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Foundation Awards at Dean Close

Creating life-changing opportunities through education

Dean Close Foundation Awards are transformative, means-tested bursaries designed to enable talented young people to thrive within our vibrant, caring school community. Offering up to 100% support with school fees, these awards make a Dean Close education accessible to families who might otherwise find it out of reach.

Each year, we welcome pupils into Year 7, Year 9, and Sixth Form through the Foundation Awards programme — young people who bring character, ambition, and a spirit of contribution to school life.

For September 2026 entry

Please note that this is a means-tested bursary and there is specific criteria for the award. 

There is a selection process as part of the application and please do be in touch with foundationawards@deanclose.org.uk if you have any questions.

A Foundation Award for Sixth Form entry

  • For entry at Sixth Form
  • Application Deadline 24 October: For this, please apply via the Sixth Form Scholarship process page by 24 October 2025. Altogether, this involves completing two short Microsoft forms and one longer form (the Registration form).
  • Please complete 1. the Scholarship Form and 2. the Registration Form. Finally please complete 3. the short Foundation Award application towards the bottom of this page or by clicking here. 
  • Please note that the assessment process for this takes place on 11 November but some sport assessments may take place on a different day. 

Please note that current members of the Dean Close Foundation are also welcome to apply. 

 

Transforming Lives Since 2018

Since their launch in 2018, the Foundation Awards have made a profound difference. 

Download the Brochure

Learn more about the Foundation Awards and their impact by downloading the brochure below.

Download The Foundation Awards Brochure (PDF)

Up to 100% Fee Support

Offering up to 100% fee support based on financial need, these awards are available to children entering secondary education in Year 7 or at later entry points. They provide a unique opportunity to flourish through a Dean Close education — an opportunity that might not otherwise have been affordable.

We seek young people who will fully embrace the Dean Close experience, inspire others through their example, and contribute wholeheartedly to school life.

What We Look For

  • A real passion to make the most of the broad education Dean Close offers

  • Good academic ability and a keen interest in learning

  • Talents in an area of school life

  • Strong character and a positive, “can-do” spirit

  • A willingness to contribute to school life

  • The personal qualities to succeed in life beyond school

A Life Transformed

“Cai has been a shining example of everything the Foundation Award seeks to recognise… there is no doubt the opportunity has been truly transformational – not just for him, but for all those he has inspired along the way.”
— Mr Yamika Banda, Housemaster

Hear Cai talk about what a Foundation Award has meant to him.

 

Apply here