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Original poster

Bursaries for private schools-any real chance???

56 replies

vvhopeful · 29/10/2012 14:22

We have applied for a bursary for dd1 (we need 100%) for an independant secondary school.

The 2 state schools we have applied for are very very big and crowded and dd has health issues which reduce her mobility, cause pain issues, tiredness and other symptoms made worse by over-exertion etc. At a large school she will struggle, be tired etc and not reach her full potential.The much smaller independant school would be perfect and offer just the right balance for her, a small site so not too much walking etc which will enable her to pace herself better and avoid flare ups of her conditions.
It is also nearer to where we live and as i do not drive it will mean I can get to her quickly if she is unwell (and she wont have to travel far to get there every day as she is especially tired in mornings).

dd is a very clever girl, on the gifted and talented list and doing really well.Somebody mentioned to me though that she 'doesn't have a chance' as she is not being tutored-we really cannot afford a tutor, dd has just been doing the bond workbooks but now I am worried this will not be enough.I dont want to get dds hopes up for the private school if she really has no chance.

Have I done the wrong thing even considering this for her? I was just so worried about the prospect of her struggling physically at a large school and then being too tired/unwell to keep up with her work whereas at the smaller school she could really do so well which I feel is even more important given that her life is not going to be easy and having a good education could make all the difference.

Are many 100% bursaries given? Does she have any chance?

OP posts:
Original poster
vvhopeful · 29/10/2012 15:01

Is it likely without tutoring to get a place?

OP posts:
LIZS · 29/10/2012 14:56

You won't know unless she gets a place on merit

Original poster
vvhopeful · 29/10/2012 14:43

Sorry I meant to clarify that based on our circumstances we could get betwen 50-100 % depending on how well dd does in the exams and interview but we will not know till they make (if they make) an offer

OP posts:
Original poster
vvhopeful · 29/10/2012 14:40

I have been to the school to see the headteacher and dd1 went to the open day and LOVED it, one of the first things she said was "I can't believe it- I walked round the WHOLE school and didnt feel unwell" (it is tiny). It is an absolutely lovely school.

Apparently they offer bursaries of between 50-100% they said the amount of bursaries they award changes every year but that it is rare for a 100% bursary to be awarded.

We have sent in all our forms for the means testing but will not know what we could be awarded untill offer stage.

I just suddenly feel like I have got our hopes up and that it could all go wrong. The other mum that I spoke to was very sure that dd1 will not have any chance as tutoring is the only way as they are taught how to do well in the tests. Even if I went without myself we couldn't afford a tutor.

OP posts:
LIZS · 29/10/2012 14:38

You'd have to have a serious conversation with the bursar. It isn't all about academic results but you would be expected to have explored every financial avenue, declare all your income and assets each year and forgo holidays, cars etc. There will be a finite pot of money each year and the school may have a policy of assisting more pupils to a lesser degree or fewer with more,but you won't know unless you ask.

scarevola · 29/10/2012 14:32

Firstly, scholarships and bursaries are not synonymous. Scholarships are for fixed amounts, and are not means tested.

Bursaries are not dependent on winning a scholarship (but that helps, obviously), they are means tested and renewed annually, the amount is at the school's discretion; and how income is assessed and what level of award can be offered varies enormously between schools (and within a school, between years, depending on how many others are already receiving support).

You will have to ask the school you are considering about its bursaries, and worth asking explicitly what is the highest %age award they can offer. Bear in mind that this will be only illustrative at this stage (maybe they can afford 1 x 100% award, but usually give 2x 30% and 2x20%).

Bursaries will be offered to those applicants who the school, believes will most benefit from what the school offers. This might be a specific attainment in an area in which the school, excels, or demonstrable potential, or lovely all-rounder that every teacher wants in their class.

Have you yet been round the school? What sort of place does it feel like?

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