Bursary Decision

[Lizziedripping123]

We applied for a bursary for a v academic school for our son. Went through the usual bursary process by external company (BAA) and son went through rigorous testing/interview process. He was offered a place by email and the next day a letter arrived to say no bursary awarded as we fell outside financial parameters. We were surprised as we don't think we do (previously awarded a big bursary at school up the road for different child), so we asked the school for further information, including a copy of the BAA report. Received reply to say we fell outside financial parameters but no report attached. Replied again to ask for report, received reply to say we fell outside financial parameters and that all candidates across the board at sixth form are very able. No report attached. We replied again to ask for report on our finances but received an out of office reply, on holiday until 6/1/25. This is the deadline for accepting a place (which obviously we can't accept as we can't even afford the deposit).

We don't deserve a bursary and understand the school has a limited pot but the fobbing is off with something that we are pretty sure is untrue is frustrating, the lack of clarity and transparency even more so. We are a family on universal credit and receive 100% bursary from government for music and dance school scheme for another child. Does anyone know how bursaries are actually allocated/awarded as there must be some sort of fair process otherwise could easily discriminate. And are these decisions meant to be transparent?

Thanks, this is helpful. No, I don't want all the details as this would be too complex, but some sort of general guidance would be helpful to parents. It feels like the school has tried to fob us off with something that's not true and if they had a line in their bursary policy which explained, in general terms, how they often award bursaries then this may have been something they could have pointed is to to explain why we didn't receive one (which would have been easier for them and helpful for us!).

Here's a quote from the policy of a large public school:
Suitability - in assessing a child's suitability, attention will be given to their academic
assessment results in accordance with the school’s published entry criteria. Bursary funds are
limited and those judged most suitable will be given priority as those likely to gain most from
the school’s educational provision. In the majority of cases this means that bursary awards will
be prioritised to those who win some form of entry award (or scholarship or exhibition).

I think this is really helpful as it doesn't give all the details (there needs to be room for the school to have freedom here) but it gives enough information for understand how they are likely to award bursaries.

You have two options. Pay for your child to attend the school or put them in state school.

We privately educate, and it costs in excess of 15k a year. I'm not sure why you think all of your children are entitled to private education when you don't want to pay for it!

I find it even more concerning that it has been indicated that you are in receipt of universal credit. Private education is a luxury, not a right.

Assuming you’re not just trolling (probably a generous assumption but anyway) you seem to have misunderstood what this thread is about. Feel free to start your own thread if you disagree with bursaries in general and the rationale behind them.

Probably wise to read the thread before you write as you've misunderstood the discussion and written things that show you to live up to your name!