AFBT Bursaries Support Charters’ Rising Sports Stars

The Ascot Fire Brigade Trust (AFBT) have been a supporter of Charters School for many years.  Founded in 1959, The Ascot Fire Brigade Trust is a pillar of community support, utilising funds from the lease of the Old Ascot Fire Station in the High Street (now Hyperion Tiles) to benefit residents across Ascot, Cheapside, Sunninghill, and Sunningdale. The charity focuses on hardship relief, support for the elderly and those with medical needs not met by the relevant health or social authority. They support many local schools and sports clubs and a wide variety of community groups.

For over a decade, the Trust has maintained an active partnership with our school, funding diverse initiatives ranging from arts and music projects to its sought-after Sports Bursary. The Sports Bursary started after the London Olympics, as part of the Olympic Legacy, and during our Sports Presentation Evening in December, the Trust celebrated their ongoing commitment by awarding this year's bursaries to four exceptional athletes: Harry (Golf), Holly (Athletics), Matilda (Rugby), and Pippa (Netball). Each student received £1,000 to help enable them to reach their next level of performance excellence.

"We are immensely proud to support these outstanding pupils," said Fiona Jones, an AFBT trustee who presented the 2025 awards. "Last year’s recipients provided fantastic feedback on their progress, and by expanding our support to four students this year, we look forward again to seeing them excel in their respective fields."

Suzanne Bailey, Chair of AFBT, emphasised the Trust’s broader mission: "Our goal is to ensure that SL5 residents, whether through educational enablement, in need through hardship relief, or benefiting from our support of other local charities, community groups and activities will benefit from this wonderful community legacy. Our relationship with Charters School is a testament to how local funding can directly support the potential of our young people."

To learn more or apply for assistance, visit Ascot Fire Brigade Trust .

Over the coming months, we will be catching up with our sporting stars to discover the impact the bursaries have had on them.  Whether it be through enabling one-to-one coaching sessions or a funding a full gym membership, the financial support is invaluable.

We are extremely grateful to the Ascot Fire Brigade Trust for the ongoing support that they have provided to our school and students over the years, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.