Bursary review increased our contribution despite finances not improving

[Lilbitconfused]

Hi everyone,

pls I’m just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with their child’s school bursary review.

note : I am extremely grateful for this award so pls this is not about feeing entitled. In fact I’m extremely anxious

my daughter is in yr 8 going on to year 9 in an independent girls school. Since year 7 Last year, we have been asked to contribute 5% of the fees, but following this year’s annual review it’s increased to 10%, even though I feel our financial circumstances are actually slightly worse than last year.
My salary has increased a little, but this has been offset by a reduction in our Universal Credit, so our overall household income is about the same and expenses clearly worse off as I have had to even borrow sometimes to pay her fees

On top of that, I lost the permanent job I had when she joined in year 7 and made it known to the bursary company that my new job is now on a fixed-term contract that ends in November (4months)
.
Has anyone else experienced their bursary contribution increasing despite their financial situation not improving? Did you ask the school to review the decision, and if so, what was the outcome?

I’d really appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences. Thank you.

You should talk to the bursar directly and explain what you've said here. We had a bursary and this did not happen, in fact the bursary increased over time.

It is likely that their financial situation also changed and that this is what is now possible. Or they want/need to cover more children. But definitely ask.

Maybe the school can’t afford bursaries at the same level

Speak to them. If it’s because of the schools worsening finances then I’d be looking to move her asap before you’re priced out in GCSE years.

Thank you. Will reach out to ask and clarify . Jus wanted to understand from people’s perspectives

Private schools are closing all over the place because they can't get enough cash flow to stay afloat. Most likely they can't afford to allow a bursary for 95% of the fee any more.

You can't afford the fees. They can't afford to subsidise the fees. If people don't pay enough they'll just close.

Have you got other options private/state? Because 10% fees is a pretty sweet deal. Might be 20% by next year.

No I haven’t even considered any other options

I might just have to see how I can get a second job asap as she is doing so well there and don’t want to remove her . It’s just difficult to coordinate two jobs with my current job but I may not have a choice

thank you

If you get a second job, your contribution will go up. It's a difficult situation.

If your salary has increased, your universal credit will only have reduced proportionally so overall you’ll have more income. For every £1 you earn, universal credit reduces by 55p.

Is there the option to apply for the next step up at your work? Even though you’ll have to pay a bigger percentage if you’re earning more, having a larger income will be helpful. Plus, if you do have to borrow for the fees a larger income will allow you to pay it back much faster when she leaves.

Has your house risen in value? As understand, the value of assets is taken into account.

You don’t mention her dad? Is his income accounted for?