Half a Bursary offer at an Independent School???? Ever heard of?

[TestMum]

My DS has been offered a 'half a bursary,place even though I am unemployed.

Has anyone ever heard of such an offer? I thought they were means tested and if you qualified for one then the amount you were given was based on what you earn. OR....is it based on how well he did in the test?

It's just tough all round I guess, for the parents and the school who are all trying to do their best for the child under very difficult circumstances.

The school can't raise the offer and I understand that. Will just wait for results on 1st March to see what comp we're offered. At least we tried and hey, everything is for a reason.

Thanks for all the feedback.

To answer your question to me: yes its possible that a family who has been assessed e.g. As eligible for max 75% bursary to be awarded 50%. I could say that for children who performed very well in exam, they would be awarded the full amount they are entitled to - this could be 15% or 85% - depends on the assessment. Children who did well, but less well than these might be awarded a bit less e.g. 60% when they are entitled to max of 75%. There might also be children who are offered a place and no bursary even though their means testing assessment indicates they are entitled to a bursary. This may of course mean that they do not accept the place. But overall the places and the bursaries are over subscribed. We try to help as many as possible and hope they will be able to track down additional family help and/or cut cloth accordingly.

Just read your question again. No, the school would not deem the applicant unsuccessful - they have passed the exam, they get offered a place. Some families find additional cash when they need to. Some cannot, and they do not accept. It is sad for the child and for us, but there is not enough to go around. But we would still offer a place, because the child had achieved it.