Bursaries from the Helena Kennedy Foundation to help learners to progress to higher education

At NCFE our core purpose is to promote and advance learning, helping to shape a fairer and more inclusive society. This is just one of the reasons that we’re proud to be one of the several organisations supporting the Helena Kennedy Foundation to offer bursaries to learners to help with their education. 

Over the past 25 years, the Helena Kennedy Foundation has supported over 2,000 learners to progress from further education to higher education through their bursary scheme. 

Applications for the bursaries are open now and are worth up to £2,250. They’re open to further education learners who may be experiencing financial hardship or are facing barriers to continuing their education. Details on who can apply can be found on this webpage.  

As well as receiving financial support, selected learners will have direct mentoring or coaching through the Helena Kennedy Foundation. This personal and practical support, as well as careers guidance or opportunities, will support the transition into higher education, enhance the student’s experience at university and improve their chances of employment after graduation. 

To find out more about the bursaries, watch a video from Shahida Aslam, Director of Operations at the Helena Kennedy Foundation, explaining more:  

Feeling inspired? Read on to discover how the bursary supported some of the 2021 winners.

Christina Butt

Christina, a Biochemistry student at the University of Edinburgh who attended Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College, said: “The foundation helped me to develop my confidence in my academic studies, showing how I am not alone throughout my financial barriers”. 

Jenny Pearcy

Jenny, a Social Policy student at Edinburgh University, said: “Having the obstacles that I've overcome to reach the place I am today recognised by the foundation has been encouraging. When I'm feeling that I shouldn't be at university, I'm unworthy or it's not a place for people like me, I remember that I have gone through difficult times and survived. I'm working towards a future where my family and I will be in a better place to thrive”.

Joseph Sesay

Joseph, a Mental Health Nursing student at Kings College London who previously attended Capital City College Group, said: “Without the Helena Kennedy Foundation, my dream would have remained a dream. Now I am living that dream”.

Kelly Okunorobo

Kelly, a Politics and Sociology with East European studies student at University College London who previously attended High Pavement Sixth Form College, said: “It feels lonely being at university sometimes, but the support from the foundation gave me that push to pull through”.

Leah Modeste

Leah, a Journalism and Media student at Kingston University who previously attended Kingston College, said: “Thank you to the Helena Kennedy Foundation for your ongoing support for me during the year. It has not only been a motivational push, but it has also reduced the financial stress I face as an independent student just to study”.

Max Findlater

Max, an Ancient History student at the University of Edinburgh who previously attended Hills Road Sixth Form College, said: “The bursary hasn't just offered me financial security, but has opened a world of possibilities which I look forward to experiencing throughout my time at university”.

Oliwia Kwiatkowska

Oliwia, a Psychology student at Queen Mary’s, University of London, said: “Helena Kennedy Foundation is a great organisation which allows people to have so many more opportunities available to them that they otherwise might not have. They’re great supporters and lovely people and I will always be grateful for this opportunity”.

If you know a student who could benefit from this bursary, visit the Helena Kennedy Foundation website for more information.