10 From rugby fields to computer labs: How a bursary opened doors beyond Abingdon Joshua Mensah (2023) Receiving a bursary to attend Abingdon School afforded me the opportunity to be part of a warm and enriching community that had a profound impact on both my academic and personal growth. This financial support not only allowed me to focus on my studies but gave me the chance to immerse myself in a wide range of subjects and experiences that I never would have imagined exploring. In many ways, my journey at Abingdon started and ended with rugby. I was first introduced to the school when the Deputy Head at the time saw me playing for my local Sunday league club in Year 7. He spoke to my mum and encouraged me to apply. That moment set everything in motion— from preparing for the entrance exam to realising that both academics and rugby would go hand in hand during my time at Abingdon. One of the most memorable moments came on my 18th birthday, during our final match of the season against Bedford. It was my last game for the 1st XV, and we were fighting tooth and nail alongside some of my best friends— many of whom are still my closest mates to this day. That game was a real culmination of years of shared effort, camaraderie and personal growth. Later that evening, at the rugby dinner, I was honoured to receive the Coach’s Player award, presented to me by Matthew Gold, who was also a great mentor and friend throughout my time at school. It’s a day I’ll never forget. Sport gave me a deep sense of belonging at Abingdon. I’ll always treasure the memories and friendships formed through the many teams I played for, and I’m especially grateful to the teachers and coaches who nurtured my development, not just as a player but as a person. Their belief in me, both on and off the field, helped forge my confidence and drive. Beyond sport, Abingdon’s Other Half programme gave me the opportunity to explore computing—something I hadn’t studied before, but quickly fell in love with. That experience sparked my interest in technology and led me to pursue a degree in Computer Science, which I’m currently studying at Brunel University, alongside continuing my rugby journey there. I am genuinely thankful to the bursary programme and the kindness of the benefactors who made it possible for me to attend Abingdon. The experiences I had, the people I met and the opportunities I was given have shaped who I am today and will continue to influence the person I become in the future. The bursary programme at Abingdon School is not just an investment in a child’s education, but an investment in their future.
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