In September 2017, the first bursary awarded through The 1576 Fund went to Harvey Beaton (2019 F), a Maidstone boy whose ability on the Rugby field has earned him a professional contract with one of the country’s top clubs, as well as selection for the England Under 18 squad.

Harvey started out at Northborough Primary School before moving on to Valley Park School, Maidstone, where he earned 11 GCSEs. Ahead of his A Levels, his engaging personality and love of Rugby earned him a two-year bursary to Sutton Valence School, financed through the Blyth Bursary, a subsidiary of The 1576 Fund, funded by a legacy from Brian Blyth (1946 M).

Although Harvey had already been talent-spotted by Saracens RUFC, Valley Park predominantly played Football, so the scope for his development was relatively limited. The chance to play regular Rugby against some of the best schools in the South East, as well as the outstanding coaching and facilities, convinced Harvey that his final two years’ schooling would be best spent at Sutton Valence.
Harvey explains, “When I told my friends that I was coming here, I got a bit of ribbing about being ‘posh’. However, it is not like that at all, and I was happy to discover that Sutton Valence is such a friendly school - more like a family really. It is great being taught in small classes, and being given responsibility. They let you get on with it, but there is always great support. I normally arrive about 15 minutes before the start of the school day and have a chat with my Housemaster Mr Tim Cope (Staff 2013-2019), who has had a big influence on me.”

Harvey’s commitment to taking a full part in School life has earned him the blue gown of a School prefect, and his academic endeavours have seen him progress well with his A Levels in Psychology, History and Physical Education.  

That has been key to him being awarded a four-year contract with Saracens, the club which has nurtured the talents of England internationals Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and the Vunipola brothers. “The club are clear they want their players to have the qualifications for a good career,” says Harvey.

He also reflects that bursaries are a two-way street. His Rugby talents have helped SVS win all but three of the 29 representative games he has played for the School and have earned him the 1st XV captaincy.  “Being a leader on the pitch is important to me,” he says. “I never had the opportunity to be a captain before I came here.”

His outstanding leadership and performances on the pitch for Sutton Valence were reflected in his development within the Saracens’ academy, where his standing has continued to grow over the course of the last two years. In the summer of 2018, his efforts were rewarded with a call-up to the England Under 18 squad for the Aon International Series in South Africa. Playing all three matches, he gained valuable international experience against high-level opposition.

To all of the future bursary recipients at the School, Harvey’s advice is simple: “There are many terrific opportunities at Sutton Valence - take every one you get”.