Senior school Bursary? Eligibility?

[sandyfrog]

Good morning!

My son is currently in year 6 at a local prep school. The fees are low at £9k annually and I also received a 50% bursary at the time due to being a single mother/studying at university. I have since met a partner and we live together and have one DC together.

They did not change the bursary amount. Unsure why, we told them we had moved in together etc. so we have always paid the same amount.

Fast forward and I am now looking at senior schools. Before anyone asks I have also applied for the local state schools too and my son knows there is a possibility he will attend one. All is fine there.

Obviously the jump in school fees are huge. One is £14.5k and the other (more elite) is £19.5k annually.

I am not working currently as have had a baby. My partner earns around £50-60k a year and this can change due to being self employed.

Would we still be eligible for a bursary do you think? Obviously my partner has no PR over my son (and my son does not see BIO father) but my partner is providing for us financially so I know to put him on the application etc.

We could probably afford the £14.5k school if we were to receive a 50% bursary but I highly doubt we'd get that high of a bursary on our income? We live on the south coast.

Any ideas? Should we just apply and see? Thank you!

Every school has its own rules - completely pointless asking on here. Look on the individual school websites and if the info isn't there then email. They are often offered up to a household income of £80k

Your child will most likely have to take a test - lack of funds is not a reason in itself for a bursary, they want to know that your child is bright enough to benefit. Our school asks for all sorts of info, income, value of home, other assets, possible maintenance payments and investments. It's forensic.

Test is usually only the usual entrance exam.

They will take into consideration everything. Whether you could go back to work and fund his education and if your partner is willing to fund your son's education. Additionally, many schools will support if they think he is good enough for their standards.
I would try, you have nothing to lose!

Thank you; the entrance exams are in jan/feb so we will apply and see!

I did think there may be some sort of a sliding scale.

He's a very bright boy and his teacher has given him an excellent reference.