Non-existent bursaries

[Nobursarymum]

Our family is badly off. My DD is very bright and talented in an all round kind of way. The comprehensive she goes to is not great, and is not challenging her.
So we looked into the possibility of her moving to one of our local good reputation private schools, by way of a bursary.
When I wrote to these schools, to explain our interest in the school, but that DD would need a bursary to enable her to attend, the responses were beyond frosty. Although the schools advertise bursaries of up to 100%, 2 of the schools didn't even respond. When I pressed one of them, I was told that they didn't offer bursaries. That was despite the fact that their website clearly stated that to enable talented children to attend the school, they offered bursaries of up to 100%. They also claimed that they had not seen 3 emails from me because 1) 2 of them had got lost in the vast number of emails the admissions officer of this small undersubscribed private school received, 2) 1 email had not been received because their email account was full.

It seems to me that schools are advertising bursaries - including 100% bursaries - in order to satisfy the Charity Commission. But without any intention of actually offering a bursary to anyone.

Was I stupid to take them at their word, and enquire about the possibility of a bursary? Is it common knowledge that these statements on websites are no more than window-dressing?

[CraftyGin]

Most schools with spaces will anticipate enquiries around the secondary school allocation day, and will spring into action. They will also know that most enquirers will be expecting bursaries.

[Teddingtonmum1]

Op getting a bursary isnt impossible , but its not going to be easy, youve got to have a thick skin & sharp elbows . my ds got a substantial bursary from yr 7 , but it was like a mission to get it. I think the first thing is you can't be embarrassed to talk about money ie lack of it to the burser, once you get your foot in the door you have to have a frank talk about what level of support you would need ie no point talking to a school which only gives a 30% max award when you need 60% . my son passed the entrance exam but then it was a wait to see if the bursary would be enough , it wasn't but i went back to them and luckily they were able to up their support. you've got to be determined , getting a decent bursary is like the hunger games you've literally got to fight for it .... may the odds be in your favour !!!

[DairyisClosed]

Bursaries are usually offered to families already at the school. Or children who sit the CE and show academic potential but these are rarely 100% unless or is a big public school.

[ifonly4]

I think you'll stand a stronger chance if applying for Year 9 (shells) or Sixth Form. If she is really bright, applying for a scholarship might be the key, there are lots of scholarships out there, academic, all rounder, sports, arts. If she gets a scholarship and they really want her, then they're more likely to offer a bursary.

Look out for open days and look then. That's what we did. DD was very passionate about wanting a scholarship and this came across. On the open day DH made it very clear that a private school had never been on our radar (until DD suggested it) and she would only go if we had a good bursary. She applied to two schools, one offered a massive scholarship but no bursary, luckily the one she wanted was the one that gave us both. Her bursary includes fees, loan of laptop, free music lessons and support and full time boarding. Even on a full bursary, you'll have to supply all the stationary, pay for housekeeping, course books and mine needs a variety of smart clothes for evening functions - luckily we've got a lot of these in sale or when she's seen something cheap on Asos, New Look, BooHoo.

[ifonly4]

Are you prepared to let DD full board, that way she'll have more options? Which area(s) are you considering? They're maybe some on this thread whose in receipt of a bursary from a school in the area and can let you know which school they were successful with.

[okdok]

Yes, I would let her full board. I think a problem is that she has no startling talents. If aiming for 6th form entry, would they test just her A'level choice subjects? North east would be best, but would be flexible if accessible by train.

[Rudi44]

I think it depends on the school but our school tests for chosen A levels at 6 th form entry. They interview as well and whilst a talent would certainly help even just outside interests and a knowledge of current affairs would help demonstrate that the applicant is interesting and well rounded.

[waterside]

can you move her to a good state sixth form?