Transformational Bursaries

Rendys joined CLS in First Form.

How did you find out about CLS and the bursary scheme?

Since I was doing very well in primary school, my mum was looking for academic schools in London. Then she found out about CLS and their bursary programme, explaining that students with low income are still able to get a place at the school.

What made you choose CLS over any other schools you were considering?

I was very impressed by CLS and the students as the open day showed a school full of kind and helpful individuals creating a genuine sense of belonging. Every question I had was answered and every detail of the school was explained. I was blown away by the range of sports on offer, including tennis, water polo, and football – all sports that I have enjoyed since a young age. The choice of studying Russian was a huge advantage to the school which made it really stand out as I had always wanted to learn the language. Furthermore, my passion for drama was also supported after having seen the remarkable school theatre and pictures of the past school productions. The cherry on top was the quick and easy journey for me by train, making CLS the perfect choice for me.

How have you found fitting in at CLS?

For me, fitting into CLS was a very smooth transition. Although navigating the school at first may seem quite difficult, it quickly became effortless, thanks to the support from older students who helped to guide me through the corridors. Finding friends was a breeze: whether it was through clubs and societies or sports, I swiftly found my place at CLS with plenty of friends along the way.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a pupil joining the school?

I strongly encourage new pupils to participate in lots of extracurricular activities, as they make your days at CLS even more fun and interesting, and allow you socialise with other students across the school.

Aarush joined CLS in First form

How did you find out about CLS and the bursary scheme?

The way my parents found out about the bursary scheme was via my primary school – they had never really thought about anything to do with private schools or even grammar schools, and so all of the information we got was quite novel and confusing, though the school helped to guide us through applying for a bursary very helpfully. My Primary school has a partnership with a livery company, and many of the livery companies work very closely with CLS to help to fund part or all of many pupil’s bursaries. I and a few other pupils were invited to an open day, and then asked to try and give the entrance exam, after which I got an interview, and was finally accepted

What made you choose CLS over any other schools you were considering?

It was the only school I was considering! All of the other schools I had applied for were normal state-schools and so I was hoping that I would be able to get in to CLS, because I became enchanted with the school ever since I had visited on the open day, but My parents had to remind me to not be disappointed if I did not get in. Luckily, I did manage to get in, and my interview was actually with the head teacher, Mr Bird, which was quite a surprise.

How have you found fitting in at CLS?

CLS is the most accepting communities I have ever found myself in, and I never really had any trouble fitting in. Everyone really is friendly, and there is a lot to do in your lunches and after school (especially when you have much more free-time in the younger years). All of the teachers are really engaged with their subjects, and so it is very easy to explore all of the different subjects available and fall in love with a few that you will really enjoy.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a pupil joining the school?

Make sure to explore as much as you can both inside and outside of your lessons – go to as many clubs as you can handle, and make your own if you cannot find one that fills a particular niche for you. If you find something interesting in one of your lessons, go and look into it further, try to understand how a scientific process works or what the context behind a particular quote was – go to the relevant club for the subject if there is one! There is no one type of pupil at CLS, and so there is no need to worry about ‘fitting in’ – everyone is different and that is celebrated.

Ayman joined CLS in Sixth Form

How did you find out about CLS and the bursary scheme?

My parents told me about CLS, and upon further research, I realised how fascinating and generous this school was. The bursary scheme helps almost 100 people at CLS coming from less privileged backgrounds but are allowed to shine in a wonderful school.

What made you choose CLS over any other schools you were considering?

CLS has numerous clubs and extracurricular opportunities – more than any other school I know of. This school is unique because of its wide range of activities to select from, such as iGEM (Biology competition to do with Synthetic Biology), Debating Club, Filmmaking society, Chemistry Society, CCF and even a VR Club. There is a club for everyone, so no one feels left out. At the open day, I was particularly struck by the teachers’ genuine passion for teaching, reflecting the academic nature of this school, making learning fun. It immediately told me that I would thrive in such an environment.

How have you found fitting in at CLS?

Whilst the first week can feel like you are in a maze, the teachers and pupils are so helpful, where you can ask anyone questions, and you will get the desired response. The pupils in this school not only know what kindness is but embody the school’s strategic vision – to be Kind, Aware and Ready. From the first week, I was bombarded with a several number of opportunities, and many think as a new pupil you may be left out. This was simply not the case. My role as Secretary in the Charity Committee has enabled me to connect with people and represent the school’s strategic vision in a meaningful way.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a pupil joining the school?

Do not be afraid to ask questions – going to a new school can be daunting, but not at CLS – everyone is welcome, where everyone is kind, and will give you the support you need to thrive in this amazing school.

Yasin joined CLS in Year 7

How did you find out about CLS and the bursary scheme? 

I think my mum heard about it from a friend

What made you choose CLS over any other schools you were considering?

The fact that CLS was much more diverse and had pupils from a wide range of different backgrounds and cultures was especially important for me, as I felt a powerful sense of inclusivity at the school. But I also appreciated the vast number of extracurricular activities offered and the school’s location was definitely an added bonus.

How have you found fitting in at CLS? 

I found the transition to CLS seamless as not only are all the pupils and staff very welcoming and kind, but through playing sports and joining societies I was able to quickly make friends, from lots of different year groups, who shared similar interests.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a pupil joining the school? 

Don’t be scared to try new things and try join as many clubs and societies as possible, it’s a really easy way to make new friends and find new passions.