Apply for Bursary in Independent School (Year 3)

[HoneyB2025]

I am keen to get DD into independent school (Year 3) in my area, as I think she will benefit from the private school system, DD is quite sharp and studies better in a quieter ‘less noise’ environment (middle income and single parent). The school i am looking at website says you are able to apply for bursary and scholarship at the senior level but there is no mention of that at the junior level. However, I note that you are able to make an enquiry about bursary at any level (junior or senior). I have registered DD and has an assessment soon at the school. I need advise if:

(1) I should try my luck and apply for the bursary now with the hopes they will offer it on a means-tested basis or:
(2) wait for DD to get the offer and then apply for the bursary right after or;
(3) pay full year fees for year 3 and apply for the bursary the following year for (year 4) when the school has had DD for a year and become familiar with her educational capabilities.

I am confused at this point on what to do.

I am concened that if I apply for the bursary before the offer, the school can decide not to accept DD into the school. My neighbor advised me to wait until DD gets an offer before I apply for the bursary but I also see on the net that most schools would like you to be transparent from the get go.

Any advise please? or anyone been in a similar situation?

"VAT will apply to the total value that is received in return for the education the school provides to the student. The school will account for VAT on the total amount of the fee charged for the education, even if this is made up by both the parent’s payment and a separate bursary paid for that child."

Vat is paid on the lot. This is an extract from the gov.uk website

This makes sense to me - DS2 has a small scholarship and our bill is laid out as below:
Fees:
School fees: £XX
Scholarship: -£YY
------
Fees: £(XX-YY)

So the invoice displays the full fee amount followed by a credit amount.