News16th July 2025

Ark students delighted to be offered bursaries worth over £870k

Fifty-four students from across Ark school sixth forms are thrilled to have been offered life-changing bursaries worth more than £870,000 to allow them to continue their studies at university.  

The Ark bursary programme was founded in 2014, to help us achieve our mission to close the attainment gap and ensure that young people’s career potential is determined by their passions and talent – not their financial circumstances.

Bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, contribute to their school and community and have a financial need. The transformative programme has helped over 600 students from across the country to access higher education, which would not otherwise have been possible.

We are very grateful to our generous donors Marshall Wace, The Reuben Foundation, Urbanest, and a private donor for their invaluable support.

Our new bursary recipients celebrated their success at a special event hosted by Marshall Wace at their headquarters in central London. The event gave them an opportunity to practice networking, make professional contacts and connect with their peers from other Ark schools.

Sarah Taunton, Ark’s Head of Destinations, said: “The bursaries will genuinely be life-changing for these Ark students, and we are so thankful to our partners for their continuing support. Their generosity has already helped hundreds of young people follow their aspirations and fulfil their potential. I wish all our students the best of luck with their results.”

Rageh Warsame from Ark Burlington Danes Academy is hoping to read Medicine at Imperial College, London. She said, “The Ark Bursary will give me the opportunity to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

“Ark has transformed my time as a student, academically and socially, and being a recipient of the Ark Bursary is a privilege that will provide support to my first-generation parents, reduce financial pressures on them and myself – and ultimately give me the path for my success.”

Can you help support Ark students to access university?  

We’d love to hear from you if you or your organisation would like to know more about offering bursaries to exceptional Ark students. Please contact our team at fundraising@arkonline.org