Is a 60% Bursary to a private sixth form a stretch?

[khadija123]

Hello! My daughter (year 10) currently attends a state school, and is really eager to join Queenswood school for sixth form (a private school). Myself and her dad think that Queenswood is the perfect fit for her, and she also thinks the same. The only problem is that we would need a 60% bursary - minimum 50%, to be able to send her there. Her dad and I are divorced, he's a comfortable earner and I'm on UC. We think that my situation will help us get a bursary - but we're not sure on the percentage. Does anyone have any experience with bursaries at Queenswood? And is 60% a stretch? Also, do you think there is anything she can do to boost her chances of a bursary e.g impress at the interview?

Most bursaries are means tested and incomes of both parents will be taken into account. With VAT most schools are reducing bursaries significantly and prioritising existing pupils.
That being said, only the Bursar at that school will be able to tell you. You need to contact them
Most bursaries aren't linked to performance so interview won't usually sway a bursary decision unless your child is exceptionally talented in something and the school feels that they have to have her!

I just wanted to add that bursaries are 100% linked to performance. They’ll be a group of people wanting bursaries and as there isn’t an unlimited pot, it will make it even more competitive than getting a place paying full fees.

But please don’t let this put you off, just keep it in mind. The school will also have a cut off point for finances (total amount), check the policy on the website. Remember, there’s other factors involved, other kids, assets etc etc.

No they aren't, scholarships are the ones linked to performance. Most bursaries are means tested, some are linked to scholarships, many arent. However each school is different hence my comment about contacting the bursar.

"Bursaries are awards offered to girls who satisfy the school’s required entry standards and who are deemed to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the school community, but who require financial assistance with the fees."
I've copied this from their website so I assume a positive interview, and satisfactory test results will boost her chances of bursary success. She is also extremely sporty and might try out for a sports scholarship - so I assume these will all be contributing factors. Also, their cut off point for finance is 100%. Do you think that there is anything that she should and could do in advance to prepare for the assessment and interview day e.g interview prep? (She's extremely eager to do well in both)

Just be herself but absorb the values of the school so she can talk about how she demonstrates them.

Each indy school is different, that's sort of the point, so there's no hard and fast rule for any of them.

Most Indy school websites will say this, but people’s experiences are different. A child can get satisfactory results and have a good interview but everyone will be ranked….

All she can do is her very best, be clear spoken and excited for this particular school. I haven’t been through a 16+ process- so just go by the website. I’d assume they’d want to talk more about her aspirations and experiences to date that align with the school’s values and her career progression.

By the sounds of it, she’ll do very well. When the time comes good luck.

There’s a lot of we in your OP, @khadija123…

You can’t have it both ways - either you and your ex-husband co-parent harmoniously and he continues to provide for his child, in which case his income will be taken into account, or you have no contact, receive no child support from him and are therefore verging on destitute.

I’m sure you understand the board making bursary decisions will require extensive (some might say intrusive) evidence of your financial position?

Just to clarify - I have known parents in the latter position receive 100% bursaries for their children - but the complete absence of the father from their lives was proven, not just conveniently imagined for the purposes of the bursary application firm.

I completely agree that honesty and transparency are essential in any bursary application. Just to clarify, I’m not claiming my daughter’s father is absent or trying to hide anything - we both support her and will submit all required financial details when applying.
My question was more about whether, based on others’ experiences, a 50-60% bursary is realistic when one parent earns well but the other (the primary carer) is on a low income. I’m also keen to know what might strengthen my daughter’s case, such as academic performance, interview, or extracurricular involvement.
Thanks again to anyone willing to share advice from personal experience.

As pp said they will look into both of your finances. They will also expect you to maximise your income as far as possible (E.g working full time not part time) and make significant sacrifices including giving up holidays etc.

Its not just about what your current income is, it’s how much your income could be and how low your outgoings could be.

Thank you for your insight, I really appreciate it. I completely understand that the bursary process is thorough and that both parents’ finances will be reviewed. I also recognise that the school expects families to make reasonable efforts to maximise income and minimise expenses.
In my case, I am currently on Universal Credit while actively seeking full-time work that fits with caring for my daughter. We have already made significant sacrifices in our spending, including cutting back on holidays and other non-essential costs.
We want to be as transparent as possible in the application and provide all necessary evidence. Ultimately, our goal is to find the best educational fit for our daughter, and Queenswood is where she believes she will thrive.

It won't be a "no" but you will probably be asked to justify why you aren't in FT work. They will also look at savings, assets, mortgage etc.

How much caring for does a 16 year old require? Or do you also have a young daughter?

Written before seeing later lists above.

Okay … Some schools give a sliding scale of incomes relative to bursary award - but that obviously doesn’t cover assets or inheritance so it’s not foolproof. If they don’t make that public then it really will depend on how much they want any particular child.

However, the bursary guidance will inevitably say they expect both parents to maximise their incomes. For a child in year 10 (ie not needing close, constant childcare) they might query any situation where that isn’t happening. No need to go into details here of course (don’t!) but be ready to explain your situation to them fully.

Why does your daughter want to change schools?

The key point is the joint income. If he’s a decent earner, you may not qualify for anything. Best would be to arrange a meeting with the bursar.

Do you know what their entry requirements are for 6th form entry? It will be conditional on GCSE grades being achieved and what subjects she intends to carry forward to A-Level.

That being said Queenswood isn't an academic hothouse so it isn't all about that, although treat that as a minimum. Have a look to see what Queenswood prides itself on, their branding, ethos etc. Then try to align with how DD can contribute to this whilst she is there and potentially after she has left. Furthermore how is Queenswood transformative for her. Aims and ambitions, examples of other leavers studying degrees/following professions that she wants to aim for.

Bursaries are for those who need, but funds are finite - 60% fees waived means 3 others who needed 20% don't get that offer for example. She will need to stand out for what she can offer the school and how she benefits.

Hope this helps

Thank you for asking. My daughter doesn’t want to stay at her current school for sixth form because she feels it’s not the right environment for her academic growth and wellbeing. Unfortunately, she has experienced bullying there. She already has lots of friends and has built positive relationships with the admissions staff and head of sixth form at Queenswood, which makes her really excited about the fresh start and support she would receive there.

Thank you so much for your helpful advice. We understand that entry to Queenswood Sixth Form will depend on the entrance assessments in the subjects she intends to take at A-Level, the interview, and a satisfactory reference from her current school.

@khadija123 have you prepared your DD for not getting the bursary? Not saying you won't but you need have a Plan B

Yes I have. She completely understands that it is not guaranteed and we have a few other schools in mind as a plan B.

OK good. The financial audit can be intrusive so best of luck and I hope you get the outcome you need.

When you say you are looking for work that fits around caring for your daughter I assume you have a younger daughter?

Separately to your bursary question but you should also consider how you will ensure your younger daughter is treated fairly. Both if older DD attends the sixth form and you are expected to make cutbacks, and in the future when older DD is looking at sixth forms. Last thing you want is resentment that DD sacrificed for older DDs opportunities, and then is not given the same opportunities herself!

You could get a job and pay for your daughter to attend the school yourself. I’m not sure why you’re on UC and also expect to get a bursary.

Not working full time because you have to care for a 16 year old will not go down well with the bursar, op!