History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #40: Roger Lupton Scholarships
From the earliest days of Sedbergh School, scholarships have been offered to pupils who might otherwise never have had access to such an education. When the School was first established many children received little or no formal education. Then as now, a Sedbergh School place could truly be life-changing.
Since the Second World War, over 1,500 young people have been awarded scholarships, often through rigorous exams and sometimes interviews. Many of these scholars went on to achieve at the highest levels in politics, law, culture, and sport. Notable Sedbergh Scholars include Colin G. Trapnell OBE, founder of the Oxford University Exploration Club; Professor Sir Christopher Booth, a medical pioneer awarded the Rutherford Gold Medal for his work on Vitamin B12 absorption; Professor Ian Young OBE, who received the Royal Academy of Engineering’s ‘Sir Frank Whittle Medal’ for his role in developing MRI technology; Lord Bingham of Cornhill, who served as Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice, and Senior Law Lord; and Simon Beaufoy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire and The Full Monty.
The Roger Lupton Scholarship Scheme, established in 2012, builds on Sedbergh’s long tradition of scholarships. It was created to reach out to exceptionally talented young people who face significant financial barriers, offering them access to an education that recognises and develops their skills, character, and ambition.
Under the scheme, pupils are nominated by external organisations such as local schools and community charities, including the Springboard Foundation. These partners help identify young people who would benefit most from the opportunities a Sedbergh scholarship provides. Since its launch, over 30 pupils have become Roger Lupton Scholars.
Reflecting on why he founded the programme, Headmaster Andrew Fleck explained:
“There is a gulf in standards between private and state education and no-one would deny that Sedbergh offers life-changing opportunities to its pupils. However a tension exists between the Christian foundation of the School and the opportunity it affords to Sedberghians who progress further and faster than their less fortunate peers. It is morally indefensible to seek ever-greater wealth, influence and power simply for personal gratification, the only legitimate reason to seek success is to use that achievement to lift up those less fortunate.
By 2012, Sedbergh was gaining confidence after the shocks of the banking crisis in 2008. Exam results and sporting successes were growing, the arts saw ever increasing participation and pupil numbers were rising. It was the most logical step to offer opportunities to pupils and their families for whom a Sedbergh education would be transformational. And it was an easy decision to connect these free places with our Founder whose generosity provided for 12 Christian Scholars.
The Roger Lupton Scholarships quickly found support amongst Governors, staff and Old Sedberghians and were launched the same year.”
The scheme is entirely funded by members of the Sedbergh community who wish to extend the gift of a Sedbergh education to others. Many of the donors were scholars themselves, or contribute in memory of family members who benefited from scholarships, giving them a personal understanding of the impact such support can have.
One current scholar, Oliver, reflected on his own experience:
“I enjoy the atmosphere at Sedbergh School and how it is inclusive for everyone. All parts of Sedbergh life are really amazing and have helped me develop as a person. Sedbergh’s given me this opportunity to thrive.”
The Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme represents the best of Sedbergh’s values: generosity, opportunity, and transformation. By supporting talented pupils who might otherwise be excluded from such an education, the scheme honours the School’s Christian foundations while strengthening its community. It provides young people with the chance not only to excel academically, artistically, and in sport, but also to grow in confidence and character. In doing so, it ensures that the life-changing opportunities of a Sedbergh education are shared more widely, enabling scholars to thrive and, in turn, to contribute meaningfully to society.