Bursary for existing pupils

[JemimaBakes]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone might have any experience or insight that they could share on bursary applications for existing students.

My DD is in a private secondary in London. I'm seriously considering a divorce (DH behaving unreasonably and controlling, and unwilling to try to change) but I won't be able to afford school fees on my own income. I'd like to know if existing students are considered for bursaries following a change of circumstance or whether a school would ask a student who could no longer afford their place to leave? In considering household income, would schools usually consider both parents' combined income? Would this be the case even if one parent was not financially contributing to their child?

My income is below the limit for bursary applications. I appreciate that DH should child maintenance, but he is self employed and given his recent behaviour (and some comments) I would not put it past him to withhold payment/ not pay for school fees.

I've heard before that schools might give more consideration to pupils predicted higher grades or in exam years. DD is in Yr 8 and is very hard working, but quiet and with decent but not amazing grades.

DD is an anxious child and if my decision to end the marriage caused her the distress of changing schools, that would really discourage me from trying to leave.

Ime this only happens at the normal boundaries so you might be able to apply now for y9 if her school has a year 9 intake, but more easily, after GCSE for sixth form. She would need v good GCSE results. They might have a hardship fund in the interim but you would have to submit full financial records and bank statements that showed your ex's contribution (or not). I think speaking to the bursar now would be a good idea.

Check with the school if it is the responsibility of both parents to pay school fees, there should be a policy or contract you signed when you accepted the place.

In our school unless you have a court order stating you have full custody/parental responsibility (can’t remember the exact wording), both parents have to sign acceptance letters and are therefore both still liable for fees.

This is the same if a bursary is applied for, both sets of finances would be looked at. Of course this could vary depending on the school set up.

It does usually consider both parents income. Ask your school but also perhaps use the time to get your ducks in a row and finances in order so you can leave when you are ready

You would need to check with the school, but the usual position would be to consider the finances of both parents, regardless of the fact that one of them doesn't necessarily want to pay.

I still had to provide ex’s details after we separated (had existing bursary). Get legal advice as you can apply to court for your OH to pay school fees on interim basis before divorce goes through. Do you have access to his accounts / tax returns? The more info you have the better.

We had to both declare income for DD's bursary, they took into consideration two accommodation costs

Thank you everyone, this has been so helpful. I know I'll need to speak with the bursar if things progress but I'm reticent to discuss it until I'm a bit more confident of my decision.

Luckily, yes, I have access to his records.

Thank you, this is so helpful to know. I'm exploring the different legal options re custody with my lawyers (DH has been unpredictable recently so weighing up a low intervention approach to keep things civil vs minimising risk)

I think my first port of call will be to discuss with my lawyer and then I'll speak to the bursar if I need to. Thanks again everyone, every little bit of information helps me face down the enormity of the decision.