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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not accept a private school bursary?

77 replies

CurlyTop1980 · 12/01/2023 08:45

So I've just started a new job (p/t 3 days a week) at a local private school. It's an international education. I started last Friday and was perplexed when everyone I met asked me what grade my kids were in and when I said they they're in the local primary they looked confused. Anyway, I found out yesterday that all permanent staff members are entitled to 100% bursay for up to 2 children.

Now I'm really torn. My kids are due to start Yr 7 in September. We applied for the local school. They are happy to go there and we know loads of people eith kids there already. But the private school has amazing provisions but a transient school population. Plus the bursary is only avaliable as long as I work there.

Wwyd??

OP posts:
TheSnowyOwl · 12/01/2023 08:49

How long are likely to stay working there? If until the end of your children’s time in school, I would ask them what they would like to do. At the very least let you children view the school with an open mind.

Thatiswild · 12/01/2023 08:51

Agree with @TheSnowyOwl completely.

RoyalStallion · 12/01/2023 08:51

Unless you are sure you are committing to their full school career in the school don’t do it. It’ll be like bonded service.

Also- is it weird you weren’t told at interview or some other helpful point by management, why?

once you’ve decided the above consider asking your dc’s opinion

Passerillage · 12/01/2023 08:53

100% take it, but only if you are confident about staying until your youngest has at least finished their GCSE’s.

If you’re sure you’ll stay, you would be mad not to take the bursary.

Hoppinggreen · 12/01/2023 08:54

My DC are at Private school and teachers get a 50% discount, most teachers send their dc there but not all - in fact the deputy Head doesn’t but she is a single Mum of 3 so it’s probably not affordable.
I suppose the thing would be whether you would compare what your DC are getting with what the pupils you teach are getting, also it means it’s very hard for you to change jobs in the future if you want to.
It would be easier from a logistics point of view if they were at your school and I suppose with a free place offered there will be lots of Teachers kids there so that shouldn’t be an issue

mondaytosunday · 12/01/2023 08:54

Wow - even full time staff aren't entitled to anything like full bursary at any of the private schools my kids had been to (part time get 10% discount).
Does the school offer a lot more than the state? Are you going to be there through sixth form? You can't possibly know that I suppose.
Frankly if they are happy to go to the school they have applied to and there's not a huge difference I'd keep them there. But as pp says, ask them.

PollyPrissypants · 12/01/2023 08:55

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Beees · 12/01/2023 08:57

Realistically the only question you need to consider is will you be at the school long enough for them to finish their education.

The liklihood of this is probably not, especially if you've only just started and the reality of the school hasn't had chance to set in yet.

If there is even the smallest hint of not being there until they leave school then I would keep them at the school they are currently going to be attending.

PuttingDownRoots · 12/01/2023 08:57

My main worry would be the school having to cut staff bursaries due to financial problems with rising costs.

Pottedpalm · 12/01/2023 08:58

I would take the bursaries and stay there as long as it took to get them all through.

Greatly · 12/01/2023 08:59

Depends on the results from both schools. What are the GCSE and A levels like?

Fireyflies · 12/01/2023 09:01

I'd be wary about the finances of a school offering 100% free places for teachers. It suggests to me that they're struggling to fill their places.

I'd work there for a term or so and if you like the school and think you'll stick the job then see how your kids feel about it as an alternative to the state school. You can presumably decide any time before September

Whinge · 12/01/2023 09:03

I'm very surprised there was no mention of a 100% bursary throughout the interview process, or once you had been offered the job. That's a very unusual amount, and I would worry it wasn't sustainable.

Can you afford the fees if the bursary was reduced?

Original poster
CurlyTop1980 · 12/01/2023 09:06

Thanks for all your comment. I printed off all the bursary information yesterday. It is 100% tuition fees but admin stuff and clubs, kits etc are not included.

It states staff still need to go through the usual application process and then also make a "universal bursary " application at the same time. I read that you have to be employed for 2 years to be entitled to it or at point of recruitment. I wasn't told about this at point of recruitment. So I will ask the bursar.

I am very torn. As one of my twins is really good at sports and she is at one of the big London Football academies and this private school excel at sports.

The other one is really into drama and they have the most amazing facilities...but as you've all noted if I leave they have to leave.

OP posts:
Original poster
CurlyTop1980 · 12/01/2023 09:07

My thoughts are maybe next year if I'm still there?

OP posts:
Greatly · 12/01/2023 09:08

Make sure your dd can stay at the football academy!!

She'll have to play for the school if you are on a bursary and that can clash with academy matches (believe me I know!)

Beees · 12/01/2023 09:13

CurlyTop1980 · 12/01/2023 09:07

My thoughts are maybe next year if I'm still there?

I still wouldn't.

In a years time they will have settled into their new school and moving them with the very real risk that they would have to move again before they completed their education is not fair on them.

I'd they go to the secondary as planned then they can continue to persue their interests in sport and drama outside of the school but if you move them to your school and they have to leave then this would also mean they had to leave the sport and drama provision at the school.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 12/01/2023 09:15

I'd say it depends on your children's personalities and academic skills. If they are not the type to cope with heavy homework, intense learning etc, then private school won't work well. Trips, uniform, etc all add up hugely too, and your day to day financial situation is fairly relevant as lots of the kids will discuss their expensive holidays, travel and so on. Your children may feel like outsiders. (Happened to us.)

Greatly · 12/01/2023 09:16

If its the uk then they could stay at the state school in year 7 and 8 then move at the beginning of year 9 if the private school has an intake then.

marcopront · 12/01/2023 09:17

Are you sure as a part time teacher you will get 100% for two children?

Devoutspoken · 12/01/2023 09:45

I wouldn't

GnomeDePlume · 12/01/2023 09:53

I wouldn't. This would mean you had to stay working at the school for many years. Maybe you will want to stay and maybe you won't but this would force you to stay.

A colleague of DH coached rugby at a private school in return for a bursary. He was tied to providing the coaching including regular matches and tours long after his DS had stopped playing for the school team.

LIZS · 12/01/2023 09:55

marcopront · 12/01/2023 09:17

Are you sure as a part time teacher you will get 100% for two children?

This, at dc prep the value was prorated for pt staff

LIZS · 12/01/2023 09:55

marcopront · 12/01/2023 09:17

Are you sure as a part time teacher you will get 100% for two children?

This, at dc prep the value was prorated for pt staff

LIZS · 12/01/2023 09:56

marcopront · 12/01/2023 09:17

Are you sure as a part time teacher you will get 100% for two children?

This, at dc prep the value was prorated for pt staff

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