Fitting in, on a scholarship

[2022liv]

Hi,

would like to hear back the experience of anyone whose child got a free place / scholarship / bursary ect (due to not being able to afford fees)
particularly in terms of how they felt mixing in circles with children who come from much wealthier backgrounds.
I had a poor experience myself and was made to feel less worthy , and whilst I would love my dd to reach their potential academically, I don’t want his self esteem crushed in the process, because sadly we live in a society that looks down the classes, no matter how much I raise my child to be confident

thank you

Things have probably changed a bit since you were at school.

If you decide on this route now the important thing is to apply to schools that have well established bursary awards available to a significant proportion of pupils. At the most famous (boys’) Public School in the country 20% of pupils receive some level of bursary. A not insignificant number have 100% awards. This means that financial diversity is built into the school community so there’s not much to be gained, socially, by picking on less wealthy pupils.

Scholarships generally only offer a token reduction in fees - their value is more in kudos and perhaps extended opportunities. At some schools gaining a scholarship is the gateway to applying for bursaries - at others they are completely separate strands.

But you will obviously weigh up applying to fee paying schools in the context of your child’s wider life. If you happen to live in an area with excellent state schools where everyone can expect to reach their full potential in a thriving and supportive environment then the question may not arise!

Thank you for replying.
The state schools in our catchment have only scored “good” status, none with “outstanding “ hence considering the private schools whose grades are excelling and who offer wide range of other non academic activities .

I don’t think they give more than 6 bursaries and scholarships out of 90’places so the majority will have parents paying. Hence my concern