Breaking Barriers Bursary
The WCEC bursary is open to applicants aged 18 to 25 who are beginning university in autumn 2026. Eligibility is deliberately broad: any young person with a parent or guardian employed in the cleaning industry anywhere in the UK is welcome to apply, regardless of the size or type of their employer.
How the Bursary Works
The successful candidate will receive £5,000 per year, paid in instalments across each semester. Funding continues for up to three years, subject to satisfactory attendance and progress. There is no restriction on the type of degree or course; the bursary is simply about creating an opportunity.
Applications will be assessed against four criteria: need, worthiness, endeavour and overall performance. A written personal statement is required, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Teams in early September. The first payment will be made in time for the start of the academic year.
Kevin Meighan, Master of the WCEC says, “We want to support young people from within our industry to go as far as their ambition takes them. It offers real financial support to students who might not otherwise be able to take up a university place. It’s the right thing to do and it’s just the beginning. Dedicated, talented young people just need the opportunity to develop their potential.”