Widening Access to Independent Schools

Alleyn’s Head, Jane Lunnon, spoke on a Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) panel on 9 June about widening access to independent schools, building diversity in pupil bodies and how to effectively target bursary places for those most in need.

The panel discussion and Q&A was a chance to share and discuss the challenges and opportunities of widening access schemes, including the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, of which Alleyn’s became a partner school in February 2021. The Foundation, of which Mrs Lunnon is a trustee, is a pioneering project which seeks to encourage a growth in bursary places for children in and on the edge-of care in independent day and boarding schools.

On being part of the panel alongside Ali Henderson, CEO of the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation and Richard Backhouse, Principal of the Berkhamsted Schools Group and HMC Chair (designate), Jane Lunnon said:

“It was a complete privilege to be part of the HMC panel on widening access with outstanding leaders in that field. I was honoured to speak about our experience at Alleyn’s of increasing diversity and managing an ambitious bursary programme but I felt I learnt so much from the other panellists and indeed from the floor, not only about enabling and managing truly game-changing bursary experiences but also about the electrifying impact that bursary candidates have on our school communities. Illuminating and inspiring session. Thank you HMC.”

To find out more about Alleyn’s role in the Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation, visit our earlier news story on the project.