Central London private secondary schools: bursaries?

[Spiderplantation]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking into private secondary schools for DS (currently in state primary year 5). Looking at central London only (i.e. Camden, Islington, schools very close by public transport from those) Would need a full bursary from entry and throughout.

So far I've identified UCS and Highgate as offering full bursaries.

Are there others within easy travelling distance of the centre? I'd prefer not out of London, no national rail, just local as possible.

Other central boroughs fine of course if easily accessible by public transport.

City , Westminster , Latymer Upper?

Honestly? I think all the most well known central London senior schools will offer full bursaries.

www.11plusguide.com/independent-private-schools/focus-london-surrounding-private-schools/bursary-scholarships-london-independent-schools/

The Dulwich schools offer full bursaries, which for those on higher awards will include use of their coach service, and that makes them accessible from some parts of central London.

And they genuinely do make some full awards.

But do be aware that just because a school can (and has) made full awards in the past, it does not mean that you will necessarily get that much. You need to talk to the bursar early on about your income (and perhaps certain major assets) and see what level you might qualify for.

Only Highgate, UCS as I thought, plus City boys and Westminster, according to that list.

Thank you. Not heard of Dulwich schools, but will look into it.

Thanks, didn't realise there was a Latymer centrally. City boys has bad association's for me, but could look. Westminster I suppose just has such a reputation as being impossible to get into, I hadn't thought of trying!

Be aware that for a bursary you have to submit very intrusive financial information, including both parents (including step parents in our case) equity in property above 10%, and 2 years of bank statements, also drs letter explaining my dd1's medical situation as wasn't working full time. This was for 60% means tested bursary

This is an old Taylor article on bursaries. I would expect them to be at least as generous now.

Sorry, I mean an old Tatler article

Working part time was a factor? 😱

@Spiderplantation yes the bursar will explore every possible avenue to ensure bursary funds are maximised amongst families and go to those most in need. From my perspective I contribute to our schools bursary fund. I work full time. I would take a dim view of a full bursary going to a family where a parent worked part time and was able to work full time (key word being able - obviously there may be many factors preventing that).

Oh yes, unless there is a good reason why full time work is not possible (disability, caring responsibilities) then you are expected to be working and in a job that is commensurate with your qualifications and experience. Bursaries aren't used to fund a choice to work part-time or 'downing size' from a well paid profession to a "pin money" role

So many people work time because they're parents or because their job is part time (e.g. lecturers, therapists, people who work shifts) and many are unemployed. And plenty are unable to work full time but don't qualify for disability benefits.

@Spiderplantation Westminster is not at all difficult especially compared to super selective grammar school. Their bodies was easier than st olsves from comparison perspective

please don’t get into hype created by parents/ tutors.

I was told by tutors n parents my child has no chance as children had to be gifted n who are preparing from 2/3 years minimum

my child got into third round of Westminster without any specific prep
. Last time my child picked up books was in nov for st olaves second round.

Exam not bodies … sorry for typos

I was still writing n message got sent

we tried to ask reference material but couldn’t find anything for Westminster .hence we used only Sevenoaks English 2/3 papers to prepare. That’s it .

That's useful, thanks. Though perhaps your child is pretty gifted really. :)

He is not. He is good but not genius or gifted else I would have not encouraged people to apply.

So it’s not selection that gets them such good results. Probably not a great look for those super selective grammars then. They need to work out what they aren’t doing even with a more intelligent cohort

@CrankyP nit sure I understand your message

If Westminster is not at all difficult to get into, they must teach them very well to get the results they get. Those schools which select more rigorously don’t get such good outcomes so aren’t doing as good a job teaching the kids

To apply for bursary at an independent school? http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/4729815-to-apply-for-bursary-at-an-independent-school

This was a recent thread on bursaries which might be useful to you.

Westminster and St Olaves - both very selective but obviously the resources at Westminster (30k a year) will far surpass those at St Olaves which is a state school so the value added will be greater. Academic results at SO are not far behind Westminsters but it's like comparing apples and oranges.

We submitted our bursary application last week.
Be prepared to allow scrutiny on very private financial information.
Feels very uncomfortable to fill in the forms but hopefully worth it.

I think
st olaves or Wilson
or qe is much more academically challenged compared to too Pvt schools

Pvt schools not worth the commute time n same money or h fact 1/4th can really provide loads of fine eye lift classes to bring up kid. not impressed by building n small classroom sizes n small labs …

we didn’t apply for bursary as tbh we are in middle .. i decided that irrespective of what is the outcome by child will remain same .

he didn’t prepare n got through Westminster but there are over preoarex kids who have been preparing for years n expensive tuitions n didn’t so his I feel the hype was not worth it . If my child is destined to goto a certain profession or position he will get it ! But daily commute n fees doesn’t justify the sacrifices at all

All of the top schools offer 100% bursaries if you are deeply in need. Minimum wage, no car, etc. But yes, there is annual reassessment, which is stressful.

Also, consider the wealth differences. It can be a bit upsetting to be thought of as poor. Which your child might feel, when next to friends who live in £££££ houses with swimming pools, or games rooms, plus multiple skiing hols, etc etc, when maybe you can stretch to a weekend in Bognor.

That all said, the kids don’t necessarily laude wealth (depends on the group, no hard and fast rule). boys maybe less status/wealth conscious, especially when young. That said, I remember a friend telling me that her best mate (they were at a top London indie) was on a full bursary, and lived in a bohemian tiny flat with her bohemian parents, and she was really popular and thought of as very cool! Just to give perspective. Hard to second guess.