Hi all! Thanks for your replies. Firstly, may I say that I fully appreciate that bursaries should go to those most in need. In fact, this is very much in point, as I've spoken to two single parents who've told me that they decided not to pursue their applications when faced with the Whitgift Foundation's rather relentless inquisitorial approach. And I know for certain that those ladies were separated from their husbands and struggling financially - sadly, one of those ladies is now living with her children in a bedsit. When you're struggling for the basics, it takes a lot of time and energy to explain, let alone prove that, even though your child's father should be contributing, he may choose not to and that, given the way the CSA operates, there really isn't very much you can do about it.
And no, my children and I don't live in an expensive house, by any means - we live in a terraced house with a downstairs bathroom, without a drive or garage.
As far as gifts from family and friends are concerned, last year, I declared some cash given to me by my parents for my birthday. It wasn't a significant amount - just normal birthday money. However, it occurred to me then, as it does now, that those applicants on a higher income are unlikely even to think of declaring similar gifts. After all, according to the Whitgift Foundation's table, parents on an income of £79,000 may be eligible for a bursary. Obviously, I agree that income and lottery wins are relevant, but my point is that there's no sensible way of comparing the value of gifts. For example, if the grandparents buy little Johny a telly for £500 for Christmas, does this have to be declared? Isn't it more valuable than £200 given to the mother, so she can buy a tv for him herself?
And no, middleclassonbursary, we can't go away at present because, after all these months, I'm still waiting for an up-to-date letter from the CSA to prove that my maintenance assessment is £1.67 per week. I've submitted the original assessment, plus recent bank statements, but, until I can provide a recent letter from the CSA to that effect, I'm liable for the full fees. Indeed, the full fees account arrived in the post this morning 
At the moment, I'm ringing the CSA almost daily. All this grief over an amount that barely covers a pair of school shoes...
Edithweston - I do realise that bursaries are reassessed annually, but the Whitgift Foundation is exercising a quasi-judicial function, which means that its approach must be reasonable, proportionate and transparent. For example, originally the value of our home was not included in our assessment and there has been no explanation for the change. Also, most of the queries that are being made do not impact upon our income bracket - in other words, as far as I can see, they delay our assessment, but do nothing to advance matters. And, of course, there should be a complaints procedure. Don't forget that charities enjoy very significant tax advantages.
Thanks youbrokemyshoulder - it is stressful - given the proximity of the new academic year and the impact of all this uncertainty on my children. I know the forms are standard, but it doesn't follow that the additional queries are. I've previously obtained bursaries from other charitable foundations in respect of my daughter and, although I've been required to complete paperwork and submit evidence, it's been a relatively straightforward exercise, whereas this headache has been dragging on since April...Apart from anything else the tone of the letters I'm receiving is bordering on hostile - I really don't think I want to be doing this every year..