Scholarahips question

[Chalk2000]

We are thinking of applying for a sports scholarship for our son. Would we be means tested for this ? Many thanks

I don't think so
Bursaries tend to be means tested but at the 2 Private schools I have knowledge of scholarships weren't. DD has a 25% academic one and we were never asked about our finances - in fact one of her friends who has one comes from a VERY wealthy family ( or they appear to be at least). We have a friend who's son is at a different school on a 100% rugby scholarship and that wasn't means tested either

DD applied for two scholarships last year, the scholarship element wasn't means tested, she was offered 10% with one and 35% with another. However the bursary element was.

Not if the school uses the most widespread terminology.

Scholarship = merit award, not means tested, can be very low value, or even purely titular
Bursary = means-tested award to reduce fees for families who could not otherwise afford the fees. Value varies according to need, and how much the school has in the 'pot'

Some schools require scholarship level performance to access bursaries, others don't, but all will be looking for the prospective pupil who will bring something to the school.

Occasionally you do find schools who use these terms differently, so check on the school website.

Also, for sports scholarships, check (before you get wedded to the idea) what the expectations are for a scholar. For example, will they have to turn up for all school fixtures and will that complement or frustrate participation in any development/elite programme run by the sport's governing body/club ststem? Do the school offer high level coaching? A support/development/mentoring system?

Sports scholarships usually offer a fixed discount on the fees. This is not means tested and in most schools is around 10% off.

Some schools - big name boarding schools - will offer much larger, non means tested, scholarships sometimes at 13 but usually at 16 to students already competing at county/national/academy level. That incidentally is why these schools do so well at rugby. It is because they can buy talent in - not because they develop it themselves.

Bigger fee reductions come from means tested bursaries. Different schools have different policies. Some only offer a bursary to those who are offered scholarships - usually academic or music. Others have bursaries for particular groups eg sons of East Anglian vicars, Army children etc. Others will offer to those who can pass the entrance exam. Depends on the individual foundation.

If you contact the school admissions office they should be able to spell out their particular policy.