School Bursaries

It’s no secret that for all but a small minority of families, the cost of independent schooling is a huge and often overwhelming financial commitment. But that doesn’t mean a place at an independent school is unobtainable. Providing financial aid is a big and important priority for many independent schools, who are actively growing their financial aid pots to enable a wider range of families to access independent education – with everything from scholarships giving 5 per cent off school fees to life-changing 110 per cent bursaries on offer.

To help you cut through the financial jargon and marketing speak, we’ve spoken to a huge number of schools up and down the country to collate the most up-to-the-minute bursary information available – from financial thresholds to specialist scholarships and provision for children of parents in the armed forces or the church. Read our feature on everything you need to know about bursaries and financial aid, and then scroll down to find out more information about the bursary provision at the schools on your shortlist.

This guide is designed to be a starting point to help with the early stages of your school search – but do remember, the only way to get information linked to your own specific circumstances is by picking up the phone and having an honest conversation with the school’s bursar or admissions team. They are here to help –and so are we.

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GLOBAL SCHOOLS

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Prep Schools

Bancroft's Prep School, Woodford Green Visit school bursary page Bancroft’s Prep offers Assisted Places to entrants to the Junior School (7+) each year. Fee remission is only applicable to Assisted Places which support children who would not otherwise be able to attend the school. There are up to two Assisted Places available for applicants for 7+ entry and are given to bright children whose parents might not otherwise be able to afford the fees for Bancroft’s Prep and are awarded on the results of the 7+ entrance tests. An Assisted Place at 7+ level will only cover a pupil’s time at the Prep School but families may reapply for an Assisted Place when transferring to the Senior School. Assisted Places are awarded following a confidential financial assessment of household income which is reassessed every year. Candidates must also fulfil the minimum entry requirements.
Channing Junior , Highgate Visit school bursary page
Chepstow House School, London Visit school bursary page In the last few years Chepstow House has established its ‘Bursary and Scholarship Fund’ with the goal of supporting as many qualifying children as possible, through both means-tested bursaries and targeted scholarships for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, with affording a Chepstow education. They are currently looking to expand this fund over the next few years to support at least one additional pupil with a full-fee bursary as well as allow for the beginnings of a significant endowment fund.
Dulwich Prep & Senior - Prep, London Visit school bursary page Dulwich Prep London offers means-tested bursarial support to new entrants at year 3 and above whom it identifies as academically gifted and likely to benefit most from the opportunity. Any awards are subject to a full financial history which requests full details of income and capital resources. Prior to the offer of an award, a home visit will be made to discuss these details and all bursaries are reviewed annually.
Falcons Pre-Preparatory Chiswick, Chiswick Visit school bursary page The school offers bursaries through the Alpha Plus Group’s charity partner, The Gold Standard Charitable Trust. Bursary amounts are decided on a case by case basis after reviewing the applications. All applications for bursaries must be endorsed by the Head and the awards are reviewed on a termly basis.
King's House School, Richmond Visit school bursary page Bursary provision at King’s House is means-tested and awarded in the form of a discount of up to 100% of the tuition fees. These aim to broaden access to the school. Bursary awards are available to all parents/guardians of children entering any year group from Year 3 to 6. If a pupil has already secured assisted entry to an independent senior school at 13+, bursary applications may also be considered for Year 7 and 8. They can also be awarded to relieve hardship where a pupil’s education would otherwise be at risk. Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) assist in reviewing bursary application, submitting feedback to the school’s bursary committee. Scholarships are not available at King’s House.
Pembridge Hall School, London Visit school bursary page In the last few years Pembridge Hall has established its ‘Bursary and Scholarship Fund’ with the goal of supporting as many qualifying girls as possible, through both means-tested bursaries and targeted scholarships for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, with affording a Pembridge education. They are currently looking to expand this fund over the next few years, which would support at least one additional pupil with a full-fee bursary as well as allow for the beginnings of a significant endowment fund.
Queen's College Preparatory School, London Visit school bursary page Queen’s College is keen to admit any girl who meets its academic standards, regardless of her financial situation, and a number of means-tested bursaries are available on entry at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+. A bursary can provide up to 100 per cent remission of fees, depending on a family’s financial circumstances (the school recently reached its target of having at least 10 per cent of all pupils on full bursaries). All of its bursaries are strictly means-tested via an independent bursary assessor, and although a scholarship will sometimes be offered alongside a bursary, the two rarely go hand in hand. The school also has an ongoing partnership with the Sarah Bonnell school in east London, and offers fully funded sixth-form places to up to four pupils each year.
Shrewsbury House Preparatory School, Surbiton Visit school bursary page Shrewsbury House offers bursaries to able children who could benefit from an education at the school, no matter their personal circumstances. The school offers means-tested bursaries to new pupils who qualify, and has a hardship fund for existing pupils whose financial circumstances have changed. Bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees according to need. Applications are judged against suitability, both academically and regarding wider school life, as well as need. The application process takes into account a full financial history and is subject to an annual means-testing review and may be varied up or down at the discretion of the Governors. The School uses a specialist third party organisation, Bursary Administration Limited (BAL), to assess bursary applications.
St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing Visit school bursary page As a Catholic Benedictine School, St Benedict’s is committed to supporting families from all backgrounds in order to provide a first class education to deserving pupils who would normally not be able to afford independent education. While the school's current bursary pot is £700,000, it aims to increase the provision of bursaries year on year. It is hugely important to the School to support young people to perform to the best of their ability, provide them with great opportunities to flourish and see them succeed in their academic and co-curricular careers, no matter their financial circumstances or background. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Performance in the entrance assessments is taken into consideration, alongside financial circumstances, but also how the pupil can contribute to the life of the School in a variety of ways. St Anselm Awards are offered to pupils who excel in their academic, musical or sporting endeavours, but would not be able to afford to come to the School even on a partial bursary. These cover the total cost of fees and contribute toward uniform and music lessons. In some circumstances a contribution is also offered toward school trips. The school considers families for partial bursaries who have a joint income of £100k per year or less, or St Anselm Awards for families whose income is £60k or less. These figures are approximate and a holistic view is taken of family circumstances.
The Cavendish School, Camden Visit school bursary page The school is very pleased to offer financial support to families who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Their fees are typically lower than those of other independent schools nearby because they are fortunate to own their own premises and are a charity - all the same, the cost to families is significant. For those for whom it is too much of a stretch the school is sometimes able to offer bursaries that can range from 10% to 100%. They ask parents to make full financial disclosure to a third party they appoint once a place is accepted in principle. Each case is assessed on its merits and considers outgoings including other dependents; there is no fixed level of income threshold to qualify for a bursary application. The company reports back to the school's Bursar, who shares this information with the Governors and the decision regarding level of support, if any, is at their absolute discretion. The school's expectation is that a child would be supported throughout her time with them; bursaries are reviewed annually and can be varied up or down or withdrawn. Bursaries are more often considered for occasional vacancies (ie for girls entering the school from Year1 upwards) rather than at the main points of entry at 3+ and 4+; in exceptional circumstances bursary applications may be accepted for Early Years. The Cavendish School is not selective; bursaries are based on financial need rather than academic strength. Other (social, family) needs may also be considered. Through the normal admissions process, the school ascertains whether a child would benefit from the education they provide and fit well with the current cohort. Bursaries are offered in the context of prudent management of the charity’s finances and are expected to total roughly 5-10% of total fee income.

Senior Schools

Bancroft's School, Woodford Green Visit school bursary page Bancroft's currently has 5 per cent of its pupils on Assisted Places (bursaries), and continues to increase the number of Assisted Places on offer. The school offers up to 100 per cent fee coverage and all bursaries also include a £300 annual uniform grant and a £200 one-off grant for a suitable laptop or tablet, plus all public exams paid for. Assisted Places are available to children joining primarily at 11+ and 16+ Fee remission is only applicable to Assisted Places which support children who would not otherwise be able to attend the school. Assisted Places are awarded following a confidential financial assessment of household income which is reassessed every year. Candidates must also fulfil the minimum entry requirements.
Channing , Highgate Visit school bursary page
DLD College London, South Bank Visit school bursary page The bursary programme at DLD College London is funded by the Gold Standard Charitable Trust and the Alpha Plus Group. Means-tested grants of up to 100 per cent of fees are offered to students who show potential but are unable to afford tuition fees (please note, accommodation costs are not covered). These are available to all students with a British passport, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. A student does not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary.
Dulwich Prep & Senior - Senior, London Visit school bursary page Dulwich Prep London offers means-tested bursarial support to new entrants at year 3 and above whom it identifies as academically gifted and likely to benefit most from the opportunity. Any awards are subject to a full financial history which requests full details of income and capital resources. Prior to the offer of an award, a home visit will be made to discuss these details and all bursaries are reviewed annually.
Emanuel School, London Visit school bursary page In 1594, Lady Anne Dacre founded Emanuel School with the vision to provide an education to children irrespective of family income. Today, the school continues to support that vision; they believe that increasing diversity in the school benefits the whole school community and welcomes new and varied perspectives, preparing pupils for life after Emanuel. They aim to ensure all aspirational and talented girls and boys have an opportunity to learn and grow at the school, regardless of financial circumstances. The school offers a range of financial support, from scholarships to fully-funded places. Fee assistance is means-tested and can provide transformative free places to children who would otherwise be unable to attend Emanuel. Currently, 25% of pupils receive financial assistance (this includes exhibitions, scholarships, and bursaries), with 53 pupils receiving fee support. Going forward, the school will focus on providing more fully funded places than ever before through the launch of their largest-ever philanthropic campaign, Giant Strides. Their ambitions represent the school’s desire to be outstanding across all areas and evolving to meet and exceed the demands of our pupil population and wider community. The school does not want any potential pupil to be discouraged by financial circumstances when making an application to the school. The level of fee-remission is dependent on financial need and can be up to 100%, including the costs of uniform and school trips. Financial assistance is purely based on need, and pupils do not need to win or apply for a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary.
Godolphin & Latymer School, Hammersmith Visit school bursary page Godolphin & Latymer offers a bursary scheme, with around 10 girls in each year receiving some level of fee assistance, the majority of which are fully funded places. These awards are based on each family’s financial circumstances, and assistance can range from 25 to 110 per cent of fees. The number of awards available varies year on year, but at present the school spends about £1.6 million annually on means-tested bursaries. Bursaries are available upon entry at 11+ and 16+.
Ibstock Place School, Roehampton Visit school bursary page Ibstock Place School offers a number of bursaries to new entrants to the School at 11+ and 16+, as well as the possibility of hardship bursaries for current families whose financial circumstances unexpectedly change. These awards are means tested and can cover up to 100% of fees according to need, assessed through a full financial history and annual review.
King's College School Wimbledon, London Visit school bursary page King’s College School, Wimbledon remains committed to broadening access by offering to parents and/or guardians of eligible pupils means-tested, discretionary financial support with the payment of school costs. The school is able to provide financial support of over £1.5 million each year to senior school pupils. This enables young people of exceptional talent and promise to benefit from a world-class education regardless of their background or their family’s financial circumstances. Financial assistance (or a bursary award) is available for the families of applicants who would be unable to fund some or all of the tuition fees if their child were to be offered a place. Financial assistance varies and can cover up to 100% tuition fees and may, in addition, include provision for extra costs like uniform, equipment and compulsory school trips. As with all other applicants, pupils hoping to benefit from financial assistance must first gain a place at King’s. The school also has limited funds to provide possible short term assistance to current parents where there has been an unforeseen change in financial circumstance.
Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood Visit school bursary page MTS offers bursary support at any entrance point for up to 100 per cent of fees, with further financial support for uniform and other necessities if required. Awards are means-tested and require a full financial history and a home visit as part of the application process.
Queen's College, London, London Visit school bursary page Queen’s College is keen to admit any girl who meets its academic standards, regardless of her financial situation, and a number of means-tested bursaries are available on entry at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+. A bursary can provide up to 100 per cent remission of fees, depending on a family’s financial circumstances (the school recently reached its target of having at least 10 per cent of all pupils on full bursaries). All of its bursaries are strictly means-tested via an independent bursary assessor, and although a scholarship will sometimes be offered alongside a bursary, the two rarely go hand in hand. The school also has an ongoing partnership with the Sarah Bonnell school in east London, and offers fully funded sixth-form places to up to four pupils each year.
Radnor House Twickenham, Twickenham Visit school bursary page
St Benedict's School, Ealing Visit school bursary page As a Catholic Benedictine School, St Benedict’s is committed to supporting families from all backgrounds in order to provide a first class education to deserving pupils who would normally not be able to afford independent education. While the school's current bursary pot is £700,000, it aims to increase the provision of bursaries year on year. It is hugely important to the School to support young people to perform to the best of their ability, provide them with great opportunities to flourish and see them succeed in their academic and co-curricular careers, no matter their financial circumstances or background. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Performance in the entrance assessments is taken into consideration, alongside financial circumstances, but also how the pupil can contribute to the life of the School in a variety of ways. St Anselm Awards are offered to pupils who excel in their academic, musical or sporting endeavours, but would not be able to afford to come to the School even on a partial bursary. These cover the total cost of fees and contribute toward uniform and music lessons. In some circumstances a contribution is also offered toward school trips. The school considers families for partial bursaries who have a joint income of £100k per year or less, or St Anselm Awards for families whose income is £60k or less. These figures are approximate and a holistic view is taken of family circumstances.
St James Senior Girls' School, London Visit school bursary page St James’ offers means tested bursarial support of up to 100% of fees to new applicants and existing families whose circumstances have changed, to allow as many children as possible to access an independent education. These awards are subject to a full financial review and home visit and are reviewed annually.
Surbiton High - Senior School & Sixth Form, Kingston upon Thames Visit school bursary page The school offers a number of means-tested Church Schools Foundation Bursaries, at entry to Year 7 and at entry to sixth form. They do not offer full bursaries and parents are expected to make a contribution to the fees. Pupils do not need to be awarded a scholarship in order to apply for a bursary. The school's bursary threshold is usually set at around £70,000 (based on a combined income). The school also runs the Green & Silver Award, which is offered in Year 12 and Year 13 to students who have come through the School since Year 7 and would be unable to continue into Sixth Form without the support of the Award.
Whitgift School, South Croydon Visit school bursary page Whitgift is fully committed to helping families who could not afford the full fees, and through the John Whitgift Foundation, the school devotes over £2 million to bursaries each year. The school has its own charity for bursaries and partnership work, Whitgift For All, and sets aside funds for families struggling with short-term financial hardship. Last year, over 600 Whitgift students received some form of financial assistance, with a growing number benefiting from ‘Headmaster’s Awards’, which cover the fees in full, as well as uniform, a laptop, trips and exam fees. Whitgift also currently supports two refugees and a handful of students with fully-funded full-boarding places via RoyalSpringboard.

South East England

Prep Schools

Barfield Prep School, Farnham

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Bursaries at Barfield are managed by the Prep Schools Trust. The process requires a full financial review of a family’s income, expenses, assets and liabilities; the key determining factor in the decision to award a bursary is need. Bursaries may be awarded in the form of a discount of up to 100% of the day tuition fees, depending on the financial circumstances of applicants. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary.

Brambletye School, East Grinstead

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A number of bursaries are offered each year to children entering Year 3 or above, of up to 100% of the fee for the duration of their time at Brambletye. There are two conditions that must be satisfied before any offer can be made - the children must show good academic and all round potential and parents must be able to demonstrate a genuine need for the financial assistance that is being offered.

To ensure criteria are met, an Assessment Day takes place in the Spring term to assess potential candidates for their suitability for the School. It should be stressed that there is not a competitive element involved in this but it is important that the School is confident that any potential bursary candidates are able to fully access the School’s curriculum.

The application process initially involves completing a Bursary Application form, Confidential Statement of Financial Circumstances, a recommendation letter from the child’s current Headmaster and a covering letter.

Caldicott School, Farnham Royal

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Earlier this year, Caldicott School launched its Hitchin Scholarship, aimed at academically able pupils who excel in sport, music, art or drama but may not be able to afford the school fees. The award offers £1,000 off school fees each year but can also be supplemented by a fully funded means-tested bursary where there is proven financial need.

Cheam School, Newbury

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Cheam offers means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent of tuition and other fees payable. The decision to offer bursaries is made on academic performance in the entrance exam, academic record and potential in extracurricular activities, as well as financial need.

Awards are made at the discretion of the Board of Governors, who will calculate award levels in relation to a family’s financial circumstances. Awards may be varied upwards or downwards depending on individual parents/guardians’ circumstances (e.g. their savings, investments and realisable assets, as well as their income, the size of their family, any other persons dependent upon them and like factors), compassionate or other pertinent considerations. Bursary awards are subject to repeat testing of parental means each year.

Cothill House, Cothill

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Bursaries at Cothill are overseen by the Cothill Trust, which offers students entering in Year 5 or above up to 100 per cent means-tested fee remission. The process requires a full financial review of a family’s income, expenses, assets and liabilities, together with a home visit that is undertaken by a third party on behalf of the school. The key determining factor in the decision to award a bursary is need.

The school also offers a flat fee reduction of 25 per cent to serving members of the armed forces who are in receipt of CEA.

Cranleigh Preparatory School, Cranleigh

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Cranleigh Prep offers a number of scholarships at 11+, including Academic, Music and Sport. Scholarships attract a fee remission and may be supplemented by means tested top-up bursaries.

Cumnor House Sussex, Haywards Heath

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Launched in 2015, the Cumnor Foundation offers two fully funded scholarships each year to children in Year 3 at a Sussex state primary who are excelling academically and performing at the top of their class. This award is a continual award that lasts for 10 years and covers 100 per cent of independent-school fees from eight to 18. The children remain at Cumnor House until the end of Year 8 (aged 13+), when the school works closely with a number of senior-school partners (including Benenden, The King’s School, Canterbury, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks School) to orchestrate their move into the senior school’s own 100 per cent funded fee-assistance programme.

Foundation Scholars are required to excel academically, places are always strictly means-tested and only awarded to families who could never afford a private-school education. The school works closely with a number of local state schools, community groups and sport clubs to raise awareness of the Foundation and support applications from as wide an area as possible.

Dragon School, Oxford

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The school aims to award up to five bursary places to pupils entering Year 4 each year. There are currently 26 bursary recipients in the school, and the award remains in place throughout the child’s time at the Dragon, with the level of fee reduction based on the particular circumstances of each applicant. The school looks at both financial criteria and the onward trajectory of any potential recipient, and the bursary committee will make awards to those most likely to benefit from the opportunities on offer.

They also offer discounts on full boarding fees to children of employees of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UN, and of those serving in the armed forces.

Edgeborough, Farnham

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Edgeborough offers means tested bursaries across all age ranges upon entry to the school, according to a full financial history and subject to annual review. The awards are based upon a clearly identified financial need. Bursaries are reviewed annually, or until there is a significant change in parental income or assets.

Godstowe School, High Wycombe

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Godstowe offers means tested bursaries to girls who may otherwise be unable to attend the school due to financial constraints. Bursaries are only offered to girls attending the Preparatory School (Years 3 to 8) however parents with children at any primary school may apply for a bursary during the preceding academic year in anticipation of entry into the Main Preparatory School.

A Bursary will normally be expressed as a percentage of the fees up to a maximum of 100%. In exceptional circumstances, further help may be available for uniform and school extras. Bursaries will be subject to annual means testing and may be varied up or down at the discretion of the Governors.

The Bursary will be based on the financial circumstances of the family having regard to all pertinent considerations. (As a guide, it is unlikely that a Bursary will be awarded to a family with gross income in excess of £60,000pa and a bursary of 100% is unlikely unless the family gross income is less than £30,000pa.)

Junior King's, Canterbury, Canterbury

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Bursaries may be available to children in the junior school but only in exceptional circumstances would it be awarded to pupils below Year 7. Bursary support at all levels up to 100% of full boarding fees may be available depending on the financial circumstances of the applicant.

LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School, Ascot

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The school offers bursaries to children of parents or guardians that work or have worked in the licensed trade industry for 5 years or more during their career - this has been the governance since the school opened in 1801. On average, they fund between 15 - 25 pupils at any time; bursary applications are not subject to a scholarship being won. Before a bursary can be considered all enquiries have to go through the admissions department so that a place can be registered. All bursaries are subject to the needs of the child and a financial assessment, and all cases are presented to the school's Charity Services committee for a final decision.

Separately from the bursary process the school can offer a 20% trade discount to people that work or have worked in the trade for 5 years or more. Parents can still apply for the trade discount if they may not be eligible for a bursary.

Moulsford Prep School, Wallingford

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Moulsford offers means-tested bursaries to new students who qualify, as well as to existing students whose financial circumstances have changed. Applications are judged against suitability, both academically and regarding wider school life, as well as need. The application process contains a full financial history and home visit and is subject to an annual review.

Papplewick School, Ascot

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Although Papplewick does not have a specific annual bursarial pot, the school offers bursaries in conjunction with scholarship awards. A combined scholarship and bursary award can be worth up to 50 per cent of full fees (15 per cent on scholarship merit, with up to an additional 35 per cent via a means-tested bursary) throughout a boy’s time at the school. The aim is to attract boys who would not otherwise be considering private education. Armed-forces bursaries are also available.

Pennthorpe, Rudgwick

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The senior leadership team, and school governors, have developed Pennthorpe’s bursary offering in order to help families who would otherwise be unable to send their children to the school. A means-tested bursary system offers potential financial assistance, depending upon the circumstances of each applicant. The size and duration of bursary support will depend upon each applicant’s financial circumstances.

Pupils do not need to qualify for a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. All bursaries are means tested on an annual basis, and can be awarded in combination with other concessions (e.g. bursaries may be awarded to pupils already receiving a sibling discount), although this will also be taken into account when determining the amount to be granted.

St Hugh's School, Faringdon

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St Hugh’s offers means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent of fees, with the possibility for additional support in exceptional circumstances (for example, assisting with the costs of uniform and school trips). These awards are conditional on a full financial history as well as an annual review.

The school also offers bursaries to children of armed services personnel.

St Lawrence College Junior School, Ramsgate

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The College offers means-tested bursaries, designed to offer financial assistance in exceptional circumstances to lower income households to either start at school or remain at school if the family’s circumstances change. Bursaries are awarded to make up the shortfall between what the family can afford and what the fees actually are. If a family applies for a bursary they will need to provide the school with comprehensive details of their family’s financial position and be prepared for this to be reviewed at regular intervals. A pupil does not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary.

Their bursary awards process does not apply income thresholds. The process takes into account a number of factors including but not limited to: household income and assets, discretionary expenditure and disposable income.

Summer Fields, Oxford

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Summer Fields is committed to ensuring it is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances. Its Maclaren Foundation awards are means-tested and typically offered to boys showing real potential and looking to join the school in Years 6 or 7. Fee reductions can range from 25 to 100 per cent, and family assets, income, liabilities and lifestyle are all taken into consideration.

Westbourne House School, Chichester

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Westbourne House offers means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent of fees to children who are talented in academics, music, sport or a combination of the three but whose parents would otherwise be unable to afford the fees. These awards are available to pupils entering between Years 4 and 7 and are subject to a full financial review.

All applicants sit an assessment in English, Maths and cognitive abilities, as well as their area of specialism. They are expected to either possess strong academic ability or show much potential.

Windlesham House, Pulborough

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Means-tested bursaries are available to scholars who require additional financial support. To apply for a bursary, your child must have been awarded a scholarship in the first instance.

Senior Schools

Benenden School, Cranbrook Visit school bursary page Benenden is proud to offer bursary support, and candidates no longer require the award of a scholarship in order to qualify. There are four main types of bursary available: the 11+ Fourths Award programme, which offers one or more places to a girl attending a local primary school (with fee remission of up to 100 per cent); the 16+ Founders Award, offering one or more places to a pupil in the sixth form (with fee remission of up to 100 per cent, plus extras); the Continuity of Education Allowance supplement-bursary award, open to children of service or diplomatic parents; and a general bursary-award programme, subject to means-testing at 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ and 16+. In January 2022, Benenden launched its Be the Change campaign, which seeks to triple the number of bursary recipients at the school by its centenary year in 2023-24. The aim is to have 24 bursary-funded students (with up to 100 per cent of school fees covered, as well as an allowance for extras, subject to means-testing) in the school at any given time.
Caterham School, Caterham Visit school bursary page Alongside its general bursary scheme, which is open to all prospective pupils at any entry point and means-tested, Caterham operates a number of more specialised fee-remission schemes: – The William Wilberforce Bursary, worth up to 100 per cent of school tuition fees (and transport) awarded to an exceptional day-school candidate applying for sixth form. Any prospective pupil from a low-income family can apply. – The means-tested Eynon Award is available for the children of former pupils of Caterham and Eothen Schools. It is based on academic attainment, but the size of the award depends on the applicant’s family’s financial position. – United Reformed Church Bursaries are available for the children of URC clergy. These can represent up to 100 per cent of the fees. Awards are also based on academic attainment, but their size depends on financial need.
Cranleigh School, Cranleigh Visit school bursary page Rather than having a set pot, Cranleigh allocates bursary support depending on need and requirement. In order to be considered for a means-tested bursary, a pupil must be awarded a scholarship (academic, sporting or creative arts). Means-tested bursaries are available without a scholarship if a pupil’s parents are in the armed forces. Cranleigh also has a number of Foundationer places available, which offer transformational bursaries to children with significant pastoral need (for example, losing a parent through exceptional or tragic circumstances) who would hugely benefit from the school’s nurturing boarding environment.
Downe House, Thatcham Visit school bursary page Downe House offers fee support of up to 100 per cent, with the potential for a further allowance for additional costs, to families who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Last year 22 girls benefited from both full and partial financial awards. Bursaries are available at all points of entry to the school and vary in size depending on the applicant’s family circumstances. Downe House recently launched its Centenary Day Bursaries, which cover up to 100 per cent of day fees for local pupils.
Embley Senior School & Sixth Form, Romsey Visit school bursary page Embley offers a limited number of means-tested bursaries to children entering the school in Years 7, 9 and 12. They are awarded on a case-by-case basis and based on both academic ability and financial need. They are reviewed annually. The school does not offer full bursaries, and parents are expected to make some contribution to the fees. Applications from families with a combined income of over £70,000 may not be considered. Emergency bursaries are sometimes also available for parents seeking short-term support, due to circumstances such as sudden unemployment. They also offer a 10% reduction in fees for serving members of the Armed Forces.
Heathfield School, Ascot Visit school bursary page Heathfield offers bursaries for prospective pupils looking to join the school at 11+, 13+ and 16+. All bursary applications are means-tested and considered on the basis of individual circumstances. Awards are typically between 10 and 50 percent of tuition and boarding fees, although larger bursaries of up to 100 per cent are occasionally offered. Bursaries can be applied for in addition to a scholarship or on their own. Applications for financial support are also considered for pupils already at Heathfield, where there has been a change of family circumstance or sudden and unforeseen financial difficulty.
Hurstpierpoint College, Hassocks Visit school bursary page Financial support in the form of means-tested bursaries may be available for parents of children who have been awarded an academic scholarship but are unable to afford the standard fees. Academic potential and welfare needs will always be taken into account, but in general, pupils will be expected to have a non verbal and verbal reasoning score of 130+. BN6 Awards are available for pupils looking at 11+ entry. These may be awarded to pupils who attend state schools in the BN6 postcode area (same postcode as the College), and offer fully funded places, including uniform, transport and educational trips, to the end of sixth form. Sussex Sixth Form Awards are available for pupils looking to join at 16+ who attend state schools in Sussex. All applications are considered on an individual basis but generally families' household incomes needs to be under £90,000 per year to be eligible for a bursary award.
Lancing College, Lancing Visit school bursary page Bursaries and scholarships are funded from within the school and – in the case of transformational bursaries – are augmented by the Foundation, funded by donations from across the Lancing community. Means-tested financial assistance ranges from 5 to 100 per cent remission of fees, and bursary awards are available to those who meet the general entry requirements and are in receipt of a scholarship award. There is no set financial threshold but the extent of any award is based on a number of factors, including family income, investments and savings and family circumstances. Transformational bursaries cover up to 110 per cent of fees and are awarded to young people in Year 9 and 12 from challenging backgrounds.
Leighton Park School, Reading Visit school bursary page The school has a total bursary pot of £500,000, and offers means-tested bursaries to existing and prospective students of the School, including scholarship students. The application process includes a financial declaration and a home visit. Pupil do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. The Ian Austin Award is a dedicated, separate bursary fund for Sixth Form bursaries. For this, students need to demonstrate strong academic ability or impressive musical ability. Applications for bursary funding are looked at in the round, although a ballpark figure of £70,000 is given as a means-tested household income threshold. Families with significant investments or second properties are unlikely to be successful.
LVS Ascot Senior School, Ascot Visit school bursary page The school offers bursaries to children of parents or guardians that work or have worked in the licensed trade industry for 5 years or more during their career - this has been the governance since the school opened in 1801. On average, they fund between 15 - 25 pupils at any time; bursary applications are not subject to a scholarship being won. Before a bursary can be considered all enquiries have to go through the admissions department so that a place can be registered. All bursaries are subject to the needs of the child and a financial assessment, and all cases are presented to the school's Charity Services committee for a final decision. Separately from the bursary process the school can offer a 20% trade discount to people that work or have worked in the trade for 5 years or more. Parents can still apply for the trade discount if they may not be eligible for a bursary.
Queen Anne's Caversham, Reading Visit school bursary page The school is committed to widening access and its bursaries range from 10 to 100 per cent of fees, depending on a family’s circumstances. It takes into account the whole picture of a family’s financial situation, including income, assets and liabilities and whether there is a boarding need. A pupil does not need to receive a scholarship in order to be considered for an award. The school also offers a specific Red Cloak transformational bursary fund, which covers talented girls’ fees at a minimum of 90 per cent (and in some cases 110 per cent).
Radley College, Abingdon Visit school bursary page Their mission is simple: to make a Radley education possible for every talented boy. Radley is fortunate to have generous support that has allowed it to curate a large and well-funded bursary programme. Financial aid is a huge priority, and via The Radley Keys Award, head John Moule’s ambition by 2032 is for the equivalent of 20 per cent of all fee income to fund means-tested places – half on full awards, the other on partial funding. Once this is achieved, up to a third of pupils will be in receipt of some level of fee assistance.
Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Visit school bursary page Sevenoaks School has a long history of providing financial assistance to enable young people of all backgrounds to benefit from the outstanding education it provides. The school actively welcomes applications from children who would only be able to take up their place with financial assistance, as well as from families of existing pupils at the School who encounter financial difficulty due to a change in circumstances. Currently more than 60 pupils are in receipt of financial assistance with fees, with some receiving additional support to cover the cost of uniform, trips and other extras. It is a key priority for the school to significantly increase the number of students they are able to support financially over the coming years. All awards of financial assistance are means-tested, which requires parents to answer detailed questions and provide evidence of their financial circumstances. Sevenoaks therefore encourages families to visit the school and consider the likelihood of their child being offered a place, before applying for financial assistance.
Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames Visit school bursary page Shiplake College is committed to broadening access to the school by offering means-tested financial support to eligible parents or guardians to assist with the payment of school fees. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of the financial needs of the family and what the child can bring to and gain from the College. Means-tested bursaries (which can be from 10-110%) are awarded at the school’s discretion and hardship fund for families whose financial situation changes. Scholarships can be further supplemented by a means-tested bursary, but pupils can also receive means-tested bursaries without scholarships. The Eggar Scholarship offers a 100% discount for a pupil joining from a primary school who also excels academically and in another scholarship area such as music or sport. The school's total bursary pot equals approximately 8-10% of fee income.
St Edward's School, Oxford, Oxford Visit school bursary page St Edward’s is committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible from all backgrounds are able to benefit from a Teddies education, and offer free and subsidised places to a significant number of pupils. Fee support of up to 100% of fees may be offered, depending on the family’s financial circumstances. Any prospective pupil for the Year 9, 10 or 12 intake who is likely to meet the entry requirements, but does not have the financial means to take up a place if offered one, is eligible to apply for a bursary. Currently around 100 pupils receive fee support at varying levels, and the school would like to increase this to 160 pupils (equivalent to 1 in 5 pupils) in the coming years.
St George's Ascot, Ascot Visit school bursary page St George’s offers bursarial support of up to 100 per cent of day fees, with the potential to cover boarding costs in exceptional circumstances. Applicants do not need to be in receipt of a scholarship in order to qualify. The school also has access to limited hardship funds for existing families.
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate Visit school bursary page The College offers means-tested bursaries, designed to offer financial assistance in exceptional circumstances to lower income households to either start at school or remain at school if the family’s circumstances change. Bursaries are awarded to make up the shortfall between what the family can afford and what the fees actually are. If a family applies for a bursary they will need to provide the school with comprehensive details of their family’s financial position and be prepared for this to be reviewed at regular intervals. A pupil does not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Their bursary awards process does not apply income thresholds. The process takes into account a number of factors including but not limited to: household income and assets, discretionary expenditure and disposable income.
The King's School, Canterbury, Canterbury Visit school bursary page King’s Canterbury offers means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent of full boarding fees, depending on the financial circumstances of applicants. All bursary awards are subject to annual testing; the amount of the award is influenced by the extent of need, not the academic ability.
Tonbridge School, Tonbridge Visit school bursary page Tonbridge offers about £2.8 million in fee remissions each year. Junior Foundation Scholarships are offered in Year 6 (for entry to Tonbridge in Year 9) and are available to bright and talented boys in maintained primary and preparatory schools who might not be able to consider Tonbridge without financial support. Further opportunities to apply for means-tested financial support are available to boys who are awarded any one of these Scholarships in Year 8: Academic, Sport, Music, Drama, Design Technology and Engineering, and Art.
Wellington College, Crowthorne Visit school bursary page For children with exceptional talents whose families would not be able to afford the full Wellington fees, the school may offer awards from 10% to 100% of fees. An average year might see 20 pupils be admitted (at 13+ and 16+ entry only) with an average of award of 50% remission. Fee-assisted places are not always linked to scholarships but some are named, such as the Jimmy Higham Award (supporting a talented sportsman or sportswoman), the Seb Foundation Award (for talented rugby players) and the Sir Anthony Seldon Arts Award (for talented performers, musicians and artists). The Prince Albert Foundation is a scholarship programme aimed at widening participation to families who would not normally consider or be able to access independent education. Currently there are 10-15 fully funded Prince Albert Scholarships awarded each year and the school aims to increase this. Children who are eligible for Prince Albert Scholarships are those whose families are on national average income or below; there is often a further relevant need for boarding.

South West England

Prep Schools

Cheltenham Prep School, Cheltenham Visit school bursary page Cheltenham College Prep offers means-tested remission of up to 100 per cent of fees, and in exceptional circumstances covering extras too. The financial review is carried out by a third party and may involve a house visit, with annual subsequent reviews. The school does note that awards of bursaries from families of children entering the early years of the Prep School or the Nursery are unusual, but not impossible. The college has a strong connection with the armed forces and as such offers fee remission to children from military families, ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent of fees depending on rank.
Clayesmore Preparatory School, Blandford Forum Visit school bursary page Clayesmore offers means-tested bursarial support to students entering the school at any point, as well as to current students whose financial situations may have changed. These awards are assessed individually, are subject to a full financial history and are reviewed annually. Scholarships and bursaries are not necessarily linked, and the school welcomes applications for bursaries from non-scholars. Clayesmore has a long and proud association with families serving in the Armed Forces and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and supports Continuity of Education Allowance in both these areas.
Godolphin Prep, Salisbury Visit school bursary page Godolphin offers a range of means tested bursaries. Parents who wish to apply for a bursary will be asked by the School to complete a Confidential Statement of Financial Services form. There are six Foundation Bursaries that are each worth 70% of the full (boarding) fees. They are means tested and available to girls in need through family circumstance such as a death in the family or divorce. The school also offers an HM Forces discount of 10% of fees.
Hazlegrove Prep School, Yeovil Visit school bursary page Hazlegrove offers a generous package for forces families claiming CEA, which is approximately 10% of the fees. For those families who are not claiming CEA, Hazlegrove offers a 5% forces discount.
Kingswood Prep School, Bath Visit school bursary page Kingswood has been providing education and financial support to young people for nearly 275 years and, as a school founded by John Wesley, a fundamental part of their ethos has always been to welcome pupils who can best benefit from the power of their education, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. This year they are pleased to provide bursaries worth over £750,000, to over 80 pupils. Each year the school receives more requests for bursaries than they can meet; their application form is therefore detailed but will be reviewed thoroughly by the decision panel, to ensure the school can support as many pupils as possible each year. Applications for bursaries are reviewed based on each family’s financial status, but they are usually offered to those pupils for whom it is felt a Kingswood education will be most transformational. Bursaries are often awarded to pupils who have also been offered a scholarship but it is not a pre-requisite. Forces families receive up to 20% off the basic fees. This is not a means tested award.
Pinewood School, Shrivenham Visit school bursary page The School's governors are committed to broadening access to the School by offering eligible parents/guardians means-tested financial support with the payment of school fees. Such support is known as a Bursary and these may be awarded in the form of a remission of up to 100% of tuition fees payable, depending on the financial circumstances of applicants. Further financial assistance towards the costs of chargeable activities over and above the tuition fee may also be available to those in receipt of 100% bursaries. Bursaries are means-tested and reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that those in receipt of bursaries continue to satisfy the financial criteria as set by the School, from time to time, in relation to their income, expenditure and capital assets. The school has two bursaries available: entry bursaries for new families joining the School and hardship bursaries for current families for whom a significant event might make fees less affordable. Both are means tested.
Sandroyd School, Salisbury Visit school bursary page Sandroyd offers financial assistance to families who would otherwise be unable to take up offers of places. These awards are means tested and subject to a full financial history and annual review. They also offer fee assistance for the sons and daughters of servicemen and women killed or wounded on operations. In the occasion of a successful application, the child will be invited to the School for assessment and interview, after which the decision to award assistance is made by the School.
Wells Cathedral Prep School, Wells Visit school bursary page The goal of the school’s bursary programme is twofold: to attract and enrol pupils from diverse backgrounds, and to offer a unique opportunity to deserving pupils whose parents lack the means themselves. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary and there is no set income threshold. However, it is expected that families will make their children’s education a financial priority. Wells Cathedral School is one of only four schools in England whose pupils are supported by the Department of Education’s Music and Dance Scheme, which aims to ensure that children with exceptional potential can access world-class specialist music training alongside a balanced education, regardless of personal circumstances. Fee remissions are also available for children of the UK armed forces and the clergy.

Senior Schools

Badminton School, Bristol Visit school bursary page Badminton offers means-tested bursaries for UK-based external candidates for entry into the Senior School only. A pupil does not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. The school also offers a fee discount to the daughters of HM Armed Forces personnel who receive Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) funding, which caps the full boarding/tuition fees so that the parental contribution remains 10% of the total fee payable.
Bryanston School, Blandford Forum Visit school bursary page Bryanston’s total annual bursary point is between eight to 10 per cent of its fee income. The school takes several factors into consideration when assessing means and uses a professional agency to undertake an initial assessment and make a recommendation to the school. It is also supporting young Ukrainian refugees by offering funded places. It relies on charitable support to fund these bursaries for deserving pupils, and is committed to providing an exciting and enriching future for both current and future pupils. Awards may also be made to relieve hardship where a pupil’s education and prospects are potentially at risk.
Canford, Wimborne Visit school bursary page The school is committed to broadening access for prospective parents and to supporting current families. At present, over £1.4 million is offered each year in financial assistance, and at least 35 pupils currently benefit from bursary support of at least 75 per cent. Means-tested bursaries are available to those who can demonstrate a genuine need for support, and can be worth up to 100 per cent of school fees and extras. Pupils who have been awarded a scholarship may also be eligible for additional help with school fees in the form of a means-tested bursary. Additional awards are also available for children of parents serving in HM Armed Forces or the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.
Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Visit school bursary page The college has a strong connection with the armed forces and as such offers fee remission to children from military families, ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent of fees depending on rank. To support Cheltenham College's commitment to widening access to independent education, they also offer bursaries. Bursaries are potentially available from Year 6 onwards and are not limited to pupils who show exceptional talent – any child who meets baseline entrance requirements can apply. Bursaries are means-tested and so dependant on financial circumstances.  A bursary can be applied for alongside a scholarship (or scholarships).
Clayesmore School, Blandford Forum Visit school bursary page Clayesmore offers means-tested bursarial support to students entering the school at any point, as well as to current students whose financial situations may have changed. These awards are assessed individually, are subject to a full financial history and are reviewed annually. Scholarships and bursaries are not necessarily linked, and the school welcomes applications for bursaries from non-scholars. Clayesmore has a long and proud association with families serving in the Armed Forces and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and supports Continuity of Education Allowance in both these areas.
Clifton College, Clifton Visit school bursary page To offer pupils an opportunity to achieve academic distinction and personal excellence, each year the school offers a number of scholarships, awards and bursaries to pupils with that spark of potential. Success in one of six scholarship areas (academic, sport, music, drama, art, design) enables pupils to apply for bursary support; there are also a small number of transformational bursaries that are not linked to scholarship. Scholarships are offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+; these are merit based and competed for via examination, audition or assessment. The Polack’s Award for Jewish pupils is also offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+, supported by the Polacks House Educational Trust. The College also provides a Forces Boarding Award against the termly fee that will leave the balance payable after CEA, of the amounts detailed on the website.
Godolphin, Salisbury Visit school bursary page Godolphin offers a range of means tested bursaries. Parents who wish to apply for a bursary will be asked by the School to complete a Confidential Statement of Financial Services form. There are six Foundation Bursaries that are each worth 70% of the full (boarding) fees. They are means tested and available to girls in need through family circumstance such as a death in the family or divorce. The Old Godolphin Bursary is a means-tested award, awarded by the Old Godolphin Association to the daughter of an Old Godolphin student. Candidates for the means-tested Foundation Bursaries and the Old Godolphin Bursary must meet the School’s entrance standard through Common Entrance or other entry papers, and must come to an interview. The school also offers an HM Forces discount of 10% of fees.
Kingswood School, Bath Visit school bursary page Kingswood has been providing education and financial support to young people for nearly 275 years and, as a school founded by John Wesley, a fundamental part of their ethos has always been to welcome pupils who can best benefit from the power of their education, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. This year they are pleased to provide bursaries worth over £750,000, to over 80 pupils. Each year the school receives more requests for bursaries than they can meet; their application form is therefore detailed but will be reviewed thoroughly by the decision panel, to ensure the school can support as many pupils as possible each year. Applications for bursaries are reviewed based on each family’s financial status, but they are usually offered to those pupils for whom it is felt a Kingswood education will be most transformational. Bursaries are often awarded to pupils who have also been offered a scholarship but it is not a pre-requisite. Forces families receive up to 20% off the basic fees. This is not a means tested award.
Marlborough College, Marlborough Visit school bursary page Since it was founded, Marlborough has been committed to providing means-tested financial support to families who need it. The College offers bursaries at Year 9 and Year 12 entry and also has a hardship fund available for current parents whose financial circumstances unexpectedly change. Bursaries range from 5 per cent to 100 per cent, with the possibility of support being provided with additional costs such as uniform depending on family circumstances which are independently assessed during the application process. The bursary application deadline is 1st July prior to the October enrolment deadline. There are currently over 100 bursary pupils at the College and there are plans to dramatically increase this number via a major fundraising campaign called the Marlborough Difference Campaign.
Mount Kelly, Tavistock Visit school bursary page The school aims to enable more pupils with talent and potential to access a Mount Kelly education, who could not otherwise afford to do so. Bursaries are usually awarded for pupils from Year 7 and above, however, the school is willing to consider applications from lower years. All bursaries are means tested awards based on family circumstances. They are awarded on an annual basis and subject to review. The school provides around £800k of means tested bursary support per year. Means tested bursaries are available to augment Scholarships, but pupils do not need to win a Scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. However, bursary candidates, day or boarding, are those who show promise in some area, be that academics, sport, the arts, music, football or swimming. The Westall Sixth Form Academic Scholarship is offered to pupils who live within 30-miles of Mount Kelly, who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees to benefit from a Sixth Form education. The amount offered is up to the value of the full day fee, awarded annually. The school also supports SpringBoard and Cumberland who are charities with fully paid places, funded by the Mount Kelly Foundation. The Prestigious Schools Programme, with Cumberland School in Newham, offers transformational bursaries for high-achieving pupils from deprived London Boroughs as fully funded sixth form places, awarded annually. The Royal SpringBoard Foundation Scholarship Programme looks to provide social mobility through access to great educational opportunities. As a general guide, gross parental income will need to be below £80,000 per annum to be considered for a bursary for a day place and below £100,000 for a boarding place. However each case is considered on an individual basis and the number and size of awards made in any category will depend on the size and quality of the field and the availability of funds.
St Mary's Calne, Calne Visit school bursary page Means-tested bursaries are available for the daughters of former pupils wishing to enter the school, funded by the Calne Foundation Trust Bursary Fund may be available. Once awarded, bursaries are reviewed annually, to confirm that the parents' financial situation is unchanged. For members of the permanent Armed Forces (or reservists on full-time duties, for the duration of those duties) a means-tested discount of up to 20% is offered.
Wells Cathedral School, Wells Visit school bursary page The goal of the school’s bursary programme is twofold: to attract and enrol pupils from diverse backgrounds, and to offer a unique opportunity to deserving pupils whose parents lack the means themselves. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary and there is no set income threshold. However, it is expected that families will make their children’s education a financial priority. Wells Cathedral School is one of only four schools in England whose pupils are supported by the Department of Education’s Music and Dance Scheme, which aims to ensure that children with exceptional potential can access world-class specialist music training alongside a balanced education, regardless of personal circumstances. Fee remissions are also available for children of the UK armed forces and the clergy.

East of England

Prep Schools

Ipswich Preparatory School, Ipswich

Visit school bursary page

The school awards up to eight Year 7 means-tested bursaries each year, the total value of which varies each year. These can have a value of up to 100% of school fees. Pupils do not need to apply for or win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary.

Income, assets and outgoings are considered when applying for a bursary, and each family is assessed individually. Bursaries are re-evaluated on an annual basis.

Langley Prep School at Taverham, Norwich

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Langley offers means-tested financial assistance dependent on the level of parental income, ranging typically up to 50% of fees. Any family wishing to make an application for fee assistance should apply through the broader admissions process.

The school's bursary pot totals between £1.9m and £2.5m; pupils do not need to win a scholarship to be considered for financial assistance.

Old Buckenham Hall , Ipswich

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OBH offers bursaries to gifted children who could benefit from an education at the school. There is no need for a pupil to win a scholarship in order to be considered. The school aims to offer one new full bursary each academic year, and also has a hardship fund that is designed to help support families experiencing short-term financial difficulty.

Orwell Park School, Ipswich

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The school has a limited number of Bursary Awards available to candidates of high academic or all-round ability for families who could not otherwise afford the school fees. These awards are means-tested and reviewed on an annual basis. The school also offers a bursary of 30% to military families.

St Faith's, Cambridge

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St Faith’s offers a limited number of means-tested bursaries to support pupils where parental means would be insufficient to meet the fees in their entirety. Bursaries, on a sliding scale, are awarded to pupils who we believe will gain most from a St Faith’s education, and who will contribute fully to the life of the school. These Bursaries may apply to new applicants or to existing pupils whose financial circumstances have changed.

Senior Schools

Ipswich School, Ipswich Visit school bursary page The school awards up to eight Year 7 means-tested bursaries each year, the total value of which varies each year. These can have a value of up to 100% of school fees. Pupils do not need to apply for or win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Income, assets and outgoings are considered when applying for a bursary, and each family is assessed individually. Bursaries are re-evaluated on an annual basis.
Langley Senior School at Loddon, Norwich Visit school bursary page Langley offers means-tested financial assistance dependent on the level of parental income, ranging typically up to 50% of fees. Any family wishing to make an application for fee assistance should apply through the broader admissions process. The school's bursary pot totals between £1.9m and £2.5m; pupils do not need to win a scholarship to be considered for financial assistance.
The Leys School, Cambridge Visit school bursary page The Leys offers means-tested bursarial support of up to 100 per cent of school fees, depending on financial, compassionate and other pertinent circumstances. Assistance is offered to new applicants to the school and also to existing families where there is a change in financial circumstances. The School has a limited amount of funds available for Bursaries and seeks to allocate the funds to assist as many families as possible.

Midlands

Prep Schools

Bilton Grange, Rugby Visit school bursary page Bilton Grange welcomes applications from exceptional children whose parents are eligible for means-tested support. The school’s Foundation Awards are run in partnership with Rugby School, and offer fee support of up to 100 per cent for a day pupil living within a 20-mile radius and joining the school in Year 7. The Earle Fund provides funded-boarding places for children in Year 7 who find themselves in challenging circumstances. On an exceptional basis, bursaries are sometimes offered to children from Year 4 upwards. Chorister places are open both to day pupils and boarders from Year 3, with talented pupils receiving music scholarships that can then be augmented by means-tested fee support of up to 100 per cent. The school also offers a generous fee reduction to the children of armed forces families.
Edgbaston High Preparatory and Pre-Prep School, Birmingham Visit school bursary page Means-tested bursaries can be awarded upon entry into Reception, Year 3, Year 7 and the sixth form. The support available is dependent upon the financial circumstances of parents, and funding is offered towards the cost of tuition fees only. Bursary awards are unlikely to exceed 50 per cent. There is no need for a pupil to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary, but bursaries can be combined with scholarships in cases of need.
Malvern St James Girls' School - Prep, Great Malvern Visit school bursary page Malvern St James spends more than half a million pounds on means-tested bursaries each year. Bursaries are available to pupils throughout the school (in both the prep and senior), and the school’s bursary pot currently helps more than one in four pupils with fee remission of up to 40 per cent. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Day girls entering the sixth form can apply for a Founders Award, which can provide fee remission from 40 to 110 per cent. The Elmslie House Award supports a fully funded place in the sixth form for a pupil who has come from the state sector. By 2025, the school aims to quadruple the amount of support available and provide more bursaries of 100 or 110 per cent.
Repton Prep, Derby Visit school bursary page Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the school’s director of admissions and request a bursary application form at the time of registering. Each case is taken from there, and every application is assessed on an individual basis, dependent on a number of different circumstances.
The Prep at Denstone College , Uttoxeter Visit school bursary page Denstone College exists due to the generous gifts of their benefactors, inspired by founder Nathanial Woodard "to provide an education based on sound principle and knowledge". This philanthropic nature spans 150 years, and gifts from Old Denstonians, parents, staff and friends of Denstone have enabled children from all backgrounds to benefit from a Denstone College education. The College remains committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with potential, that does not have the financial means. Their means-tested bursaries provide transformative opportunities for young people and they believe that the whole College benefits from a pupil community that is representative of their society. The school offers a number of means-tested bursaries each year to pupils joining in any year group; bursaries are not limited to scholarship candidates, and can be for up to 100% of fees. For pupils already in school, whose family circumstances have unexpectedly and significantly changed, the application process is the same and is managed on a case by case basis throughout the year. The total of the school's bursary pot is in the range of 10-12% of gross fees.

Senior Schools

Denstone College, Uttoxeter Visit school bursary page Denstone College exists due to the generous gifts of their benefactors, inspired by founder Nathanial Woodard "to provide an education based on sound principle and knowledge". This philanthropic nature spans 150 years, and gifts from Old Denstonians, parents, staff and friends of Denstone have enabled children from all backgrounds to benefit from a Denstone College education. The College remains committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with potential that does not have the financial means. Their means-tested bursaries provide transformative opportunities for young people and they believe that the whole College benefits from a pupil community that is representative of their society. The school offers a number of bursaries each year to pupils joining in any year group; bursaries are not limited to scholarship candidates, and can be for up to 100% of fees. For pupils already in school, whose family circumstances have unexpectedly and significantly changed, the application process is the same and is managed on a case by case basis throughout the year. The total of the school's bursary pot is in the range of 10-12% of gross fees.
Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham Visit school bursary page Means-tested bursaries can be awarded upon entry into Reception, Year 3, Year 7 and the sixth form. The support available is dependent upon the financial circumstances of parents, and funding is offered towards the cost of tuition fees only. Bursary awards are unlikely to exceed 50 per cent. There is no need for a pupil to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary, but bursaries can be combined with scholarships in cases of need.
Malvern College, Malvern Visit school bursary page Malvern College offers means tested bursarial support. All bursaries are reviewed by the Bursary Committee and are subject to a full financial history.
Malvern St James, Great Malvern Visit school bursary page Malvern St James spends more than half a million pounds on means-tested bursaries each year. Bursaries are available to pupils throughout the school (in both the prep and senior), and the school’s bursary pot currently helps more than one in four pupils with fee remission of up to 40 per cent. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. Day girls entering the sixth form can apply for a Founders Award, which can provide fee remission from 40 to 110 per cent. The Elmslie House Award supports a fully funded place in the sixth form for a pupil who has come from the state sector. By 2025, the school aims to quadruple the amount of support available and provide more bursaries of 100 or 110 per cent.
Repton School, Repton Visit school bursary page Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the school’s director of admissions and request a bursary application form at the time of registering. Each case is taken from there, and every application is assessed on an individual basis, dependent on a number of different circumstances.
Rugby School, Rugby Visit school bursary page Rugby’s bursary income is received from restricted and endowed funds. The annual cost of bursaries (not including the Arnold Foundation, which is funded through donations), is £2.6 million. Pupils do not need to win a scholarship in order to be considered for a bursary. The school’s Foundation Award is aimed at day pupils living within a 20-mile radius of the school and carries a five per cent fee remission (this can increase up to 100 per cent through means-tested bursary assistance), while the new 1823 Bursary Fund will offer means-tested places (of up to 100 per cent of fees and extras) for boys or girls who show significant promise and aptitude for sport and a commitment to rugby.
Uppingham School, Uppingham Visit school bursary page Where a family’s financial means leaves them unable to afford a place at the school they may be eligible to receive support via a means tested bursary. All candidates seeking a bursary should be registered with the school and need to fulfil the same entrance criteria as all pupils.

North of England

Prep Schools

Aysgarth School, Bedale Visit school bursary page With the support of the Aysgarth School Foundation, the school is able to offer help with the payment of fees for families who would not otherwise be able to afford them. This financial support may be in the form of an award of up to 100% of fees. Awards are subject to an assessment of the financial, compassionate or other pertinent circumstances of applicants. All information is provided and received in strict confidence.
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School, Manchester Visit school bursary page To ensure their financial situation is not a consideration in the selection process, students are means-tested once they have been offered a place. This open-entry policy ensures the school is fully equitable and engages talented young musicians from all backgrounds. The Bursary Fund subsidises places for students who are not eligible for funding from the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) and relies on the generous donations from supporters and funders. The school also assists students through a hardship fund to acquire instruments and take part in a full programme of enrichment including performance and exchange opportunities. If annual household income is below £20k, students receive a full bursary. There is a sliding scale up from this point. Means-tested bursaries use government funding from the Music and Dance Scheme to students who have lived in the UK for at least three years and whose family income is less than £190,000 per year. The school's Ukrainian Bursary Fund supports young musicians who are displaced due to the war in Ukraine.
Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall, Clitheroe Visit school bursary page The Stonyhurst Foundation aims to be the largest endowed, ring-fenced independent bursary and financial-aid charity of its kind in Catholic education in the UK. This academic year, 34 per cent of pupils are in receipt of fee support or bursary assistance, through a combination of transformational bursaries (up to the value of 110 per cent of fees) that support talented, charismatic children from areas of significant poverty, and talent bursaries, awarded in conjunction with competitive academic, drama, music and sports scholarships.

Senior Schools

Ampleforth College, York Visit school bursary page All bursary applications have to show that financial assistance with the payment of fees is needed. New bursary applications are considered each year and decisions are usually made in March for students entering the school in the following September. It may be possible to give very general indications in advance, but these cannot be taken as assurances. Once awarded each bursary is reviewed on an annual basis and parents are notified of the value of the award for the next academic year.
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form, Manchester Visit school bursary page To ensure their financial situation is not a consideration in the selection process, students are means-tested once they have been offered a place. This open-entry policy ensures the school is fully equitable and engages talented young musicians from all backgrounds. The Bursary Fund subsidises places for students who are not eligible for funding from the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) and relies on the generous donations from supporters and funders. The school also assists students through a hardship fund to acquire instruments and take part in a full programme of enrichment including performance and exchange opportunities. If annual household income is below £20k, students receive a full bursary. There is a sliding scale up from this point. Means-tested bursaries use government funding from the Music and Dance Scheme to students who have lived in the UK for at least three years and whose family income is less than £190,000 per year. The school's Ukrainian Bursary Fund supports young musicians who are displaced due to the war in Ukraine.
St Peter's School York, York Visit school bursary page St Peter’s offers bursaries to children whose families cannot otherwise fund a place. Bursaries are means-tested awards that can help to pay some or all of the school fees for children who demonstrate potential to thrive at the school. They are usually available for entry at Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12. The school welcomes enquiries from anyone considering St Peter’s who might not otherwise be able to afford the fees, and all enquiries are confidential. Sixth Form applicants can apply for the Ginetta STEM scholarship, which is aimed at pupils with a demonstrable interest in design, technology and engineering. The award gives pupils full access to a means-tested 100 per cent scholarship, as well as a unique work experience opportunity at Ginetta. The school also offers honorary academic scholarships to pupils who perform exceptionally well at GCSE. They also offer music scholarships, some of which come with fee remission.
Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe Visit school bursary page The Stonyhurst Foundation aims to be the largest endowed, ring-fenced independent bursary and financial-aid charity of its kind in Catholic education in the UK. This academic year, 34 per cent of pupils are in receipt of fee support or bursary assistance, through a combination of transformational bursaries (up to the value of 110 per cent of fees) that support talented, charismatic children from areas of significant poverty, and talent bursaries, awarded in conjunction with competitive academic, drama, music and sports scholarships.

Scotland

Prep Schools

Gordonstoun Prep School, Elgin

Visit school bursary page

Gordonstoun offers means-tested bursarial support as an augmentation of its scholarship programme, which gives awards in a variety of disciplines to students in year 7-8 of the junior school. These are offered through its designated bursary fund, The Prince Philip Gordonstoun Foundation, which supports around 30 per cent of current pupils with financial assistance.

Senior Schools

Fettes College, Edinburgh

Visit school bursary page

Fettes is committed to broadening access by offering means-tested bursaries to pupils entering Year 7 or above. These can cover up to 100 per cent of fees, depending on the financial circumstances of applicants, and a thorough review of a family’s financial circumstances will take place to include income, savings, investments and realisable assets. As bursary funds are limited, priority will be given to those likely to gain the most from the educational provision at Fettes. In Scotland, schools are not permitted to link scholarships to bursaries, and therefore the two remain completely separate.

Gordonstoun, Elgin

Visit school bursary page

Gordonstoun offers means-tested bursarial support as an augmentation of its scholarship programme, which gives awards in a variety of disciplines to students in the junior school, Year 9 and Year 12. These are offered through its designated bursary fund, The Prince Philip Gordonstoun Foundation, which supports around 30 per cent of current pupils with financial assistance. A variety of scholarships and awards is offered by the school, ranging from academic and sports awards to specific awards for pupils from certain areas of the UK (particularly parts of Scotland) and the children of serving armed forces personnel.

Global Schools

Tanglin Trust School, Singapore

Visit school bursary page

The school does not offer bursaries – although some families can use the TTS Foundation for support with activities such as school trips - however in August 2024, the school will welcome its first ever cohort of music scholars, with up to 10 per cent fee remission included.

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