The most Brentwood of men wants more Brentwood bursaries for others

You would expect a Society of Old Brentwoods President to have the Brentwood spectrum - School and post-School - close to his heart. In the case of the current incumbent, Sarbjeet Singh, it is very close indeed. Sarb’s credentials are exceptional: pupil (1990-2001); on the staff as a technician in 2007; and now a member of the School’s senior leadership team as head of ITSS. He is CCF contingent commander; Partnership lead for the School’s involvement in Brentwood community projects and activities; and a member of the Old Brentwoods Lodge.

At the Brentwood School Association dinner in November, Sarb paid fulsome tribute to those who made the Brentwood spectrum tick, particularly through the Association whose aims include “meaningful partnerships of community, commercial and mutual benefit.” Initiatives  had included the town gardening projects led by Maddie Smith; the link with Grove House School; the inauguration of the Foundation Wine Club; active membership of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce; and increasing corporate bursaries.

He was profuse in his thanks and acknowledgements to the Headmaster, Bursar and Governors for their support of the Society, to Society chairman Christian Cooper who has led the restructuring; to the late Graham Born for introducing him to the Lodge at 21; to Simon White and John Hubbard for their constant support; to Nigel Carr for his leadership of the CCF for over 30 years; and to Sam Mason and Theo Harris for organising the dinner.

He recalled the main stages of his Brentwood journey and the growing realisation of what it meant to him. “When I left school, I never thought I would ever be standing here as President of the Society. I knew very little about the Old Brentwoods, I was looking forward to University, joining the University Air Squadron and then, hopefully, the RAF. Well, that didn’t really go to plan. Nor did plan B so I came back at Brentwood.

A recipient of the Bean Prizefor Virtue, Learning and Manners, he did not think initially that these “values would play a part in my development as an individual. However, a shared identity, sense of belonging, collective action and purpose have subconsciously driven many of my decisions.

“The CCF has been a huge part of my life since school, particularly the RAF section. There were cold, wet, overnights in Dunwich Forest and survival exercises, with RSM White shouting orders in the early hours. There was the glamour of the Officers Mess at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The opportunities and the experiences the CCF provide cadets and staff are second to none.”

Launching his Presidential bursary

This brought him to the main focus for the Singh presidency - funding a two-year sixth form bursary for a deserving youngster. His starting point: “I would not have had the opportunity of a Brentwood School education to develop me as an individual if it were not for my parents. They made considerable sacrifices to send me, as did many other parents."

“Working at the school, I confirm that these opportunities are even greater now than they were 25 years ago. However, the financial challenges are even more apparent. I would like, therefore, to follow on from the work of my predecessor, Jos Hollington, by launching my President’s Bursary. Jos managed to fund two years of a transformational bursary in his year, an incredible achievement.

“As Brentwood School’s CCF celebrates its 165th anniversary next year, I would like to combine my roles as Contingent Commander and Society President to drive this forward.

“The target is to get 165 people to set up a direct debit of a minimum of £20 per month in perpetuity. This modest figure, plus gift aid, will help to fund a Sixth Form place at the School. There does not have to be a regular direct debit. Single donations of any amount will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. With your help, I am sure we can reach this target.”

“I fully appreciate that this is ambitious. Thanks to generous donations so far, this year's President’s Bursary has already raised £2,000. As custodian of this office for the year, I want to leave it in an even better place than I found it. If I can do this and leave a legacy of regular giving, then I have done my job."