Bursaries

At Aquinas College, we believe that every boy deserves the opportunity to receive a holistic education, regardless of their family's financial situation. This commitment is deeply rooted in our heritage and reflects our belief that education has the power to transform lives in extraordinary ways. By providing boys with an inspiring education, we empower them to make a positive difference in the world and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Our approach to education goes beyond academics. We focus on developing well-rounded young men who are socially adept, emotionally mature, and spiritually grounded. Our goal is to partner with parents in nurturing these qualities in our students and helping them grow into men of great character.

At Aquinas College, we are proud to offer a transformative educational experience that opens doors for all boys, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. We believe that by investing in their future today, we can create a brighter tomorrow by growing good men, who strive to do their best for others as well as themselves.

Bursaries are awarded based on need and will vary in value depending on each family’s circumstance. All bursaries are supported by the Aquinas College Foundation.

Criteria

Applications are open to residents from any State, Territory or region of Australia.
Bursaries may only be awarded to Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.
Bursaries may be granted on merit, or for reasons of equity.
Bursaries will promote the recipients’ education in courses to be undertaken at Aquinas College, including courses and purposes that are ancillary to this purpose.

2028 Bursary Opportunities – Applications Opening November 2026

Terry Bourke Family Bursary for Year 7 Students

John Perry Bursary for Year 7 Students

Terry Bourke Family Bursary for Year 7 Students

Initially established through the generosity of Terence (Terry) Bourke (Class of ’43) and his wife, Nell, the Foundation is proud to continue the Terry Bourke Family Bursary in their honour. The bursary will be offered to a new Year 7 student seeking to enter Aquinas College, and who will uphold the values of the College, including it’s Catholic identity and the Edmund Rice tradition.

The successful student will be expected to demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and achieve a sound level of academics. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary. The bursary covers partial tuition fees.

John Perry Bursary for Year 7 Students

Established through the generosity of John Perry (Class of '65) and his wife, Bella, the Aquinas College Foundation is proud to administer the John Perry Bursary in recognition of their enduring commitment to education and opportunity.

The bursary supports a new boarding student from Year 7 through to Year 12 who resides in the Peel or Wheatbelt regions. The successful recipient will demonstrate sound academic potential, active involvement in school and community life, and a genuine commitment to making the most of the opportunities available to them. Family circumstances will be a significant consideration in the selection process. The bursary provides support of up to 75% of tuition fees and up to 100% of boarding fees.

Bursaries Currently Supporting Aquinas Students

Graeme Ian Adkins Family Bursary

Boekeman Family Indigenous Bursary

Terry Bourke Family Bursary

Leaving Class Legacy

Reilly Family Bursary

Graeme Ian Adkins Family Bursary

The Graeme Ian Adkins Bursary recognises the legacy of Graeme Adkins (’83) at Aquinas College. This is a partial bursary offered to students in years 10 – 12 on the basis of financial or circumstantial hardship.

Graeme Ian Adkins (1983) made an indelible contribution throughout his time at Aquinas College. In his final year, Graeme served as Captain of Football, Vice-Captain of Athletics and College Prefect. His success as the 800m open race champion is recognised by the Graeme Ian Adkins Perpetual Trophy awarded annually since 2024 to the winner of the race. After his untimely passing in 2022 at the age of only 56, Graeme’s family have chosen to honour his legacy by establishing a bursary for a student who demonstrates a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family and financial circumstances will be significant factors in awarding this bursary.

Boekeman Family Indigenous Bursary

The Boekeman Family Indigenous Bursary recognises the generosity of Pam and Bill Boekeman (’54). This bursary is offered to an Indigenous student from year 7 to cover College tuition and boarding fees.

Bill Boekeman was born in Quairading, Western Australia to a farming family where he developed his skill for football, eventually playing for Subiaco. Alongside wife Pam in 1968, they started Boekeman Machinery in Wongan Hills. With a good education, hard work and determination the Boekemam’s built a successful business and a foundation for future generations to thrive. This Bursary is offered to an Indigenous student who demonstrates a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary.

Terry Bourke Family Bursary

Initially established through the generosity of Terence (Terry) Bourke (Class of ’43) and his wife, Nell, the Foundation is proud to continue the Terry Bourke Family Bursary in their honour. The bursary is offered to a student to complete Year 10, Year 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. The successful student will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary. The bursary covers up to 100% of tuition fees and day student additional costs. Boarding relief can be considered.

Leaving Class Legacy

In 2017, the Leaving Class chose a different path – one that truly reflected the spirit of Edmund Rice. Rather than raising funds for a physical gift, the boys chose to provide something far more meaningful, the opportunity for another student to receive a life-changing education at Aquinas College.

Since then, each Leaving Class has continued this tradition of giving back, contributing to a peer bursary that supports students to complete their Years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. While the bursary is not awarded every year, these collective contributions build a lasting legacy, creating opportunities for future generations of Aquinians.

Reilly Family Bursary

Aquinas College is pleased to announce the opening of the Reilly Family Bursary.

John Reilly and his family have created the Reilly Family Bursary to support students in Years 11 and 12 who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Aquinas College. Financial hardship will be a key factor in awarding this bursary, with special consideration given to families with Boarding needs.

John (’68) and Peter (’65) Reilly grew up on their family’s farm in Boyanup, Western Australia, where their parents, Hugh and Kathleen, valued hard work, faith, and the gift of a good education. Wanting the very best for their boys, Hugh and Kathleen sent them to board at Aquinas College in Perth.

After the sad passing of their father in 1965, the family faced financial hardship and could no longer afford the boys’ tuition. In an extraordinary gesture of kindness, the Principal at the time ensured both John and Peter could continue their education at Aquinas.

This act of generosity left a lasting mark on the family and has now inspired the creation of the Reilly Family Bursary. This bursary will support students where financial hardship is a significant factor, with preference given to a Boarding family – continuing the spirit of opportunity and compassion that the Reilly family experienced all those years ago.

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