FAQs

What are the aims of the Prince Albert programme?

• The Prince Albert scholarship programme was established with a clear objective of widening access by offering fully funded places to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The programme is designed to give young people the life-changing education and opportunities which a Wellington education provides.
• This is not a one-way beneficial relationship, far from it, we know that the benefits to the whole Wellington Community (and beyond) are deeply enhanced and enriched with a student body that more accurately reflects the world in which they live and the world that they will enter when they leave.
• Inclusivity and diversity are central themes of our educational philosophy and underpins everything we do. Wellington has inspired and been inspired by the young people that have come here on a fully funded place.

Why the name Prince Albert?

Wellington College largely owes its existence to Prince Albert, who saw it as the opportunity to establish a new kind of school in England. He wanted to provide the children of deceased Army officers with the best possible education in modern, relevant subjects – one which would fit them for employment in all walks of life – all at a nominal fee. The Prince Albert programme continues the Prince’s commitment to helping disadvantaged children to access top-quality, innovative, life-changing education.


What are you looking for in a potential Prince Albert scholar?

A Prince Albert candidate would fulfil most of the following criteria:
a) be from a family with below national average household income.
b) not already be attending an independent or selective and/or outstanding state school with provision through Sixth Form.
c) able to demonstrate a certain level of academic potential – we do, however take into consideration the lower level of support and opportunities that candidates may have experienced up to the point of entry.
d) demonstrate a wish to broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations, improve their academic performance and improve their confidence and social skills.
e) have the maturity to see the ‘bigger picture’ - i.e. that they should do their best to make the most of the opportunity.
f) demonstrate self-awareness, self-control and seek help when needed.
g) have the capacity to be aware of others’ needs.
h) have the confidence to be able to enter into a different cultural and social environment.
i) to be open-minded and try new things, show empathy towards others and make new friends.
j) be motivated and determined to make the most out of the opportunities, face challenges and work hard.
k) be capable of becoming role models for their peers at Wellington and in their community.
l) to remain proud of their background.
m) be keen to champion issues that do not have enough prominence currently at Wellington.


What’s the admissions process for Prince Albert candidates?

The admissions process is run by the Admissions Office working closely with the Head of the Prince Albert programme. Consideration will be given for the lower educational opportunities and support that each applicant will have received compared to other applicants. The admissions process includes the following elements: 
• Attendance at assessment day including interviews, lessons, group discussions and exams. 
• References from Head Teacher of current/previous school. 
• Home visits conducted by key members of the College team. 
• Financial means test administered by Finance Office.

What does fully funded include?

a) Each child on the PAF programme is usually offered a fully funded place. 
b) Each child will have their ‘set up’ costs covered for example; uniform, sports kit and a laptop will be provided. 
c) We work closely with each student to develop a personalised co-curricular plan within a clear financial framework that will be directed at their particular interests that might include; LAMDA, music tuition, Duke of Edinburgh, etc. 
d) It is essential that our Prince Albert scholars are able to access the opportunities that are available in such a dynamic environment.


What kind of pastoral support is available?

a) The programme is overseen by the Head of the Prince Albert Foundation who is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of pastoral care for our scholars - this is achieved by working closely with House Masters/Mistresses and tutors. 
b) The programme has a particular focus on identifying children who are disadvantaged in some way; we therefore work proactively with educational charities, such as Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, who help identify children who would particularly benefit from a Wellington education and provide additional pastoral support during the year. 
c) All Prince Albert scholars and their families/carers receive an enhanced level of pastoral support before, during and after their time at the College. 
d) We track and support the progress of each Prince Albert student up until the age of 25 years old.

What’s the impact of the programme?

a) We are currently working with partners to establish a longitudinal study to assess the long-term outcomes of the programme. 
b) Over the last 8 years we have had 24 students through the programme. 
c) As at September 2020 we have 16 Prince Albert scholars studying at Wellington. d) In September 2020 we welcomed 11 new Prince Albert scholars 4 joining in 3rd Form (Year 9) 7 joining in Lower 6th (Year 12).

What does being a Prince Albert Ambassador involve?

Being a Prince Albert Ambassador can involve a vast range of things and involvement can be as big or as small as you would like it to be and include the following;

• Keeping well-informed and acting as advocates for the Prince Albert scholarship programme – by being given all the latest information and updates on the programme.
• Seek and collate feedback as well as feeding back own views and experience to Murray Lindo (Head of the Wellington Community) and Sarah Miller (Head of the Prince Albert programme) to help shape the programme.
• Act as a ‘Brains Trust/Think Tank to help in the creation ‘campaign’ ideas, communication
content and engagement plans.
• Being an ‘ear to the ground’ helping to pick up on misconceptions about the programme and correcting them when appropriate.
• Spreading the word informally; on the touchline, via WhatsApp to help in the wider understanding about the Prince Albert scholarship and help ingrain the programme in the language and culture. I.e. ‘it’s the way we do things round here’
• Attending workshops when we invite parents to discuss the programme.
• Setting up and hosting informal small parent gatherings to inform, share ideas, to again spread the word.
• Helping put on events; at some point we’d like to set up a bi-annual Prince Albert Ball and we’ll need a volunteer committee.
• Support the different fundraising events/initiatives.
• Feed into the development of the annual Welly Giving Week as well helping to deliver it.
• Hosting small info sharing and/or fundraising gatherings (when allowed).
• Offering PAF students and OWs mentorship and work experience.
• Attend Ambassador catch ups (currently via Zoom) at least twice a term.


What does the Community Office give the Ambassadors?

• Provide Ambassadors with up to date information and updates on scholars’ progress (anonymously)
• Provide links to new films and latest printed ‘promotional’ materials
• Update you on Prince Albert OWs next stage and reflections on the programme
• Provide amazing coffee at all meetings! (when we can meet).

Other than the Prince Albert fully funded programme what are the other types of fee-assistance (assisted places) offered at Wellington?

• Widening access to Wellington is at the heart of the Governors’ and Master’s vision for the future of the College. All financial aid in terms of fee reduction is therefore awarded via a means-testing procedure (details on our website and from the Bursar’s Office). 
• For children with specific talents whose families would not be able to afford the full Wellington fees, we try to provide means-tested fee assistance. 
• Eligibility for fee assistance is assessed – via means testing – at the time of an offer being made so that a family can accept the offer knowing that the required level of fee assistance is available. 
• An average year might see 20 pupils be admitted (at 13+ and 16+ entry only) with an average of award of around 50% fee assistance. Any family wishing to make an application for fee-assistance will be invited to apply as part of the broader admissions process. 
• Fee assisted places are not always linked to scholarships, but some are named, such as the Jimmy Higham Award (supporting a talented sportsman or sportswoman) and the Sir Anthony Seldon Arts Award (for talented performers, musicians and artists) and the Seb’s Foundation Award (for a talented rugby player from a disadvantaged background).

How do you make a donation to the Prince Albert Foundation programme?

To make a gift please complete the PAF donation form which can be found at wellycom.net/support-us/ or contact Murray Lindo, Head of the Wellington Community on +44 (0)1344 444023 or email msl@wellingtoncollege.org.uk. We welcome single gifts by bank transfer and cheque, as well as regular gifts by Direct Debit. We also welcome gifts of shares and property. If your employer offers matched giving this can be arranged too.


How will my gift to the PAF programme be recognised and will I be kept updated about the appeal?

All supporters will receive regular updates and will be invited to an annual drinks party hosted by the Master.


Can Wellington College claim Gift Aid on donations?

Yes, if you are a UK tax payer, giving to Wellington College with Gift Aid enables us to increase the value of your gift by up to 25%, at no additional cost to you. To make a Gift Aid donation, you must pay at least as much Income Tax and / or Capital Gains Tax as the amount of tax reclaimed by College. This is currently 25 pence for every pound donated. Higher-rate tax payers who make a donation through Gift Aid can claim some tax back.


Higher Rate Tax Payers and Gift Aid?

Donors paying higher rate tax can claim the difference between the higher rate of tax (40 and/or 45%) and the basic 20 % rate of tax on the total gross value of the donation. You can make this claim on your Self-Assessment tax return by completing the section on Gift Aid payments. Otherwise, details can be given on form P810 Tax Review.


I am interested in leaving a gift in my Will to Wellington College, how can I arrange that?

Supporting Wellington College with a gift or donation in your Will is a highly personal way of giving that has a lasting impact on future generations. You can choose to donate a specific sum, a share of your estate, or other assets such as stocks and shares. Making a bequest to charity can also lessen the burden of inheritance tax on your executors. Many people have multiple demands on their finances which might preclude them making a gift in their lifetime. Equally, they may have been supporters of the College in their lifetime and wish to make a final gesture of support. A gift in your Will can be a final tribute to the College, a gift which endures in perpetuity, and one which can be put towards any number of areas of College’s work. Bequests are exempt from inheritance tax (IHT) and for estates leaving 10% or more to charity, there is a reduction in IHT from 40% to 36%. For further information, please follow this link wellycom.net/support-us/legacy-giving/.


I would like to make a donation to support another area of the school’s work, can I do that?

Yes you can. If you would like to make a donation in support of another area that interests you please get in touch with Murray Lindo, Head of the Wellington Community on +44 (0)1344 444023 or email msl@wellingtoncollege.org.uk.