The Bursary Foundation is a social mobility charity that works with primary schools in disadvantaged areas to identify high potential pupils who we prepare for bursary funded places at leading independent schools.

After studying languages and child development at university, Jenny began teaching in inner City Manchester.

It became apparent that the high potential pupils she taught were unaware of opportunities available to them at nearby selective schools. She began mentoring some of them who were successful in securing bursaries at top independent schools and started The Bursary Foundation in 2018 so that she could help more children to realise their potential. Jenny’s favourite part of running the charity is meeting the young people it supports. She is mum to three children and a Governor at a primary school in Wythenshawe.

Having spent my working life in the charity and education sectors, I have always keenly felt the need to ‘give back’ to the city that I loved as a student. The Bursary Foundation exemplifies my belief that everyone deserves to access the best educational opportunities, and I am incredibly proud to work with such passionate colleagues and such bright, brilliant young people.

Natasha, born and raised in North-West London, was the first in her family to attend university, earning a BA in Sociology from the University of Nottingham.

Experiencing educational challenges firsthand inspired her to join the Teach First Graduate Scheme, where she taught Humanities in West London and earned her PGCE. With over a decade at Teach First building partnerships in disadvantaged communities, Natasha now leads The Bursary Foundation’s expansion in the South, committed to breaking down educational barriers for bright young students.

For over 25 years, I have worked as a primary school teacher in a variety of diverse settings.

This experience has fuelled my passion for ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I became a part of The Bursary Foundation to support these remarkable young people in accessing some of the top educational opportunities in the region. I currently balance my roles as a Year 6 class teacher and a tutor for The Bursary Foundation, both of which are incredibly rewarding.

I became a teacher partly because of my own very positive educational experience. With many years experience in both the state and private sectors I applied to work with the Bursary Foundation and share the knowledge and skills that I have used to help so many children gain places at excellent local secondary school. Raising awareness about opportunities is a large part of what we do and giving children the extra attention and confidence they need to succeed is where the difference is made.

As a qualified primary teacher, I have worked in various primary schools across the Northwest since 2004

I have also had roles alongside this including: Pupil premium Teacher, Visual Impairment Teacher, Inclusion Teacher, Nursery Practitioner and Speech and Language assistant.

I have a passion for supporting children and in particular those who are, for no fault of their own, disadvantaged.

I joined the Bursary Foundation in 2023, as I saw an opportunity to continue to do what I do best; for a wonderful charity, who provide support and educational opportunities for children to grow and develop and have high expectations of what pupils can achieve.