Bursary for Independent School

[harrietkatie]

Good afternoon!

A little bit of back history:

I am a single mother to a wonderful 7 year old boy. I am currently at University studying Social Work, only just finishing first year. Before this I was working full time at a local private SEN school.

I went to private school alongside my brother and only have wonderful memories of this.

I always thought private school wouldn't be an option for my son, as I obviously only have one income (his bio dad is not in the picture). Also, as I am studying right now I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything until I started my profession as a social worker.

I looked into bursaries, as I wasn't really sure how it worked, and I was invited in to see a local independent school last week after submitting an application for a bursary. The deputy head was extremely keen, and now my son is going in this Thursday for a taster session.

I am not worried about my son feeling 'out of place' in regards to other students and their family incomes etc. I feel as though most independent schools have such a wide variety of families and parenting.

I am hoping my son makes a good impression and also that he really enjoys himself on Thursday! I've told him to just be himself.

Has anyone else had any experience of bursaries? How long did you have to wait to find out what percentage they would be offering you? I am worried my son is going to love it on Thursday and that they won't offer us hardly anything, as I obviously wouldn't be able to afford it.

I have had to send in lots of evidence; tenancy agreement, three bank statements, three payslips (I sometimes work bank at my previous job) student finance forms etc.

I am still waiting to hear back from the finance department regarding the bursary. But I am very anxious whilst waiting!!

Any tips or info would be great!

Thank you 

I know two people who get bursaries-one gets 5% off the fees and the other gets 10% off. It’s not a massive saving and the extras (blazer alone is £105!) are pretty high, let alone all the sports kit.

What % of the fees could you comfortably pay?

Oh well I definitely couldn't go ahead if it was that low. I have said 50% is the lowest I could go.

I have read on here of some families getting the whole 100%! And their uniform, trips etc with that too. That would be amazing but obviously not holding my hopes up for that.

My mum can also help too, which I'm very lucky to have!

I guess I'll have to wait and see.. I am only hoping we don't have to wait too long as I am not sure what the process is from here on x

No personal experience but DS's have a few friends who have received one. The 5-10 percent sounds more like the scholarship reduction. It's more the prestige of getting one rather than the impact on fees.

Bursaries do go up to 100 percent and are given in case of financial need.

I've not known them to cover trips unless they are compulsory such as the first year camping trip.

They have found out fairly quickly (within a week) what they qualify for as there are fairly set guidelines.

I certainly wouldn't worry about not fitting in as there is a huge cross section at DS's school.

Large bursaries are given by schools to give places for children they feel will add something significant to the school either academically or maybe a champion at their chosen sport which the school could leverage (they all love to say they have pupils who represent GB). You need to be realistic if you need a large bursury and have a good back up option - are you in a grammar school area?

I know at current my son is working at a higher level than most at his state school. So I am hoping that will go in his favour.

He's only just turned 7 though. So unfortunately when it comes to music and sport he isn't exactly excelling there- but I think this is due to the lack of opportunity at his current school.

He takes drama and french, and also plays football after school.

I received an email today stating I will hear back within two weeks regarding bursary. The deputy head did tell me when I was in, that if he fits in well on his taster day and they see that he will achieve then they will do what they can when it comes to assisting with fees.

We shall see what happens come Thursday!!

If we receive 50% or more than we will be fine. Anything less and I will struggle financially- which I will not let happen. My mum has also said she can help to top up if needed too.

And unsure on grammar school, I don't think we have one here.

What age are you looking for a place from 11+?

If so he is still very young and will develop and mature hugely in the next 3 yrs. my daughter went from showing an average ability in her sport at 7 to an under 11 national champion at 10.

Bursaries shouldn't be dependent on him excelling above other pupils in any area. They should be for pupils who merit a place, but whose parents couldn't afford it. While I am sure there are schools who might try harder to find a bursary for those who are GB potential athletes, for example, it doesn't mean that your son won't get a bursary if he isn't. I hope it goes your way, OP!

Our bursary’s probably wouldn’t stand up to much scrutiny. Ours had to be awarded a scholarship before they could get a bursary but the scholarship wasn’t entirely objective, to be honest. Both children we transferred were awarded scholarships- one was probably deserved and one was quite generous. The bursary was then 70% as that was what we said we could reasonably afford, given our outgoings. We knew what it was going to be before we let them attend assessment days.
Speak to the schools. Ask about criteria. See if at 11 plus or 13 plus there are specific funds for state school pupil access - ours were high achievers from a comprehensive.
I’m afraid prep,schools are always terribly keen. Times are hard and they need to persuade parents to part with money. S therevsome reason your child won’t be happy at a state school? Mine all loved theirs and it was only because of family circumstances that we agreed to transfer them to a boarding setting.

Incidentally, ours did music from a very young age but that was us arranging it not the school. Even in a good independent parents have to support extracurricular excellence.

[Edited by MNHQ]

He's only just turned 7 though. So unfortunately when it comes to music and sport he isn't exactly excelling there- but I think this is due to the lack of opportunity at his current school.

Although, I would say that excelling at sport or music is something that is generally done out of school hours.

He does french, football, swimming and drama out of school. I think he's doing alright considering I'm a single mother in full time education at university!

Just wanted to say I hope it works out for you OP.

From my experience (as I said up thread) being a national sports champion or child genius may get you a scholarship (5-10 percent)

However bursaries are judged purely on income.

Good luck.

Whilst many bursaries are means tested, it’s naive to think it’s quite as pure as income. They usually have to pass entrance assessment first. Ours had additional scholarship assessment to gain scholarship before they were considered for bursary. Bursary wasn’t included one dependent. It was means tested but we were guided as to what we could offset income against to reduce disposable income on paper.
I’m sure that doesn’t always happen but I’m also sure we’re not the only ones.
If you’re looking at a good independent at 13 plus, swap football for rugby and maybe consider a musical instrument.

I'm sure different schools have different criteria.

I'm not naive. Please don't patronise me.

My experience is (with DS's) at prep school age they wanted them to enjoy the taster day. There was not a formal exam but an interview with the head and being placed with their potential class.

My children had no musical ability or that of sport.

There were bursaries for those children whose parents could prove income . Also on the introductory day that they were 'bright all rounders'

Senior school age (11/13 plus) there was an entrance exam. Very academic.

Scholarships for sport, academic, music, etc 5-10 per cent. Bursaries only for those who had a scholarship.

I Do believe the OP is looking at entry Prep school age.

Good luck.

With the senior

Lol at swap football for rugby.

Prep schools play football at the start of the Autumn term. This is until 13 plus.

Yes at 11 plus you move over to Rugby, Hockey and Cricket on a termly basis.

OP if he is a bright, sparky,

all rounder then go for it. He doesn't have to be a national sports champion.

I

Thank you.

All I know is that we are meeting with the deputy head tomorrow morning, my son will enjoy a day there and I am picking him up to see how he has got on!

There's no pressure. I want him to be himself. If they see potential then great! If not then we will wait until I am a qualified social worker and I shall apply again then.

I know the deputy head said to not worry about the bursary, as if they want him there, they will do what they can. I know they have a huge charity fund too for bursaries, so fingers crossed!

Thank you!

I'm absolutely fingers crossed.😀

I really hope it goes well for you

In my experience, Ds is 7 and been at his pre prep since he was 3, he’s consistently top of his class, a good sportsman and a popular chap (relevant to the next bit, not a stealth boast!) I went to see the head about our financial situation and was told to apply for a bursary, he sent a personal accompanying letter of recommendation stating the above info. We were knocked back for the bursary as they felt our level of on going support was going to be too much, and they were now only offering bursaries to those in short term need. I was told unofficially that 5-15% was best to expect, and to use staff discount (20%) as a guide for the maximum support offered.

We applied for another independent with marginally cheaper fees and were told similar amounts about their bursaries too.

I think 50% at this age might be really ambitious, but a scholarship with a bursary when your child’s older could poss be an option? Good luck regardless, let us know how you get on

Ps also! Another point - what is their cut off for bursary applications? Ours here were November deadline for September intake. It’s worth checking that as it might only be viable for sept 2020 intake now?

OP, the head is already keen to have him and he invited him, so you are in a better position than all of those who've posted their less than positive experiences of bursaries here. I wish you and him all the luck. I feel every bright child should have that opportunity. Please let us know how you get on.

Thank you!

I am just waiting around the corner having a latte in a coffee shop! I feel nervous to see how he's got on and what the head has to say!!

I was nervous dropping him off this morning too. He was fine! Went straight into the classroom and started to talk about 'the plague doctor' as that is the topic at the moment at school. And then he started to act as a plague doctor, pretending to walk with a cane etc lol was so funny! He's so confident.

Will update later when i have picked him up!! Xx

So today went extremely well! They want him there and are meeting up with the bursary committee tomorrow or the beginning of next week to see what they can do for us! Fingers crossed it's doable! X

Fingers and toes and everything else I can cross, crossed for you. I hope they can help.