So whats the chance of getting into a private school when you are on a low income?

[notasheep]

dd is a bit of a brain box(certainly doesnt take after her mother!)
Found a fab school but think it all may be a bit of a dream.
Anyone with experience or advice on this

there are pretty great schools out there for smart kids in the state system.

I don't get this that all bright kids should go to private schools.

otherwise ask about scholarships

Ask about bursaries - you need to call the brusar or look on the website for the income criteria. How old is she as most schemes won't apply until 7+ at least?

she is almost 9

hana-we have the huge choice of one school here.
Also the sport,drama,music ,art blah blah blah are exceptional

Some schools do bursares and scholarships from prep age (Y3); others from secondary (Y7). You need to speak to the head about theopportunities. But be aare that many are not for the full fee amount, and remember what extra csts there may be on top of fees, You need to make sure it is not something that will put the family into financial difficulties.

I slightly think some of the ahem point about private schools, though, is that they cost money. Which means quite a lot of people cannot afford them.

Your DD's age will count against her perhaps as most scholarships are awarded at the entry points (7 and 13). Check out the website of the school - they normally have details of scholarships. Then ring up and ask. Nothing to lose.

But Hulababy is right; it will never be 'free'. there may be a sliding scale of what they pay (depending on your income) and the extra costs really do add up - music lessons, school trips, uniforms (though there is usually a healthy second hand market).

ah, x-post. am v slow typing today...

MI-however,if its a selective school then you may not be able to send your child if you have the money too

Aren't girls' school entry points normally 11 (they seem to be round here)?

Your chances of getting in are as good as anyone else's. Chances of getting a bursary are more limited, and most of the time they aren't for the full cost of the fees. Sometimes they are, though, if your income is low enough and if the school has enough cash sloshing around. You'll need to get information from the school involved.

it's just that plenty of smart kids go through the state system but there is a belief that smart = private

dd1 got a scholarship to a private school when she was about 8 i think, they paid 50%

i just called the school in question to see if they had any scholarships on offer, and they did!

she went for an interview, sat the entrance exam and got in

it was a lovely school actually

Bursaries are often available throughout not just at the traditional entry points. ds' year group has had joiners into both Years 4 and 5. Many schools ,espeically at younger ages,are moving towards bursaries rather than scholarships as part of the charity requirements, so you chances are probably greater now than they might have been a couple of years back.

lou33-thats wonderful to know

Some do, some don't and only tell you once you've accepted a place . It can be hard, especially if you are not well off. My ds starts a new private school in September, the fees are a bit more than I pay now, I have a new school uniform to get aswell (I can recycle things from his current school uniform that are the same, some is allowed to come from anywhere, some from a expensive school outfitters). I could have waited until he was 11 and applied for a scholarship and busary but they don't have anya availiable until 11. I'll have to manage until then. You can but ask. Good luck.

looking at her going at 11yrs

The school that I work at gives means tested bursaries at 11 ,they will give you an indication of how much you would get off in advance of the place being offered based on current income,generally the max you can get off is 2/3(for this school) but in some circumstances it can be more and sometimes e pay for music lessons and travel (v.exceptioanlly)What part of the country are you in?

Notasheep - the ability to pay is also part of the "selection" procedure at the majority of "selective" private schools (I am reliably informed by a friend who works in one!).

Having worked in both systems I have found that locals schools vary so much. If you live near a good one then you are very lucky or generally paying for it in the price of your home.

My DD's education is incredibly important to me and as such I am more than happy to invest in her going to best that is available. Some people choose clothes, other's car or holidays, in our house it is the education.

If your DD is intelligent and loves learning then try out bursaries etc. If you can not get one it is still worth looking in to. I think after love, food and shelter it is the most important thing we can give them.

Good luck!

Thankyou!
We are in Wales(where low income is a norm)

Are there any private schools in Wales

A number of private schools,prob full of high earners children from London.Think i may be a lost case with dp on 13K!

However dd will take the entrance exam and then we will go from there