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.
Key Details
- Two-year bursary commencing in Year 11 2026 (noting Year 11 will commence in Term 4 2025).
- Open to internal and external students who have Australian citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Will be required to demonstrate financial need. The bursary is for students who would otherwise be unable to access an education at Aquinas College.
- Reilly Family bursary value covers up to 100% of tuition fees,
- Additional bursary cover will extend to Boarding fees, and the value will be determined at a later date,
- Reilly Family bursary applications close on Sunday, 7 September.
How to Apply
Complete the Financial Assistance - Bursary Financial Assessment, click on link.
Include copies of:
▢ Last two year’s taxation returns (submitted to the ATO) for both parents/guardians
▢ Loan statements to support any loans listed
▢ Confirmation from your bank detailing the minimum loan repayment amounts for each loan
▢ Any additional supporting documentation or comments (particularly if trusts, companies, partnerships and directorships are involved)
▢ Letter explaining your current family and financial situation and how/whether this has changed in recent years
▢ Details of any financial trusts or family trusts
▢ Details of any investments
▢ Three most recent payslips attached
▢ Statements for all loans for last 12 months
▢ Bank account statements for all accounts for the last 6 months
▢ Copy of any lease agreements (if applicable)
▢ Student – 2025 Semester One school report
▢ Student - 9 NAPLAN results
Please email the documents to bursary@aquinas.wa.edu.au by Sunday 7 September 2025.
Please do not hesitate to contact via the bursary email if you have any further queries regarding the bursary process.