St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen has been selected to take part in The Big Give’s Women and Girls Match Fund Campaign, taking place from the 8-15th of October.
The campaign, which coincides with the International Day of the Girl, aims to increase funding and support for the women and girls’ sector.
As part of St Margaret’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that girls from all backgrounds can access a St Margaret’s education - regardless of financial circumstances - the school is encouraging members of its community to contribute to its bursary programme which supports children from lower income families. During the match fund campaign, all donations up to £5,000 will be matched, giving women and girls the chance to benefit from doubled donations.
Research continues to show that girls often achieve more in all-girls’ settings, free from gender stereotypes and in classrooms designed for their learning styles and needs. For 180 years, the school has equipped young women with confidence, curiosity, and resilience to succeed.
With the potential to unlock £5,000 in match funding, this opportunity could help raise £10,000 in total, supporting life-changing bursaries for girls who would not otherwise have access to a St Margaret’s education.
St Margaret’s is committed to empowering girls to achieve in areas where women have traditionally been under-represented. Former recipient, Mahsa Manzari, shared the powerful impact the support had on her future after the bursary enabled her to study fifth and sixth year at St Margaret’s.
She said: “From the moment I joined St Margaret’s, I looked forward to each day. I proudly represented the school in maths competitions, earning several awards, and won three out of seven prizes in the STEM in the Pipeline project. The education I received gave me confidence, valuable skills, and lasting lessons in kindness, resilience, and determination. These foundations led me to study Mathematics and Computer Science and pursue a career as a Business Intelligence Consultant.”
Now, another generation are following in Mahsa’s footsteps, like Mays, who said: “Due to financial hardship, continuing my education in a nurturing and academically stimulating environment was a challenge. However, this bursary not only provided me with the opportunity to pursue my studies but also gave me a sense of stability, security, and a supporting community where I could thrive. I have embraced every opportunity that has come my way. I have participated in team maths challenges, which have honed my problem-solving skills. Through the after-school engineering club, I was introduced to the fascinating world of 3D printing, sparking my curiosity for innovation and design. My true passion lies in computer science, and I aspire to study at a top Scottish university like The University of Edinburgh. This bursary has been life-changing, not just for me but for many other students who, like me, seek a chance to thrive despite difficult circumstances.”
Anna Tomlinson, Head Teacher at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: "Without our bursaries, there are talented girls in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who would not be able to attend St Margaret’s and benefit from the opportunities we provide both inside and outside the classroom. We are proud to be part of The Big Give’s Women and Girls Match Fund, which will help us open even more doors for bright, ambitious young women who deserve access to an excellent education, regardless of their financial background. Investing in girls’ futures transforms lives, families, and communities – and this initiative allows us to do just that.”
To donate or learn more, visit the campaign page.