Bursaries: a parents’ guide

How much does private school cost?

The cost of an independent education in the UK varies from school to school. The fees depend on the type of school, its reputation, and the region it is located in. Boarding schools, and schools in London and the South, are usually more expensive.

Most independent day schools charge between £4,000–£8,000 per term for senior students. Boarding school fees are more expensive – often in the region of £10,000 per term. So, a private senior education will cost from £12,000 per year for day schools, and from £30,000 per year for boarding.

Types of financial help for school fees

Means-tested bursaries

Means-tested bursaries are the main way to get help with school fees. The amount you receive depends on your family’s income and financial situation.

Bursaries work on a sliding scale. This means families with lower incomes get a bigger discount. Some schools offer up to a 100% discount on fees for families with the lowest incomes.

In addition to tuition, some schools may cover or reduce other costs for bursary families. These can include the registration fee (usually £100-£300) or the school deposit (typically equal to one term’s fees, refunded when your child leaves).

Some schools also provide extra help, covering costs like uniforms, lunches, books, and school trips. This is sometimes called a “110% bursary” or an “assisted place.”

Bursaries are reviewed each year. If your financial situation changes, the amount of support you qualify for may also change.

Hardship funds

Some schools have hardship funds for families whose financial situation changes unexpectedly after their child has started at the school. These funds help ensure the child’s education isn’t disrupted. Reasons for needing hardship funds might include job loss, illness, or the death of a parent.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awards for students who excel in specific areas like academics, art, music, drama, or sports. At some schools, scholarships include a small financial benefit, while at others, they’re about recognition rather than money.

If a scholarship does include money, it usually covers up to 10% of fees, though larger awards (like 50%) are rare. Sometimes, scholarships fund specific expenses like music lessons or sports coaching. Some schools no longer offer financial awards for scholarships, instead focusing on bursaries for families in need.

What’s the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?

Scholarships are not based on income but on talent or achievement. Your child may qualify for a scholarship if they perform well in an entrance exam or excel in areas like art or music. These often require an application, portfolio, or audition.

Bursaries, on the other hand, are awarded based on financial need. Your family’s income determines eligibility.

At many schools, a child can apply for both a bursary and a scholarship. The processes are separate, and applying for one doesn’t affect the other. However, children usually cannot apply for more than one type of scholarship at the same time.

Both scholarships and bursaries often require annual reviews. To keep a scholarship, your child may need to show ongoing excellence and good behaviour in their area of expertise.

How to apply for a bursary for your child’s education

To apply for a bursary, you will need to complete an application form. This might ask you to outline your financial circumstances, and why you believe your child should attend the school. Some schools have a box you can tick on the school registration form to request a separate bursary application form. Others will have a bursary application form available on their website, or will require you to contact the bursar to request one.

Once you have submitted your application form, some schools will pass it on to a third party company to handle all or part of the process. Other schools have a senior staff member to manage the process themselves. In all cases, bursary applications are handed sensitively. Any information you submit is always confidential.

How are bursaries assessed?

The bursary assessment process usually consists of two stages:

1. An overview of your family's financial circumstances based on the evidence you have provided.

2. A deeper investigation. This might include further supporting evidence, credit checks, and visiting you at home.

If you are considering applying for a bursary, you should be prepared to have your finances examined in detail. You will also be asked to submit plenty of documentation. Usually, the school will calculate your relevant income to decide whether you qualify for a bursary. This is your gross household income minus £2,000–£3,000 per dependent child.

As well as relevant income, schools will consider your wider circumstances, assets and expenditure. For example, families are unlikely to qualify for a bursary if:

• They own more than one property

• They have a large house in an expensive area and choose not to downsize

• They could release money from savings or investments to cover school fees

• The child's grandparents could contribute to school fees

• They spend a lot of money on holidays, new cars, or home improvements

What documents will I need to submit?

You are likely to be asked for:

• Proof of identity and address

• 12 months of bank statements for all accounts, including savings and ISAs

• Details of all investments, assets and property

• Evidence of combined household income through payslips, P60s, and company accounts

• Evidence of expenses, including mortgage statements or rental agreements

Divorced parents will need to provide their own financial information.

What is the bursary application process timeline?

The timeline for applying for a bursary can vary from school to school. However, most independent day schools follow a similar timeline for 11 plus entry:

Autumn term in Year 6

• Register with the school and request a bursary application form

• Confirm the application deadline with the school

• Gather financial documentation

October–January in Year 6

• School entrance assessments and interviews take place

• Submit bursary applicaiton form and supporting documents

• Bursary assessment process and home visit

February in Year 6

• Offers of school places

• Outcome of bursary decision

March in Year 6

• Accept or decline the school place

• Accept a bursary, if offered

Every school year

• Bursaries are reassessed and adjusted where needed

How much do I need to earn to qualify for a bursary?

The way schools assess income for bursaries varies. Some schools do not have fixed limits and review applications individually. Others set clear income thresholds, e.g. an upper limit of £100,000.

Many schools share their income criteria online or in their bursary policies. Some even offer bursary calculators to help you estimate your eligibility. If this information isn’t available, you can ask the school directly.

The income needed to qualify for help with school fees might be higher than expected. Here’s a general guide:

• Families earning over £100,000 are unlikely to qualify for a bursary.

• Families earning around £70,000 may get a small fee discount at some schools.

• Families earning under £20,000 may qualify for a full bursary.

Bursary home visit

If the school moves forward with your application after reviewing your documents, they may arrange a home visit or Zoom call. This could happen on short notice, but it’s not something to worry about.

The visit allows the bursar or dedicated financial controller to:

• Meet your family

• Understand your financial situation better

• Clarify any questions about your application.

They’ll tell you beforehand if they need you to prepare extra documents for the visit. The process is designed to give a fair assessment of your financial needs.