Best Schools - A Life-changing Education: a former student on his boarding school bursary

From Southwark to J P Morgan, John Olatunji, 25, pays tribute to Christ’s Hospital, a co-educational boarding school in West Sussex, known for fostering social mobility through bursaries.

Christ’s Hospital provided an excellent preparation for university life, hence I was able to balance extra-curricular activities with my degree studies with relative ease. While at university I entered the world of student politics and I was elected a Black and Minority
Ethnic Students Union Officer. I used my platform to fight against racism and elitism which is sadly still prevalent in Britain’s leading universities. Following university, I joined a leading US investment bank, J P Morgan, Chase & Co on a rotational graduate scheme and I am currently working within the global transaction banking division.

Upon reflection, I only truly realised the privileged position
that I was in and the opportunities afforded me after I had left. CH truly fosters a meritocratic environment, which has enabled individuals from different backgrounds to flourish in the pursuit of excellence. I will always be grateful to the school for giving me, a son of Nigerian immigrants from south London, a truly world-class education.

Plans to expand two-year degree courses at universities in England have been approved by the House of Lords.

Universities will be able to charge higher fees for these shorter, more intensive courses from this September.

But the government says students who take up two-year degrees will still save at least £5,500 in total tuition costs compared with a standard course.

Universities UK says some institutions already offer fast-track degrees, but demand for them has been limited.

Universities will be allowed to charge up to 20% more each year for these courses, in recognition of the increased teaching time required.

But the Department for Education says the overall tuition fee cost to the student will be at least 20% less than the same degree over three years - around £11,000 a year for two years, instead of £9,250 a year for three.

Squeezing a full degree into two years is seen as being more appealing to people who are in work or with family commitments.

These accelerated courses offer the same qualification, but are delivered in a shorter, more intensive time span.

A two-year accelerated degree will condense three-year degrees with 30 weeks' teaching into two years with 45 weeks' teaching.

These courses would also mean students can save on a year's living costs and accommodation.