The Times: Royal Springboard scheme gives private school places to pupils in care

Dulwich College is one school using bursaries, plus local authority funding, to pay for the children’s fees and board

Children from troubled backgrounds will win places at prestigious private schools as part of a government-backed scheme aimed at transforming their life chances.

About £200,000 of public money is being given to a charity that helps match vulnerable children and those in care with top independent schools.

The Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation has previously arranged for children in care to be placed at boarding schools but day schools will now be included, allowing far more to benefit. It is the first time the government has contributed to the scheme.

Schools including Dulwich College, Harrow and Gordonstoun have used bursaries, plus funding from local authorities, to pay for the children’s fees and boarding places. This allows children to move from care placements to full boarding. More than 100 schools are involved across the UK.

Vicky Ford, the children’s minister, said the government would give £200,000 to Royal Springboard to help meet the costs of brokering places.

To read the full article (paywall): Royal Springboard scheme gives private school places to pupils in care