Bursary application

[cherie32]

DS is at a prep school for another 2 years, and will later go to one of the boarding schools Eton/Winchester/Harrow.

I'm a single mum with no financial help from his dad. I never considered applying for a bursary (at current prep school, or at future boarding school) because my income is above average. Having said that I'm a contractor, so my job security is low, which is very worrying with having to pay boarding school fees. But also my outgoings are large with house mortgage, school fees etc.

I'm wondering if I should give it a go, nothing to lose, right?

A few questions:

• I know prep schools are a lot less likely to provide a bursary, and normally you'd apply before you join. But is it possible to apply while you're already in the school? DS's top of his year group in academics, sports, music...
• For senior schools, I've read many threads on here stating how these schools do help if you need it.. but for people who have received a bursary, can anyone pls share what your income was? Did they consider income minus outgoings, and base it on how much you have left each month? If this is too sensitive to share on here, I'd be grateful if you could DM me.

I've been able to afford the fees so far, and am trying my best to put aside savings for the future. But I do have to cut out many things and really watch every penny in order to afford it. But would hate to apply if I'm far off the mark.

Grateful for any advice.

We are on bursaries but not in the UK. It's definitely more than okay to apply once already at the school where we are. It's not at all uncommon for a family to fall on hard times a few years into schooling and need help, after all.

Rules vary from school to school, but I really don't think there's anything to lose by applying, is there? Some schools use a sliding scale, so they may award a lower bursary based on your income, etc.

Hard to imagine a downside to giving it a go. If your concern is what teachers will think, they're usually not meant to be aware of who's on bursaries or who's applied for them.

You would be likely to find it difficult to get a bursary where you are unless you have a change of circumstances - illness etc... if you have afforded it up til now why can't you pay full fees for the next prep years

Senior school you may have more luck they do look at disposable income but also savings, equity, pension pots.

All schools are different many set an upper limit on income. Some schools offer bursaries depending on how they do exams, others do a separate process independent of the exam process.

You don't sound like the usual bursary applicant that is successful I'm afraid. Day schools are much cheaper and I presume there is no reason why you DC can't go to a Senior day school?

For senior schools you have nothing to lose in applying. St.Pauls for example quotes you can earn up to 125k and still get something off the bill!
The forms are very detailed and leave no stone unturned....but yes basically its income and potential liquefiable assets balanced against outgoings.
if you google "Eton bursary form".you can see/download their form.

so your ds is in Y6 or Y7?

Might need to get a wriggle on?

Why not take the pressure off and send him to a day school?