which led to poor mobility, and they have been unemployed for eight years. Having no family income other than benefits, a private education was suddenly far beyond what they could give me. Family income is very tight, but my parents manage, and for some years I have done a tutoring job to help out. Covid was hugely stressful, particularly as my father is clinically vulnerable. My parents only once met the teachers or other parents which is a shame, but they are very proud of me and very grateful that I have been able to come here.

After primary school, I went to a state senior school, but was keen to attend an independent school for sixth form. My parents let me choose which one to apply for and I came to NHEHS on a recommendation of a friend. As soon as I visited, despite the distance from where I was in Ealing, I knew it was where I wanted to go. Day One, I was really nervous; despite passing the tests, I didn’t not know what the standard would be and was worried if I’d measure up. I needn’t have worried, everyone made me feel so welcome and the atmosphere here is really friendly. It also helped that I soon met another transformational bursary student – I recognised her bag from an outreach programme I had also been part of. It didn’t mean we became best friends overnight, but it has definitely made a difference to know I am not the only one whose family circumstances are different. Being new into the sixth form when others had been together since they were five years old was also a concern for me but again it needn’t have been: some leave at the end of Year 11, others join; students are mixed up through the subjects in which they choose to specialise. I have made lots of friends here and very much feel like part of the Class of 2022.

The school has been brilliant throughout my two years here. As I have taken Sciences for A-levels, there haven’t been the extra cost of trips but whenever it has been tricky such as getting a Leavers’ hoodie, going to the Prom, travel to visit universities NHEHS has been generous in ensuring I don’t miss out for which I am so grateful.

Before I came to NHEHS my teachers were great but purely focused on getting us to pass our exams, to reach a certain level. Here, the teachers give you so much support; they really care. You are encouraged to go as far as you want to. Being at NHEHS has made me realise that there isn’t a limit on what I can achieve. My only regret is that I couldn’t have come here earlier so experienced more. I have been able to be ‘Chemistry Rep.’ – really enjoying helping the younger years but there are so many extra-curricular activities – Music, LAMDA – which I think I would have loved had I had the chance earlier. 

I have changed a lot here. My confidence and personality have grown and I have made lifelong friendships. I feel accepted and celebrated. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.’

Noor Ahmed, Class of 2022

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.