Too late for bursary application?

[Stig007]

My dc has an allocated state secondary school to start in Sep '16
However, on results day we found out some of her peers who are below educational achievement in comparison to her, have gotten bursary entry to private/independent..

I can't help but feel I've sold her short by not trying, as I didn't want her to be the benefit kid in the private school.

Is it too late to try for a bursary place for September? Or is it worth a shot?
And recommendations on any west London schools to try also would be much appreciated!

[Clonakiltylil]

I would say that it is too late. Most independent schools allocate places based on an exam which took place in January. The bursary money, which is means tested (and in some cases needs to be applied for in advance), would have been allocated by now. There might still be spaces in the lower ranking independent schools but if you need a bursary, you aren't going to be in a position to accept.
You could try for entry into Year 8 with a bursary, but you'd need to contact individual schools.

[LIZS]

It is worth contacting them in case there is movement at the beginning of summer term. By then financial commitment to a term's fees or notice will be due, some may still be holding out for a better state place. However agree most bursary funds will be allocated and schools may not reallocate any turned down anyway. Also it depends if there is another exam sitting or they already have a waiting list.

[AnotherNewt]

It's almost certainly too late, I'm afraid, though worth a shot on the 'nothing ventured nothing gained' appraoch.

No school has unlimited bursary finds and they will have been allocated by now (as independent secondaries generally make year 7 offers around February, with acceptance deadlines in March, and any churn will have stopped by now).

Have you been to see the school? You would need to say in making your case for a place why you didn't follow the usual admissions timetable (schools are usually sympathetic to reasons such as moving house), why you you think this school is a good fit for your DD, and what your DD would bring to the school. Also, as she's missed the entrance exams, you'd need evidence of her academic standard, plus anything else that might make her a particularly good bet (sporting prowess, musical standard, art portfolio, dramatic performances, debating champion, maths kangaroo etc).

Also, find out if they have a year 9 entry, because if they do that might be the next time there is 'new' bursary money available and definitely worth having a go then).

[GinandJag]

It's always worth talking but bursary funds will all be allocated by now.

[lottielou7]

Usually schools have allocated their bursary funds by now but it doesn't hurt to phone the bursar and ask. All schools are different.

[titchy]

You do realise bursaries are usually for only a small proportion of the fees. Can you afford the rest of fees? It sounds like your financial situation hasn't changed. what has suddenly prompted your interest in private - plenty of less-academic kids go private - they're not the preserve of the super bright. What's wrong with the state one you've got?

[lottielou7]

Some schools offer generous bursaries - ours up to 40%

[SquirmOfEels]

"And recommendations on any west London schools to try also would be much appreciated!"

Have you got any sort of short list, say of the schools she could reach without an onerous journey?

And yes, do check what size bursaries they offer. Some schools substantial ones, others less so.