10:20am Sunday 3rd March 2013
A YOUNGSTER from one of Bolton’s most deprived estates is hoping to realise his dream of getting into one of the area’s top schools.
Macenzie Campbell, who lives with his mum, Joanne, and six-year-old brother, Jenson, in Johnson Fold, has been offered a place at Bolton School after passing the entrance exam and interview.
But the 11-year-old, who was described by Philip Britton, head of Bolton School Boys’ Division, as a “splendid young man”
missed out on one of the school’s bursaries to cover the £3,389 per term fees.
Mrs Campbell, aged 36, who is a single full-time mum of four, is now desperate for help to send her son to the prestigious school.
She said: “It is so devastating to know that he is capable of going to Bolton School, but can’t because of money. I’ve applied to get my English and maths GCSEs and that is why I want this for him so much. I want him to have everything I didn’t.”
Macenzie, a pupil at Johnson Fold Primary School, was put forward for the exam because his mother hoped she may secure a bursary to enable him to attend.
Mrs Campbell, whose two older children, Kalisse, aged 21, and 19-year-old Nicole, have left home, said: “At Bolton School he will get the best education and give him the best start to his life. We live on a council estate, and have lived here most of our lives. By being able to go to Bolton School he will get the best chances and be able to move forward and be given opportunities that I never had.”
If Mrs Campbell cannot find the funds to send Macenzie to Bolton School, which was in the top 200 of schools for its GCSE results, Macenzie will attend a local high school.
Mrs Campbell, who was in tears at the prospect her son not being able to attend the school, said: “Macenzie would benefit from all the extra-curricular activities at the school and I think the school would be really good for him because he is so forward- thinking. I am just hoping maybe a business could sponsor him or if anyone knows of any funding available that might help Macenzie to be able to go to the school.
“Education is so important and I am hoping that someone might be able to help my son.”
Bolton School will offer bursary support to 40 boys and girls due to start this September.
Headteacher Mr Britton said: “Our bursary fund supports about one in six pupils across the schools and we are immensely grateful to all our benefactors, largely old boys and old girls, who, having valued their education here, are eager to help the next generation. It is always a regret there are some we cannot help each year who, if finance permitted, we would be delighted to take.
“Macenzie interviewed as a splendid young man and we wish him well wherever his future education takes place.”
Ruth Dean, Johnson Fold Primary headteacher, said: “We are very proud of Macenzie’s achievements.
Whichever school he attends we are sure he will be extremely successful.”
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