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Original poster

My children have all attended private school on a full bursary AMA

136 replies

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:01

I see lots of threads on here with people asking for information on the bursary system. Having put four children through private school for more or less free, I know the system pretty well, ama.

OP posts:

Oscha · 12/07/2018 22:08

What’s your secret? 😆 all our local independents seem to only offer 5 or 10%.

OlennasWimple · 12/07/2018 22:08

How?!

Howmanysleepstilchristmas · 12/07/2018 22:09

Did they choose their school? Do you think the reduced fees paid a role in their choice? Was it the best school for them, or just affordable?
I picked a private school aged 11 based solely on the financial implications impact on my parents: it was the only one to offer a full scholarship.

JacintaJones · 12/07/2018 22:13

Do you feel financial pressure as your children's peers presumably come from more affluent families?
Does it have any negative psychological impacts on your DC?
Do they ever compare their lifestyle unfavourably to that of their classmates?

OlennasWimple · 12/07/2018 22:13

And where in the country are you?

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:17

Oscha - Perseverance I think and obviously a low income! I applied for the bursary and included a letter explaining why my child would benefit from the education that they could offer. I then phoned the bursar on a regular basis asking for updates, without being pushy, I just made it clear I was very keen! I think I may have sort of annoyed them into giving out a high end bursary! I have four children at three different schools so this approach works. I have also tried to help three other kids into private school, two of them were successful.

OP posts:

TiltedTowers · 12/07/2018 22:18

Are you married to a vicar or something?

TwitterQueen1 · 12/07/2018 22:20

Do you want a medal for this or something? And no, before you ask, I'm not in the least bit jealous.

Have a

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:22

Howmanysleepstilchristmas - I picked their schools. I picked them as if I was paying full fees. I went to see lots of schools and picked the one that I thought suited them best. I couldn't afford any sort of private education. Two of my children are at one of the most expensive schools in the UK. I obviously knew they might not get in, it was difficult sending them in for visits and to sit entry exams knowing they might not get in but it had to be done.

OP posts:

JacintaJones · 12/07/2018 22:25

A medal?

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:25

TwitterQueen - No I'm defiantly not married to a vicar! The children dad had absolutely nothing to do with the schools.

TwitterQueen - No I don't want a medal, I want to help others. I have seen first hand the difference a private education can make to children from poorer backgrounds.

OP posts:

DaniCam89 · 12/07/2018 22:29

Are you concerned that your children may face bullying or negative self esteem as they are 'poorer' than their more affluent peers? Have you faced any discrimination from other parents?

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:34

Jacintajones - No I don't feel any financial pressure. My children know that I don't have a lot of money. I give them the absolute best that I can. I work full-time and they have a lot more than lots of children, but a lot less than a lot of children too. Thats life. They know they are extremely lucky to be receiving the education they are and I make sure they appreciate it.

I don't think it has any sort of negative impact on them. There are children at their schools who have billionaire parents but there are also children who's parents spend every last penny on school fees. There is quite a mix. Nobody really talks about money and it is very uncool to flaunt or discuss family wealth.

My children have all said that when they are older and working they will donate to the bursary fund to help others.

OP posts:

OutofTyme · 12/07/2018 22:35

I think a lot of people see independent schools as something they wouldn't consider but if you want it enough it can be done.

DieAntword · 12/07/2018 22:37

What income gets you full bursary. Obviously I expect it’s different per school but give a ballpark figure? Or a couple of figures for categories of school.

OutofTyme · 12/07/2018 22:39

It really does depend on the school - they all set their own limits which can differ vastly ime.

lastnightidreamtofpotatoes · 12/07/2018 22:40

Did you set out specifically to have your dc attend a private school? I find that a bit odd I must admit (what do you have against state school?) but I absolutely admire your gall!
Are bursaries for the whole 6/7 years or do you reapply every year? How would you/your dc feel if next year they lost it and had to go to state school? I also assume that as bursary recipients they need to perform to a set academic standard; does this not put the pressure on?

Oscha · 12/07/2018 22:40

Wow! I suspect our family income would be considered too high, even though there’s absolutely no way we could pay fees.

foxferry · 12/07/2018 22:41

Does the bursary need to be applied for every year or once you have it are you set? I am planning on doing this for my ds but haven't been able to find out how secure the funding assistance is.

LuMarie · 12/07/2018 22:41

Well done to you - I think the inequality amongst opportunities for children based on financial background of their families is terrible thing.

It's good to hear that they have both access to a high quality education and the opportunities that come with it, as well as understanding the realities of the world. Their comments about donating to bursaries in future shows the kind of children you are raising, I wish them and you well!

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:42

Damicam - I was a first and would have obviously moved them back to state if that had happened. My eldest is now 19 and went to private school at 11, he did not once suffer any sort of bullying or discrimination. Obviously we did not flaunt the fact he was there for free, they bursar requests that all information is kept confidential, however, it is blatantly obvious that I could not afford to send four children to private school.

The parents have all been lovely, they are welcoming and warm, I have attended parents lunches and went on nights out with them. I have never been asked if my children are on a bursary but they must have an idea.

OP posts:

AdventuresRUs · 12/07/2018 22:44

How high is too high for a full bursary....

Im sort of interested but frustratingly the "big" name private school near us (more likely to give bursary than little independant) starts at 13.

Also did your child feel behind in languages/latin/sport?

Parsley1234 · 12/07/2018 22:45

Oh I was just going to start my own AMA thread as I’ve just had one child go through prep and now public ! Well done

madmomma · 12/07/2018 22:50

How fantastic. Are your children very bright/academic?

Original poster

Sienna57 · 12/07/2018 22:51

Lastnightidreamtofpotatos - We do not live in a particularly nice area and local schools are not good. I have family who are on drugs and in prison, I wanted to set my children on a different path. I believe that sending them to private school has done that. My eldest is at university doing a very academic degree, he is the first person in my family and his fathers family to attend university. I truly believe that if he had went to state school he would have left school at 16 with no qualifications.

OP posts:

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