Applications for the John La Rose Award are now open until 5 February 2026 – apply now! Please see the current update section to find out more about our funding status.
The John La Rose Award empowers marginalised young people in Haringey to access higher education and achieve the same opportunities as their peers. Named after John La Rose – a pioneering activist, poet, and founder of New Beacon Books, the UK’s first specialist Caribbean publishing company – this award is an investment in potential and a commitment to breaking cycles of inequality.
What we do
The JLRA offers:
- direct financial support to students who lack traditional support networks
- access to mentorship, guidance and paid work experience opportunities (depending on availability)
100% of sponsorships and donations go to our students – there are no administrative deductions.
Our students
The award prioritises students from groups that are disproportionately underrepresented in higher education, including:
- looked after children/care leavers
- young carers
- young people with SEND
- refugees and asylum-seekers
Since its launch, JLRA has supported over 60 young people across more than 25 universities, studying a wide range of courses.
Current update
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are proud to continue this life-changing scheme by funding a small cohort of students for the 2026/27 academic year, supporting them for 3 years of their higher education journey. We are already supporting approximately 40 talented students and are excited to take on board even more this year.
While we are incredibly thankful to our current sponsors, the demand remains high. Many more young people deserve the chance to succeed, and we strive to expand opportunities for those who need them most. To make this possible, we are continually seeking new sponsors and donations. Please get in touch if you or your organisation would like to help us grow this impact.
How you can help
To help our work, you can:
- sponsor a student: help fund a young person’s journey through higher education
- make a donation: every contribution helps us provide opportunities, resources, and experiences that enrich our students’ lives
- spread the word: help us grow our network of sponsors and advocates
Why partner with the JLRA?
By partnering with us you will:
- demonstrate your/your organisation’s commitment to equity and opportunity in Haringey
- be recognised as a community champion and be featured in promotional materials and events
- support a local initiative that uplifts and directly empowers young people
Whether you choose to remain anonymous or take an active role, your support will help us continue John La Rose’s legacy and invest in the future of Haringey.
Get involved
If you or your organisation would like to support the JLRA, please contact the fairer education team.
JLRA is not just a bursary scheme, it is a commitment to educational justice, inspired by a legacy of activism and rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.
Other funds
Other funding sources you can try include:
- The Tottenham Grammar School Foundation Somerset Undergraduate Award for those who went to a state-maintained secondary school
- Scholarship Hub for information on UK scholarships
- BlackBullion for student money management and funding search
- Student Finance England
- HE Awards – Helena Kennedy Foundation
Contact us if you have a question or want to know more about alternative support.