The Old Aquinians’ Association Bursary provides support for the son or grandson of an Old Aquinian. 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.

Edmund Rice Bursaries are offered to students whose families do not have the means to send their sons to Aquinas. These bursaries are for families who: have an income of less than $80,000 per year (there are circumstances that will allow for different levels of income); have a connection to the Catholic Church; and the boys have the capacity to thrive at the College.

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.

Initially funded 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 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 100% of tuition fees.

This bursary recognises the enormous contribution of Br Redmond to Aquinas College with over 40 years of unparalleled service. The successful students 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.

Since 2017, each Leaving Class has funded a 50% bursary for a student to complete Years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. The Peer Bursary Gift, inspired by our founder Edmund Rice, supports boys who couldn't otherwise afford an Aquinas education, creating a life-changing legacy. Recipients will show broad involvement in school and community, strong academic performance, and significant family need.

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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.

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.