The Wayne Sleep Foundation 2025-2026 Award Recipients

  • The Wayne Sleep Foundation has made my studies in London possible. With this bursary, I have the freedom to focus solely on my studies without any worry or stress. Their support helps me at such an important stage on my journey, and I can’t wait to spend the next year exploring my art and immersing myself in new opportunities at the Academy. I cannot thank the foundation enough for their support - I wouldn’t be able to do it without their help and guidance!

    Caroline Blair
    Opera School - Royal Academy of Music

  • I am so grateful to the Wayne Sleep Foundation for supporting me as I embark on my first year of full time Musical Theatre training. This award will allow me the freedom to concentrate fully on my course and develop skills without the stress of financial obstacles. I am so excited to continue to do what I love!

    Angus Fisher

    Arts Ed - Musical Theatr


  • I sincerely thank all the staff of The Wayne Sleep Foundation for your warmth, sincerity and cordiality. It is a great honor for me to be your scholar. In my future memories of the best years, I will always note your support and the fact that you chose me among many strong competitors. Thank you and all people of goodwill who are now supporting my native Ukraine and all Ukrainians who defend freedom and independence.

    Stefan Bulyah

    Royal Academy of Music - Clarinet

  • It was a true honour and pleasure to audition for the Wayne Sleep Foundation and to perform for such esteemed artists, including Mr. Sleep himself. I am deeply humbled to be joining the list of recipients of this prestigious award. The generous support I have received will go a long way in furthering my studies and artistic career here in London.

    Arie Dakesian

    Royal College of Music - Guitar

  • I am so grateful for this award from the Wayne Sleep Foundation, which will allow me to focus on my studies without having to worry too much about living costs. I'm also planning to attend some chamber masterclasses and international competitions next year and the award will be a great help with that too. This is such an important stage in my development as a musician and any support is invaluable in helping me work towards my career goals!

    Berniya Hamie

    Guildhall School of Music and Drama - Piano

  • Charlie is very grateful for the support and recognition from the Wayne Sleep Foundation. The award will be used to directly fund his daily transport expenses to and from the Royal Academy of Music. This shoulders a hefty amount of financial pressure, which is beneficial for Charlie’s capacity to actively engage with his Masters in Musical Theatre Performance.

    Charlie Moscrop

    Royal Academy of Music - Musical Theatre

  • I am deeply grateful to The Wayne Sleep Foundation for their generous financial support as I head into my first year at The Royal College of Music’s International Opera Studio. This award has enabled me to focus on my course and training, meaning I am able to spend more time honing my craft and balancing the pressures of a professional opera career than focusing on the burden of financial stress. I’m also thankful to the WSF for seeing the potential in me as an artist and for their willingness to support my journey more widely.

    Charlotte Jane Kennedy

    Royal College of Music - Opera School

  • Having the opportunity to study at the Royal Academy has always been my dream and to get to this position has been both a challenging and inspiring journey, and receiving this financial assistance not only eases some of the practical pressures but also gives me a real boost in confidence. Knowing that there are organisations and individuals who believe in and support young musicians like myself is incredibly motivating. This award allows me to focus more fully on my artistic and academic development, and to make the most of the amazing opportunities the Academy provides. I’m truly thankful to the Wayne Sleep Foundation for their generosity and for investing in my future. Your support is making a meaningful difference, and I hope to one day be in a position to give back and support others in the same way.

    Conor Doran

    Royal Academy of Music - Musical Theatre

  • The Wayne Sleep Foundation has been incredible in helping me manage living costs in London. I am deeply thankful for their generous support, which has given me the opportunity to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to music-making.

    Kasparas Mikužis

    Royal Academy of Music - Piano

  • I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Wayne Sleep Foundation for this award. As I enter my final year of training, the scholarship puts me in an ideal position for the audition season, and it allows me to consider much more potential routes for my career.

    Scott Millar

    Rambert School - Dance

  • I am sincerely grateful to the Wayne Sleep Foundation, for their financial support. The audition process was truly inspiring and I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to perform for professionals within this field. As I enter the first year of my degree at Bird College, I can fully focus on my studies thanks to the generosity of the Foundation. Thank you.

    Evie Asher

    Bird College - Professional Dance and Musical Theatre

  • I am beyond grateful for the kind and generous award from the Wayne Sleep Foundation. This support will ease financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and musical development this year. Knowing that my journey as a musician is being recognized in this way is a great source of motivation. 

    Jordan Brooks

    Royal College of Music - Violin

  • I am so grateful and honoured to be a recipient of The Wayne Sleep Foundation Award, it has been one of the greatest contributors to my full three years ArtsEd. The Foundation has relieved a great deal of financial pressure on myself and my family, and has allowed me to explore my studies without the stress of rising costs. The Foundation and its team have gone above and beyond to support me, their kindness and generosity has no limits. I cannot thank the Foundation enough for all they have done.

    Reese O’Connell

    ArtsEd - Acting

  • This award will make a significant contribution to my accommodation costs this year, which will ease my financial stress and allow me to focus on my musical development as I enter the final phase of my studies. I am deeply grateful for this invaluable support

    Joseph Reynolds

    Royal Academy of Music - Cello

  • I’m very grateful to have received financial support from the Wayne Sleep Foundation for this academic year. The award will allow me the freedom to take on less work alongside my degree, giving me more time to focus wholly on my studies. It is a privilege to be supported by such an important organisation and to have their confidence in my potential. 

    Seth Collin

    Guildhall School of Music and Drama

  • The Wayne Sleep Foundation has allowed me to embark on my first year of training in Musical Theatre at The Arts Educational Schools. I will always cherish your support and kindness as this award has enabled me to focus solely on my training and what I set out to achieve. For this I am eternally grateful.

    Sienna Lawrence

    Arts Ed - Musical Theatre

  • Jonasz Szachtmajer

    Royal Academy of Music - Violin