A former Perthshire school pupil is to be the face of a charity which provides bursaries for disadvantaged children to attend boarding school.
Ryan Bromilow attended Glenalmond College with the help of the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation.
Now a journalism student in London, the 19-year-old is fronting the charity’s video appeal encouraging other young people to take advantage of the opportunities available.
Ryan was brought up on a council estate in Liverpool and received a bursary from the Springboard Foundation which allowed him to have his final year of school at Glenalmond in 2015, fully funded by the charity.
He left school last year with an unconditional place on a journalism course at City University in London, where he now studies.
Ryan said: “We didn’t have much money when I was growing up and although I was able, I definitely wasn’t reaching my full potential.
“The SpringBoard bursary gave me the opportunity to go to boarding school and I was offered a place at Glenalmond.
“It has transformed my life, and my family’s lives, so I made the film to encourage others like me to grab the opportunity if it comes their way.
“It’s not about seeing how the other half live, it’s about learning how to harness your own drive and passion so that you can join the other half in building a career and lifestyle of your choice.”
Ryan now sits on the charity’s board as an advisory member.
He is one of three Glenalmond pupils who have benefited from the Springboard bursary.
Elaine Logan, warden at Glenalmond College, said: “Ryan thrived during his time at Glenalmond which, he has said, raised his aspirations and set him on course to achieve his ambitions.
“He was captain of the football team and played the lead role two years running in our senior plays amid stiff competition, despite never having acted before. I am delighted that he has gone on to support the charity that supported him.”
Springboard Foundation directors hope to provide bursaries for 1000 disadvantaged children by 2023.
Alex Hanratty, deputy CEO of the charity, said: “We are delighted that Ryan has joined our advisory board.
“He absolutely thrived at Glenalmond College, where he made the most of every opportunity offered to him and is now fulfilling his dreams to be a sports journalist.
“We are so very grateful to Glenalmond College for providing our SpringBoard pupils with the perfect platform for a successful adult life and look forward to seeing many more young people have similarly life-transforming opportunities over the coming years.”
