Winged Boots has initiated a new bursary scheme to support students attending independent boarding schools, driven by the company’s co-founders who were once bursary recipients themselves. This initiative underscores their commitment to giving back to the community.
The first beneficiary, a student from Marshalls Park Academy, will enrol at Brentwood School this September. The scheme aims to involve local businesses in funding bursaries for high-achieving students, promoting educational opportunities across socio-economic backgrounds.
Winged Boots’ New Bursary Initiative
Winged Boots has launched a groundbreaking bursary scheme aimed at supporting students to attend independent boarding schools. This initiative is spearheaded by the company’s co-founders, Daniel and David Ox, who have first-hand experience of the transformative power of such bursaries. Their own education at Brentwood School in Essex was made possible by a similar scheme, which significantly influenced their personal and professional lives. Now, through their success at Winged Boots, they aim to give back to the community.
The initiative has already selected its first beneficiary, a student from Marshalls Park Academy in Romford. This student will receive a full bursary to enrol at Brentwood School starting this September. The scheme is designed to enable local businesses to directly fund high-achieving students, providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
The 1622 Club: A Legacy of Merit-Based Education
Central to this initiative is the 1622 Club, named after the year Brentwood School’s statues were signed. The Club’s mission is to transform young lives by ensuring access to education based on individual merit, regardless of socio-economic background. David Ox reflects on the significance of this initiative, noting that attending Brentwood School was pivotal in building his self-confidence and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Attending Brentwood School changed mine and my brother’s lives for the better. It instilled in me the confidence and self-belief that allowed me to build my entrepreneurial career and ultimately start Winged Boots,” said David Ox. He further highlighted the personal significance of being able to support others now, particularly those from single-parent households similar to his own upbringing.
Corporate Partnership and Community Involvement
The bursary scheme represents a new corporate partnership between Winged Boots and Brentwood School. This partnership not only funds bursaries but also aims to engage other local businesses in similar charitable efforts. The goal is to create a ripple effect, where the support from one business inspires others to contribute to the 1622 Club.
Brentwood School’s development director, Samuel Mason, emphasized the transformative impact of bursaries. “Bursaries are transformative in so many ways. Not only do they broaden horizons for the recipients, as seen in David and Daniel’s case, but they also facilitate a socially diverse school environment which has undeniable wider benefits for all pupils,” Mason stated.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations
David and Daniel Ox’s journey from bursary recipients to successful entrepreneurs serves as a compelling testament to the value of this scheme. Their story underscores the profound impact that educational support can have on individuals and communities. The co-founders hope that by sharing their success, they can motivate other businesses to join the 1622 Club and fund additional bursaries.
The school is proud to report that currently, 10% of Brentwood’s senior pupils have been awarded bursaries. These bursaries contribute significantly to a diverse and inclusive school environment, enriching the educational experience for all students.
Mason concluded by expressing optimism for the future, stating, “We’re extremely grateful to Winged Boots for kickstarting the 1622 Corporate Partnership. We look forward to our partnership equipping even more students with the skills and experience they need to thrive.”
Daniel and David Ox: Giving Back to Their Roots
The personal journeys of Daniel and David Ox exemplify the essence of giving back. Growing up in a single-parent household, they understand the challenges faced by many students today. The bursary they received at Brentwood School was more than financial aid; it was a stepping stone to a brighter future.
“It’s an honour and privilege to give back to the school that shaped me into the man I am today,” said David Ox. This sentiment reinforces the importance of their initiative, which aims to offer similar opportunities to the next generation.
Broader Implications for the Community
The bursary scheme’s implications extend beyond individual beneficiaries. By supporting high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds, the initiative fosters a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity within the educational system. It also strengthens the ties between local businesses and educational institutions, promoting a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Samuel Mason articulated this vision, noting that the success of past recipients like David and Daniel Ox encourages a broader spectrum of contributions. The hope is that more students from underrepresented backgrounds will gain access to quality education, driving broader social and economic benefits for the community.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of the 1622 Club
The future of the 1622 Club looks promising, with plans to expand its reach and impact. Brentwood School aims to increase the number of bursaries awarded and involve more local businesses in this philanthropic initiative. This collective effort has the potential to create a more equitable education system, benefiting both students and the wider community.
The new bursary scheme by Winged Boots is a significant step towards creating educational opportunities for high-achieving students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. This initiative not only honours the founders’ legacy but also paves the way for future recipients to achieve their full potential.
Through the 1622 Club, Daniel and David Ox are setting a precedent for philanthropy within the local business community, encouraging a culture of giving back and fostering educational excellence. The impact of this scheme is poised to extend far beyond the classroom, benefiting the entire community.
