Does anyone have any experience in getting awarded a means tested bursary for assistance with independent school fees?

I think you have to apply through the school, which may be based on an income of £25-30K (well, that's for a school round me).

The income level is higher here about £55k and below,you need to call the registrar of the relevent school and they will generally give you copies of the forms you will need to complete and the criteria etc.At our school they will also give you a idea in principal of the amount you would receive based on this years fees .

We had one - but this is several years back - for DS1. His school provided us with a long form, based on the old assisted places form which we had to fill in each year. If you don't mind revealing your income, it is worth doing even if your income seems to be slightly over the limit. Don't forget that the percentage awarded will change from year to year depending on your incomes, so if, like me, you go from being a very part-time worker to almost full time, you will lose a lot of the bursary.

Oh I did look into bursaries because some schools (not ours unfortunately) still have non-means tested bursaries

I established that the income level around ours was total family income under £30k.

Sheesh

Some schools have upped the income levels substantially - to over £70k in some places.

The school bursar will be able to advise you.