Private school bursary - any experiences?

[Curious1981]

I’m a single parent of two children (6 and 9)

I’m seriously thinking of applying for a local bursary at an exceptional private school in the area.

When you applied, did you have a home visit? I hope so and then they can see my 2.5 bed flat!

What financial information did you have to provide?

What academic assessments were there?

What level of nursery did you receive?

Many thanks for any guidance

We had one income and a very, very bright DD. She attended the nursery of a local private prep school and the HT offered us a bursary. It was 75% of the fees.

We managed the other 25% but honestly OP...it's unlikely you'd get enough help from them at this age...and unlikely you'd get help for two children.

Even if you did, what happens when they reach the age of 11 and all their mates go to the private secondary? The fees then are astronomical and there's no guarantee that they'd be able to get a full scholarship.

That's why we withdrew dd in year 3 and send her to an outstanding state primary. It was a good choice...she's thriving now in a great state secondary.

Thanks so much.

Only looking for son really. He’s exceptional at maths and swimming. The school bursar ringing me today. They offer from year 3 (my son in year 4) so it is available.

As for secondary - we are in an area with half a dozen outstanding grammar schools - so I’d be hoping for a grammar place for secondary

My question was more around the process. What information did you have to provide?

Don't think home visits are the norm. They just ask for loads of financial data. If you own rather than rent your flat you may not qualify anyway.

Where I am it is much easier to get a bursary for secondary than primary but it's selective so your children would need to be top of the ability range.

They'll say on the website but it'll be extensive, tax returns, any property, type if car you drive, what holidays you have, any help from family. You'll have to provide it annually. Good luck.

They wanted us to make a statement of our income and we had also to provide proof of it. They never made a home visit though. We didn't own any property or even a car.

The process itself varies from school to school.

Normally, there would be a comprehensive financial form, with supporting documents. Essentially, be ready to disclose everything.

The assessment will be the same as all applicants to the school.

Level of bursary awarded will depend on school policy, the size of the bursary pot that year and the number and performance of other candidates.

I know that might read like a load of non-answers, but there really are no detailed answers possible as private schools are completely independent in how they go about it.

We had to provide all income details (with proof of course) plus income from savings, investments etc.
Ours was fairly straightforward.
They then make deductions for mortgage payments, other dependent children and so on.
We own our house outright but still got a partial bursary.
You're probably best speaking directly to the bursar. Start getting your documents ready though!

This is wonderfully helpful
Thank you
Will report back following bursar call!

Op

There was an excellent AMA thread on this,

Something like
'I have 4 dc all at private school on a bursary'

And it was literally everything you would need to know.

Just had conversation with bursar. Such a lovely chap!

He said based on my financial situation, I would be eligible for 100%!!

So next step is assessment day and I submit the forms.

It’s a wonderful school so I’m crossing everything

Thank you for advice