Has anyone tried to negotiate for a scholarship/discount on school fees? Go on, show off your negotiating skills here...

[Uberelf]

Dd has had 2 offers from independent schools we like, but we will be stretched to pay the fees. We need to go in and see if we can negotiate some kind of scholarship or reduction - apparently dd did very well indeed in the entrance exam, so they do want to have her.

I'd love to hear from people who've successfully negotiated some kind of financial concession - and of course from people who tried and failed!

Thanks. Clearly lots to think about. I have a child at a state grammar, and will not face school fees again. It's partly my experience with the grammar which is putting me off the possible grammar for dd if she gets offered a place. Academic standards are high at the grammar my other child is at, but it's sink or swim. The same will be true for any grammar place dd is offered. Academic standards are even higher at one of the independents she's been offered, and pastoral care in a different realm altogether. Ie much better. They have time to get to know each child.

These are uncertain times, but I am more concerned in that respect about rising gang-related crime tbh. Hence a shorter journey home would be better.

7 years of school fees would buy an awful lot of taxi rides....

I know what you mean about the Grammar, UE. Our local one is also like that: they think that they are the bees knees and if anybody dares to question them it's a case of "well if you don't want the place then there are plenty else that do". They don't have to be nice to attract pupils so they aren't!

There is that feel to some of our local grammars, Senua, but in the case of the one I know well as a parent, it's that the teachers all have to work incredibly hard to keep a lid on behaviour and achieve astonishing academic results, so they really can't notice a quiet, well-behaved child who is just a bit unhappy or bored stiff.

Just to add that I know someone who has a son who is very very gifted when it comes to sport (and generally exceptionally bright) and they are in the process of negotiating with a couple of school to see who will offer the biggest or full scolarship. So it is not unheard of. But maybe needed to be started some time ago...we were sent forms for bursary consideration months back. My ds is sitting his 11+ entrance exam for his senior school Right Now This Minute am stressed!!

Ooh, best of luck Moopymoo. It's a great relief when it's over. Bit like friggin childbirth all over again.