Secondary options offering a large bursary.

[Oneweekleft]

Hi there,

I'm seeking some advice. My DS is currently at a prep with a large bursary. I'm starting to wonder what the future will look like and where he can go from here. I know the school can advise but he's only started this year (y3) so it seems premature to ask them. He's very strong in maths. Also sporty, talented in Art, shows potential in music- although at the moment only plays guitar. Does he need another instrument to make him stand out? Also is drama club necessary? In English I'd say he's fairly average although his teacher said his english was strong too. Anyway.. What should we aim for from here? Whats attainable? He's a confident child, loves competitions and quite resilient so may suit boarding if thats an option. There's some good independent senior schools near us but from what previous posters have said on here I've understood that it might be only big name public schools which offer large bursaries? This leaves me wondering what should we be aiming for. We are not in a grammar school area and cant move from here. Obviously it would be great if finances improve before then but if we are on a similar income I'm wondering what is possible. Many thanks.

Any advice appreciated.

At secondary there are often scholarships too (Sports, art, music, academic...). Not necessarily huge though.

I can only comment on one big name boarding school : Oundle.
3% of pupils pay no fees at all (100% bursary)
4% of pupils pay 50% of fees or less
4% of pupils have bursary support of up to 50% of fees.
All scholarships are honorary (so no money off).
These figures are published by the school so maybe find the equivalent for schools you’d be interested in.

@leftandaright. Why didn't I think of that!?Thankyou.

Christ’s Hospital? Depending on your income, as I believe there is a threshold beyond which you don’t qualify for support.

Definitely not just the big names but he would need to be pretty exceptional and your income/assets low to qualify for a large award ahead of others. One local independent day school in the area has awards earmarked for residents of local Housing Association, another offers discounts for children of clergy. Worth looking around and asking bursar nearer the time.

have pm'ed you, OP

Biggest bursary support school in the country is Christ's Hospital - they do look at the family situation in the round - not just income but also things like equity in property but if you are in genuine need worth a look. Whitgift is I think the next biggest foundation but a lot less generous.

Whitgift is I think the next biggest foundation but a lot less generous

47% of pupils who attend one of the Whitgift Foundation schools (Whitgift, Trinity or Old Palace) receive financial support through bursaries and/or scholarships.

47% of pupils who attend one of the Whitgift Foundation schools (Whitgift, Trinity or Old Palace) receive financial support through bursaries and/or scholarships.

^
Christ's Hospital it is something like 80% receiving means tested bursaries with an average of 83% of fees. Scholarships are on top of that as they are awarded in yr 9 and yr 12.

My son got a large bursary from Reeds in cobham they offer a bursary specifically for single parents (foundationer )

It's definitely not too early to consider scholarships and bursaries - some closer as early as year 5 for a year 9 start (however usually these ones are for state school pupils however and include year 7/8 at a prep school).

Look up the independent schools near you and ask - being proactive and getting your name in early can't hurt. Most should have information on their websites as well.

www.stowe.co.uk/school/change-100/introducing-change-100

worth your looking at this, OP