When my parents immigrated to the UK amidst a period of civil war in Sri Lanka, their priority was to ensure my brother and I received a first-rate education. After visiting Princethorpe College for the first time back in 2013, my parents were overjoyed that my brother and I were fortunate enough to receive a bursary which significantly discounted the school’s fees.

Thanks to the bursary, an education that was considered unattainable by most in our position became a reality.

With each day I spent at Princethorpe, I soon realised that it was necessary for me to make the most of what I had received. It revealed to me opportunities that I otherwise would not have had.

After being selected as Head of School, I felt a duty to repay the College by contributing to the betterment of school life and improving students’ access to facilities and resources. My term in office with Freya Mills was incredibly rewarding, and I was supported by a wonderful group of prefects with whom I built genuine connections. My favourite moment was fulfilling the school’s tradition of the 12 Days of Christmas with a special College twist!

In Sixth Form, I felt incredibly fortunate to have a range of resources to help with my university application. Naturally, it is an incredibly difficult time for students, having to balance academic attainment, extracurriculars, writing a personal statement and still enjoying a social life! The bursary was incredibly helpful in relieving perhaps the most worrying burden of all: financial stress.

With the help of Sixth Form staff, I was elated to hear that I had received an offer to read Law at the University of Bristol. When I received the Jubilee Shield at last year’s Prizegiving ceremony, I felt flooded with pride and gratitude for the unwavering support I received at Princethorpe, all made possible thanks to the bursary award.

I am now in my penultimate year of university after achieving a first-class in my first year – with much credit owed to the essay writing techniques taught to me by Mrs Hester! As I begin to apply for internships and graduate schemes, I continue to bear in mind the immense support I received at Princethorpe, and the ways in which the college shaped me into who I am today. For me and many others, the bursary unlocked an exceptional set of teaching staff, first-rate learning resources and an environment in which I could thrive and have fun.

Now, as an Old Princethorpian, I am part of the Friendly Faces scheme and have just welcomed an Upper Sixth Leaver into Bristol. Life at Princethorpe doesn’t end after Year 13 – you continue to foster strong relations with the College into adulthood.

My story is just one of countless other students across the UK. Unfortunately, many remain unable to access the education they deserve because of circumstances outside of their control. The bursary at Princethorpe helped my brother on his path to becoming a doctor, and myself a lawyer. With your support, the bursary fund can continue to shape the lives of our future doctors, lawyers, engineers, musicians, artists, teachers, civil servants and others contributing to our society.

I feel immense pride to be an Old Princethorpian, because of the values that the college has always honoured: the spirit of giving and supporting those who need it. I understand that donating is not always an easy ask, but that’s why I urge you to chip in whatever amount you are able to. Just £10 a month, the price of a sandwich and coffee, can go a long way for other students like me awaiting a place at Princethorpe, but who are restricted by financial barriers.

Thank you for reading and I hope you are able to support this worthy cause.

Pratheesh.