Applying for a sixth form bursary when parents separated

[IntheParisGellarbusiness]

Does anyone have any information or experience on the assessment of finances for a private school bursary when parents are separated?

To give context:

I am primary caregiver (if it is still called that once they are 15) and he lives with me full time. I do 100% of school runs, appointments, parents evenings etc. His dad lives a couple of hours away.

However, he is his dad, he does have parental responsibility, and he does see him regularly. Although, he has never had any active input into education or decision making.

They have said they will request his income and expenditure too. I don't know what he earns, or what he owns. He pays his maintenance and we don't discuss it further.

If he refuses to cooperate, is that just the end of the line for this opportunity?

I don't think it is right to expect his wife to provide information of her income and assets, so can see why they might decline.

I have no assets or saving outside of my pension, so I am not concerned from my end.

They will ask for everything for you both
so if he’s a high earner - unlikely
you receive maintenance?

Because he has PR - yes it would be end of the line

You’ll have to declare his maintenance too

And your earnings?

I don't know if he is a high earner. The maintenance is low, so I assume not.
Higher than me based on his lifestyle, but he is married, he has 2 incomes coming in so that is also a contributing factor.

My take home salary is less than the UK average and we live in the SE, so I don't think it would be an issue based on that. The advisor said it is based in incoming and expenditure, so not my gross salary.

I will just apply and see what happens. Thank you.

Phone the school and speak to the bursar - they will be able to advise.

I spoke to the bursary advisor at the open evening. She said I must link his details, but there is nothing we can do if he doesn't submit his details as it is voluntary.
She said to make a note on the application about the circumstances, and see what happens from there as this hasn't been an issue before. That's why I asked if anyone has experience.

We were never married, and no, he earned less than I did as we were 21 and newly graduated. But that was 16 years ago now so not really representative of current finances. We split, amicably, after a year.

It has been a long time since we have had any interest in eachother's lives outside of our child.

How regularly does he see his son? Is there any reason why he doesn’t want this potential opportunity for his son?