A revolutionary programme
The Arnold Foundation enables Rugby School to offer fully funded places to talented children with the most to gain from a boarding education.
When it was launched in 2003, the Foundation marked a significant step forward. Today, it is a source of deep pride and an intrinsic part of our ethos. More than 185 young people have already benefited from a Rugby School education through this programme, and every single one of those lives has been touched, expanded and fundamentally improved because of our donors.
Named in honour of Thomas Arnold, Rugby School’s most revered Head Master, the Foundation continues his legacy of widening access and placing the development of the whole person at the centre of education. It strengthens our commitment to broad access, enriches our community and deepens the positive impact we seek to make. With continued support, it will offer life‑changing opportunities to many more.
Life as an Arnold Foundation student
From the earliest conversations with families, the School takes time to understand each student’s story, circumstances and strengths, and to provide the support they may need throughout their time here.
At the start of their time at Rugby School, Arnold Foundation students are invited to attend an informal gathering hosted by the Head Master. Families meet one another and the Arnold Foundation team. The Head Master makes it clear that these students have earned their place and that the School is a better and richer community because they are part of it.
Throughout the year, the School remains in close contact with families, offering guidance on practical matters such as uniform and sports kit, as well as how students are settling socially and academically. Pastoral and academic teams work together to ensure each student feels safe, confident and well supported.
Every Arnold Foundation student has regular dedicated time to talk openly about their experience, progress and wellbeing. Each term, the students come together over supper to share experiences, reflect on achievements and support one another.
Hear from our students
The impact of the Arnold Foundation reaches far beyond the time a student spends at Rugby School. Students who join us through the Foundation consistently demonstrate raised aspirations, improved academic outcomes and a growing sense of confidence and independence. They take full advantage of the breadth of co‑curricular and sporting opportunities on offer and develop strong social and leadership skills. They leave Rugby prepared to thrive at leading universities across the world and to embark on substantial careers.
Their influence also extends across the school community, bringing fresh perspectives, resilience and ambition that enrich life at Rugby School. They contribute to a culture in which every student benefits from learning alongside peers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
This impact continues long after they leave our grounds. Former Foundation students often become powerful role models within their families and home communities. Their journeys demonstrate how opportunity, hard work and the right support can transform lives.
Arnold Foundation alumni stories
David Ejim-McCubbin (K 09-11)
"The Arnold Foundation's value is in supporting a child not just to achieve the best grades but to challenge themselves, to flourish as a person in whatever they want to do."
Greg Taylor (M 05-07)
"I became part of the second cohort of Arnold Foundation students, and from the moment I stepped onto the grounds of the School, I knew I was in for an unforgettable journey."
Emma Hardie (née East) (St 06-08)
"The Arnold Foundation is a fantastic programme. I was lucky that it recognised my interest in learning and gave me a home in which I felt safe and confident. I knew if I worked hard, there was no reason I couldn’t have a great future."
Mollie Winder (St 19-21)
"I felt very blessed to join a school with its own fully formed bursary programme. It felt ingrained within Rugby’s identity...Rugby changed me in a very positive way. I have been very lucky."
The impact of the Arnold Foundation
Our partners
Working with trusted partners has been central to the success of the Arnold Foundation. Our partners are the bridge that enables us to reach young people for whom boarding would otherwise feel a remote concept. As well as nominating students, they remain closely involved throughout the application process and continue to support students during holidays and at key transition points.
Arnold Foundation students at Rugby School often become role models within their communities. They share their experiences and help raise the aspirations of other young people and their families, reflecting our belief that the whole person is the whole point.
We welcome partnerships with educational charities and maintained schools in areas facing social exclusion and underachievement. We are a Royal National Children’s SpringBoard School and continue to have representation on the SpringBoard Board of Trustees.
Our other partnerships include IntoUniversity, the Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy, Hope Opportunity Trust in Chester and maintained sector schools such as Ysgol Dewi Sant in St David’s, Wales.
How to get involved
Join us at an Open Day
The best way to discover life at Rugby School is to experience it for yourself.
Join us at an Open Day, meet our students and teachers and get a sense of what makes Rugby School such a special place.
We look forward to welcoming you.