Bursaries

Thanks to our generous partners and donors, we can offer a range of financial bursaries. These bursaries enrich our students’ learning and allow them to carry on studying after sixth form. For Year 13 leavers going onto higher education, we offer bursaries ranging from £3,000 to £50,000 to help with the financial costs of university life.

Aurum  

Aurum is a hedge fund investment specialist. In 2021 Aurum sponsored two students. The bursaries include tuition fees, £22,500 for living costs, work experience and mentorship throughout the student’s degrees.  

“Thanks to the bursary I’ve been stress free in the financial sense and have been able to focus solely on my education and social life as opposed to having to work or worry about funds.”  

The Reuben Foundation 

Formed in 2002, the foundation is a charitable arm of the Reuben Brothers, and is committed to the betterment of society in the UK and around the globe, through focused charitable giving in the areas of education, health and the community. The bursary includes £22,500 for student’s living costs.  

“I want to express my gratitude for the support throughout my time at university, which I have greatly appreciated and has made a big difference to my university experience. Coming from a background where neither of my parents have been to university and from an area where progression onto higher education is low, I am extremely grateful for the chance to go to university to study medicine and for the role the bursary has played in that.” 

Marshall Wace  

A global alternative investment management company. With offices in London, New York and Hong Kong, they are committed to achieving positive social and environmental impact. The Ark bursaries are just one way in which they contribute to society through charitable and support initiatives. Each year Marshall Wace support 40 students with bursaries ranging from £3000-£9000.  

“I’d like to give a massive thank you to all the donors because without you, nothing over the past three years would’ve been possible and none of the goals that I have set myself for the new year and the years to come would be possible.” 

Urbanest  

Student accommodation provider based in London. The state-of-the-art buildings offer safety and security with flexible work spaces and a wide range of facilities. With locations in; Aldgate, Vauxhall, Hoxton, Kings Cross, Westminster, Tower Bridge, St Pancras and Victoria. Each year Urbanest supports 5 students, providing them with student accommodation in one of their sites and a £5,400 bursary.  

“I could not have come to this point without the persistent support I have received, something for which I will always be grateful” 

Spencer Steadman Trust  

The Spencer Steadman Trust was established in the memory of Spencer Steadman and its charitable purpose reflects Spencer’s own strong belief in the importance of education and equality of opportunity for all. In 2022 the Spencer Steadman Trust will support 3 students with bursaries of £15,000 and additional careers support.

Umar, a former Ark St Alban's Academy student and Marshall Wace Scholar, studied BEng Mechanical Engineering degree at Aston University. He graduated in Summer 2020 with a 1st class degree and has started his teacher training with ATT at Ark Kings Academy. Umar will be teaching Maths. 

Advice that Umar would give a student currently studying would be "When picking A-Level/BTEC subjects ensure you are passionate about the subject and be mindful of future career goals" 

The biggest lesson Umar learnt when he was in school was "Sometimes it's okay not to know what you want to do in the future so long as you keep exploring your options." 

I, again, thank you for being given the Marshall Wace bursary as it has helped a great deal with me getting involved at university as well as outside university without letting costs become a huge factor in holding me back. I hope to continue to put the bursary to good use throughout the summer as I seek out possible placements or volunteer camps abroad.

Zareen, a former Ark Globe Academy student and Reuben Scholar, graduated in Summer 2020 from Cambridge University with a degree in Human and Political Sciences. Zareen was the first Ark Globe student to attend an Oxbridge University.  

After graduating Zareen began an internship with the Ark Ventures Team as a ventures analyst. Throughout university Zareen pioneered movements to promote equality for people from various walks of life. She was the first president of 'FUSE' a society for black and ethnic minority LGBTQ+ students.  

The bursary has meant that I could spend my holidays working on developing my writing skills for better grades, rather than working a substantial number of hours at a temp job to support myself. As the first person from my school to h​ave gotten into Oxbridge, I am keen to return with the news that I have excelled academically and to inspire future generations that Oxbridge is possible. The scholarship has been instrumental in my journey to achieving this goal.