APPLICATIONS CLOSED
how we assess applications
The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust aims to distribute its limited funds fairly and transparently to students of academic merit who are experiencing financial hardship while undertaking eligible postgraduate study.
This page explains how applications are processed, selected, and assessed.
our challenge
The Trust receives significantly more applications than it has capacity to assess in detail.
For example, during the 2026/27 application round, we received over 900 applications within a 24-hour application window.
As a small charitable trust with limited resources, it is not possible to carry out a full assessment of every application submitted.
Why we do not operate a first-come, first-served system
In previous years, applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications closing once a predetermined threshold had been reached.
However, this approach can disadvantage applicants who may be unable to apply immediately when applications open, including those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or work commitments.
The Trust believes that access to consideration should not depend solely on an applicant's ability to submit an application as quickly as possible.
Stages of assessment
Stage 1
Random Selection
To manage the very high volume of applications received, the Trust may use a random selection process.
All applications submitted during the application window are entered into the randomisation process, regardless of whether they ultimately prove to be eligible.
A proportion of applications are then selected to proceed to the next stage.
This approach allows the Trust to manage application volumes fairly while operating within its available assessment capacity.
Stage 2
Eligibility screening
Applications selected through the randomisation process are checked against the Trust's eligibility criteria.
This includes, but is not limited to:
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Academic qualifications
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Course eligibility
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Residency requirements
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Financial need requirements
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Required supporting documentation
Applications that do not meet the Trust's eligibility requirements will not proceed further.
Applications that are materially incomplete, or which do not provide sufficient information to enable a full assessment, will be deemed ineligible and excluded from the assessment process.
Stage 3
Academic Reference
Applicants who pass eligibility screening are invited to obtain an academic reference.
References must be submitted directly to the Trust by the referee and are treated as confidential. Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's academic ability, suitability for their course, achievements, personal circumstances, and any other information relevant to the application.
Applications will only proceed to detailed assessment once a satisfactory reference has been received.
Stage 4
Detailed Assessment
Applications that pass the eligibility screening stage are considered in detail.
Assessment may take account of:
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Academic achievement and potential
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Financial circumstances
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Personal circumstances relevant to the application
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The strength of the case presented
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Availability of Trust funds
why does the trust use random selection?
The Trust believes that random selection is:
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Fair and transparent
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More equitable than a first-come, first-served process
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Supportive of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
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An effective way to manage significant oversubscription
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A proportionate use of limited charitable resources
Random selection determines only which applications proceed to eligibility screening and detailed assessment. It does not determine which applicants receive funding.
Does being selected guarantee funding?
No.
Selection in the randomisation process does not mean that an application is eligible, nor does it guarantee funding.
An application must first pass eligibility checks and then be successful in the Trust's assessment process before a grant can be awarded.
If my application is not selected
A decision not to select an application for assessment does not reflect the strength, quality, or merit of the application.
It reflects only the fact that the Trust receives substantially more applications than it can reasonably assess.
Applicants who remain eligible are welcome to apply again in future funding rounds.
our commitment to transparency
The Trust reviews its application and assessment processes regularly to ensure they remain fair, transparent, and aligned with its charitable objectives.
We aim to balance accessibility for applicants with the practical realities of managing a highly oversubscribed grant programme using limited charitable resources.
do you assess eligibility before randomisation?
No. Randomisation takes place before eligibility checks are carried out. Only applications selected through the randomisation process proceed to eligibility screening and detailed assessment.