“A school where I felt so at home.”

A bursary made Princethorpe possible for Katie Smith, Class of 2012. The experience gave her academic confidence, a caring community and the foundations for a career in finance.

“Without the bursary, I wouldn’t have had the chance to attend a school where I felt so at home.”

Read Katie's story Help shape a future

Katie Smith Old Princethorpian and former bursary recipient

Class of 2012 Academic confidence, kindness and lasting belonging

Now Financial Controller in the electrical sector

The difference A bursary opened the door to opportunity and achievement

Katie Smith Class of 2012

The chance to belong and achieve

Without the bursary, I wouldn’t have had the chance to attend a school where I felt so at home.

I hugely enjoyed my time at Princethorpe, and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to go there thanks to the bursary fund. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the chance to attend a school where I felt so at home.

I was really supported academically and ended up achieving much higher grades in my GCSEs and A Levels than I had previously expected. I also benefited greatly from being part of such a caring community and a school that stressed the importance of kindness. This is something I will always remember.

“Without the bursary, I wouldn’t have had the chance to attend a school where I felt so at home.”

After Sixth Form, I went on to the University of Warwick to study Biological Sciences.

I enjoyed the subject, but once I graduated I became interested in the idea of a career in finance. When I saw there was a vacancy at Princethorpe College for a Finance Assistant, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain experience in the field and become part of the Princethorpe family again.

During my time back at Princethorpe, I completed all levels of the AAT accountancy qualification. I have recently started a new role as Financial Controller at an electrical buying group, which has been an exciting new challenge that I’m really enjoying.

I believe attending Princethorpe College shaped the person I am today, and I would have missed out on so many positive experiences and successes if it were not for the bursary I received.

Help create the next opportunity

What Katie's story shows

Opportunity can build confidence that lasts.

Financial support made Katie's place possible. The care, challenge and kindness she experienced continued to shape her education, career and sense of what matters.

Access

A bursary made a Princethorpe education possible when it would otherwise have been beyond reach.

Achievement

Academic support helped Katie exceed her own expectations at GCSE and A Level.

Belonging

A caring community and emphasis on kindness gave her a place where she felt at home.

Future

The confidence and opportunities she gained helped shape further study and a successful career in finance.

Part of the 60 Futures Appeal

One story. One opportunity. A lasting difference.

Katie's story is one example of what bursary support can make possible. During Princethorpe's Diamond Jubilee year, the 60 Futures Appeal is bringing the community together to help more pupils access, remain at and flourish at the College.

Discover the 60 Futures Appeal Make a Jubilee gift

Support the next Princethorpian

Help another story begin.

Katie's story began with a bursary opening a door that would otherwise have remained closed. Your Jubilee gift can help extend that opportunity to another pupil and another family.

Support the 60 Futures Appeal Talk to the Development Office

Help shape a future