Independent Schools and Bursarys

[lunaticow]

My son has passed the entrance exam for an independent school. I am a single parent on a low income - total including maintenance and tax credits is £26,000 pa. and I have 3 kids to support.

I desperately want him to go to this school as I know it is the right one for him.
Does anyone know how bursaries are generally allocated? I have applied for one but would need almost all fees paid to be able to send him there.

All schools are different - I think the only thing you can do is ring up the bursar and ask when they expect to be able to notify parents of the award of bursaries.

This is usually around the time offers are made. Has your DS been interviewed? When is offer date?

Hi, thanks. Offer date is 27 Feb. I'll know then about the bursary I'm just wondering what my chances are. I guess no-one can tell me except the bursar!

Crystal ball? Tarot cards? Chicken's entrails?

Most schools offer bursaries on a sliding scale from 100% to full fees depending on your income & assets. The actual amounts vary from school to school and sometimes how well they do in the tests. I do know of some schools who offer 100% at under £25K and up to 10% at £50K but the ranges vary enourmously. I also know of a school who offers nothing above £22K. The school are very likely to be able to give you an idea, but sometimes it depends on how many people ask for help. Have you looked on the school website because sometimes these figures are hidden there. You have alredy done the hard work - securing a place and filling in the bursary application form - that is a huge task! Good luck.