Support Us
Philanthropy is a long-standing and valued tradition at the Dragon
The first group of Dragon parents raised £2,000 (around in £200,000 in today’s money) to found the school, and donated a further £4,000 to facilitate the move to Bardwell Road in 1895. This extraordinary spirit of giving lives on, and consolidates the Dragon’s unique identity as an ambitious and inspiring place of learning with generosity at its heart.
All gifts are greatly valued, and we welcome donations of all sizes and frequencies. Our community’s generosity helps to secure our ambitious aims for students’ future and makes a real difference to the lives of our pupils.
If you’re able and inclined to contribute to our Transformational Bursary Programme to support the next generation of Dragons,
please email Frances Wheare on [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1865 315 415.
Ways of Giving
Transformational Bursary Programme
A bursary allows a child to discover their passions, achieve their potential and reach for the sun, whether they are from a background of privilege or not.
The Dragon launched its Transformational Bursary Programme over 20 years ago to coincide with its 125th anniversary. The first four children funded by the scheme joined in 2003 and, since then, over 100 pupils have benefitted from a life-changing Dragon education.
The Dragon funds up to five bursary places in each year group, with up to 25 children in total across the Prep school at any one time. Applying families must first submit a financial questionnaire, which is then approved through independent, external review. Once financial need is established, candidates are assessed for admission like any other Dragon. Many factors are considered and, ultimately, we accept children who can both positively contribute to and gain from the School, whether academically, in sport, the arts or through their disposition and personality.
A bursary to study at the Dragon acts as a springboard to further opportunities, and many of our bursary holders go on to achieve scholarships and means-tested support from their future schools. Students who receive bursaries come from a wide range of backgrounds and have many talents, representing the diverse community and unique character found here at the Dragon.
In these testimonials, current and former bursary pupils and their families share stories of their Dragon days, and why bursaries are truly transformational.
If you’re able and inclined to contribute to our Transformational Bursary Programme to support the next generation of Dragons,please email Hattie Partington-Smyth at [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1865 315 537
(Re)Discover the Dragon
Dates for your diary
From regular reunions to Dragon Drinks, Remembrance Sunday to the Dragon Sale, there are lots of opportunities to come back to Bardwell Road.
Keep Connected
Moved house? Changed Email? Update your details with us to keep connected with the Dragon.
Development Team
The Development Office exists to help our community stay connected to the School beyond their Dragon Days.