When to apply for bursary or scholarship for prep school?

[MoonStar07]

At what age do you apply for a scholarship or bursary for your child for prep or for entering juniors at a larger independant school? Does anyone know much about the policies of schools in providing these? Many thanks

[selly24]

The school usually has information on the admissions part of their website. Usually titled fee assistance or bursaries. Some even have the financial statement form that those applying for assistance would need to complete.

In terms of timings, I would approach the bursar as soon as you are sure that a school could be a good match for your child/ren. There will also.be a deadline for bursary apications each academic year.

Be honest about your financial position and think about what percentage of the fees you would be able to contribute even if it is tiny. Schools are in the difficult business of having to decide whether to finance a smaller number of pupils on 100%/75%/50% or more pupils at 40/20% and or which mix of the above is fairest in any given year. (Applications need to.be resubmitted annually and any change in circumstances notified immediately).

Scholarships are generally for a small.remission in fees to reward talent (eg music, academic, art, all rounder...) and can be supplemented by a bursary if there is financial need.

The independent schools show has a talk on financial assistance this year.

[MoonStar07]

Super thank you!!! That's very informative

[Gruach]

The answer will be individual for each particular school.

I would say however that if bursaries (with or without a scholarship) are not prominently signposted on the website - with a very clear indication that they are well established, a recognised and respected route to entry, and efficiently managed (though unlikely to be fully transparent) then you may well be walking into disappointment, even after entry to the school. So you do need to do thorough research.

[BizzyFizzy]

Don't expect to find many meaningful scholarships. Most are now worth 0 - 10%.

For bursaries, look at the foundation of the school.