Is the wealth of grandparents taken into account on bursary applications?

[Thumbcat]

We're beginning to consider the possibility of private secondary school for DS. MIL is fairly wealthy and I think DH is hoping that she may offer to help with fees. However if she doesn't (which is entirely her prerogative) would the fact that there's money 'in the family' count against us when applying for a bursary?

[MrsUltracrepidarian]

They can't look unto the next ( or in this case) earlier generation, but will forensically scrutinise your own circumstances, so if you are SAHM they would expect you to be working. You will need to keep giving evidence each year. I know someone who did not declare a sub sequent inheritance and was dobbed in to the school.

[eatyourveg]

I was a sahm when ds1 applied for his bursary - he got it I assume because although I wasn't working he had 2 younger db with autism which took up all my time and I had what was then called invalid care allowance. dgp paid the residual fees and we just paid for uniform, lunches and books.

[Thumbcat]

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure they'll find us sufficiently skint!

eatyourveg - having looked at the long lists of required uniform for a couple of schools I can imagine those extra costs are quite hefty in themselves.

[eatyourveg]

The uniform was expensive yes but I joined the PTA and ran the second hand uniform shop - saved £££ as I got first pickings and often some of the items that came in had not even been worn!

[happygardening]

I believe some schools offer financial help with uniform to those on bursaries I think Eton does for example.
One of the things I've learnt over the years re uniform is not to buy all of it for the first day. I'm one of those parents who after the first year sent unworn sports kit to our 2 nd hand uniform shop. If your organised (I'm not) it's definitely the place to get uniform especially sports kit.

[softhedgehog]

My daughter's old school said that both parents of a girl receiving a bursary would be expected to be working, unless one was prevented from doing so by having a pre-school aged child or caring responsibilities.

[EldonAve]

I am looking at the forms for one school now
No mention of other family members
Lots of back up paperwork needed but no mention of both parents being expected to work

[catslife]

I think it depends on the individual school, but they don't usually ask about GPs on the bursary forms. They sometimes ask about family members who attended this school in the past though so if applicable this may go on the form.
If wealthy GP dies and you are left an inheritance in future, this would obviously affect your bursary. Often bursaries are reviewed annually and academic scholarships may depend on maintaining a high level of performance every year. So check this as well.