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Original poster

Cost on top of a bursary place at independent school

27 replies

LadyFuschia · 11/09/2019 14:14

We’re looking at applying for a bursary place for DD at a local independent school, which could be up to 100% of the fees.

DH is concerned that the school gloss over how much extra cost there would be for us, and I wondered if anyone has any experience? What happens with extra-curricular activities, cost associated with sports & matches, materials for art things etc? Are there potentially lots of extra costs that mean we’d end up spending lots too?

OP posts:
QuaterMiss · 11/09/2019 14:29

Are there potentially lots of extra costs that mean we’d end up spending lots too?

Potentially, yes, of course. But it’s not inevitable. It depends entirely on the school and what is included in the fees - they may have a very different policy to the next school down the road. (They should be happy to have a frank talk with you and not ‘gloss over’ anything.)

Uniform is likely to be unavoidable. And sports kit / equipment. At many schools only a small minority of pupils will go on any foreign trip - they’re not usually compulsory.

Bear in mind that you might find yourself spending increasing amounts on a lively and ambitious teen anyway, even at state school, if they’re deeply involved in extra-curricular or co-activities, travel, socialising etc ...

Really the biggest costs would come if your son was going to a boarding school. (But the best of those have enormous funds for bursaries.)

LIZS · 11/09/2019 14:22

It will vary. Some might cover lunches , books , bus, course related activities, exam fees - others won't.