School Bursary Fund
School Bursary Fund
Every year, thousands of children and young people come to SU Scotland's three outdoor centres – Lendrick Muir, Alltnacriche and Gowanbank - for a school residential. Residential experiences help young people develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills. They strengthen friendships, encourage teamwork and provide opportunities to succeed in ways that are often not possible in the classroom. And for many, it is one of the most significant experiences of their school years.
For an increasing number of families, however, financial hardship places these opportunities out of reach. The School Residential Bursary Fund exists to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial barriers.
"The School Bursary Fund helped so many of our families who would not have been able to meet the full cost of this experience." – Teacher, Alltnacriche residential
Growing Need, Growing Impact
Demand for bursary support has increased significantly in recent years. The number of pupils supported through the fund has more than doubled, while annual bursary payments have risen from under £16,000 in 2022/23 to approximately £40,000 in 2026.
The number of schools from Scotland's most deprived communities (SIMD 1 and 2) attending our centres has increased from 12 schools in 2022/23 to 35 schools in 2025/26.
For the children who benefit, the impact extends far beyond a few days away from school. Residential experiences help young people build confidence, resilience, relationships and aspirations.
On speaking about experiences made possible by the School Bursary Fund, School Staff have said,
“This made a huge impact on the two pupils who benefitted from the bursary. They both have significant ASN and one of them was at jeopardy of not being able to attend due to financial hardship. One of the pupils was not attending school prior to the trip and since being at Gowanbank has been attending school regularly. The other pupil has spoken non-stop about her experiences and we have been able to link work we are doing in school with her to her successes at Gowanbank”. – Teacher, visit to Gowanbank.
“The benefits our pupils gain from their experiences at Alltnacriche are immense. Many do not go on holiday or go out of the local area; for them to experience the beauty of the natural world in a challenging yet hugely supportive environment, enables them to develop their awareness of the world, to develop independence, to work co-operatively with others and to know that they have the resilience and strength to cope with unfamiliar experiences. These, in turn, impact on their approach to working with each other in the rest of their Primary 7 year, and we hope that they also build inner-resources which will benefit them in years to come”. – Teacher, visit to Alltnacriche.
Just as importantly, the bursary fund removes the stigma that can come from being unable to participate when classmates can. Every bursary awarded helps ensure that a child is included, valued and able to share in an experience alongside their peers.
Based on current demand, SU Scotland requires approximately £40,000 each year to sustain the School Residential Bursary Fund.
Every bursary awarded represents a child included rather than excluded, a family supported rather than burdened, and a young person given access to an experience that can shape their confidence, wellbeing, relationships and future aspirations.
By partnering with SU Scotland, you will help ensure that children and young people across Scotland, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access life-changing residential experiences and encounter Christian faith in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.
Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind because of financial hardship.
Spreading the word
We would greatly appreciate you letting others know about the School Bursary Funds and the current needs. Please use the resources to make an appeal through your social media channels, a church newsletter or a friendship group.
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