Home > Academic > Margaret Float Travel Bursary

The Margaret Float Travel Bursary

Margaret Float was one of the first six members of the teaching staff to be appointed at Leicester Grammar School in 1981. The role of Margaret Float was a significant one. She set up the Geography department with the small budget then available and she presided over the subject until 1984. In the early days of the School it was necessary for the staff to help in whatever areas there was a need. In the pioneering spirit of the time Margaret taught Domestic Science as an additional subject. Later, after she retired in 1992, she maintained a keen interest in the school and had an active role with the O.L.s as their Treasurer, only stepping down from their Committee in 2005.

Intellectual understanding of many subjects is boosted immeasurably by travel. Geography, history, modern languages and art would be far narrower subjects were it not for trips to inspect the landscape, visit museums and battlefields, travel and speak abroad and visit art galleries. Such experiences penetrate deep into the minds of the young and many adults would cite their trips out as the most memorable part of their entire school experience.

Margaret Float sadly died in 2007 but in her memory a travel bursary has been created worth up to £500 annually. The bursary is available to any current pupil or O.L. There are no formal application forms but applications should be made in writing (no more than 500 words) to the Headmaster setting out the dates and anticipated costs as well as the purpose of the proposed trip. In the case of O.L.s there is an upper age limit of 25 and, in addition, applicants who are in any form of paid employment will be required to demonstrate their need to have recourse to bursary funds. Other than this, there are no limitations associated with this bursary beyond the obvious expectation that the travel experience will broaden the recipient’s mind. However, trips which involve some element of field work and/or community benefit are most likely to be looked on in a favourable light.

Finally, with respect to timing - please make any submission to the Headmaster by the end of the Advent Term for a decision to be made during the Lent Term. Any submission after the end of the Advent Term may still be considered if funds allow.