Independent school scholarships and bursaries: What families need to check before applying

For many families, a scholarship or bursary is what makes an independent education possible. It can also be a proud moment for a child whose talent has been recognised.

But no two schools run their awards in quite the same way. What the award covers, how long it lasts and what's expected in return can vary enormously. Too often, families only discover these details once an offer is on the table.

This guide sets out six things to check at any school before you apply, followed by the questions worth putting to every admissions team. A little homework now can save difficult surprises later.

Scholarships and bursaries at a glance

A scholarship rewards a child’s talent or potential, while a bursary is means-tested help based on a family’s finances. The Independent Schools Council’s parent guide explains the difference in more detail and how to search for schools offering assistance.

At Claremont, scholarships and bursaries apply to tuition fees only, and bursary applications must be renewed annually. See our scholarships and bursaries page.

Check 1: What the award actually applies to

A percentage sounds simple, but the key question is: a percentage of what? Many awards apply to tuition only, not to the full bill. Check whether the award also covers:

• Boarding fees
• Supplements for specialist programmes, such as a sports academy
• Extras such as individual music lessons, trips and learning support
• Registration fees and deposits, which are usually still payable in full
  

A worked example

These round numbers are illustrative only and don't reflect any school's fees.

The award is 20% of tuition but only about 13% of the total bill. Knowing this before you apply makes budgeting far easier. Boarding families can also consult the BSA Guide to Boarding Schools’ fees and finances section when comparing costs.

Check 2: Eligibility, entry points and timing

Most schools offer scholarships only at certain entry points, and the timetable often runs well ahead of the main admissions process.

• Which year groups can apply? Many schools offer awards at key entry points such as 11+, 13+ and 16+, but not every year.
• When are the assessments? They usually take place in the academic year before your child would join, sometimes in the winter or early spring.
• When is the deadline? Applications can close months before the start date. Miss it, and you may have to wait for the next entry point.
• Can current pupils apply? Some schools also welcome applications from pupils already on roll.
• Are international students eligible? If so, ask whether assessments can be done remotely

The simplest step: note every relevant deadline as soon as you start shortlisting schools.

Check 3: How assessment works

For scholarships

Ask what the assessment involves and how your child can prepare. Depending on the area, it might include:

• A practical session, trial, audition or portfolio review
• An interview with staff
• Reports or references from your child's current school or club
• In some schools, written papers for academic awards

It's also worth asking who makes the final decision. Schools can usually choose not to make an award if no candidate meets the standard.

For bursaries

Means-testing is thorough, so give yourself time. Schools may ask for:

• Income details for both parents or guardians, such as payslips and tax returns
• Information about savings, property and other assets
• Details of regular outgoings and other dependants

Some schools use an independent assessor, and a few carry out home visits, so ask how long the process takes and when you’ll hear.

Check 4: Conditions once you're awarded

An award isn't always fixed for your child's whole time at the school. Before accepting, find out:

• How long it lasts. Is it for the whole school career, or until the next stage, such as GCSEs or Sixth Form?
• How often it's reviewed. Bursaries are commonly reassessed every year, so a change in income can change the award. Plan for that possibility.
• What's expected of a scholar. This might include representing the school, attending training or rehearsals, and keeping up academic effort and good conduct.
• When an award can be reduced or withdrawn. Ask for the conditions in writing, so everyone has the same understanding.

None of this should put you off. Clear conditions protect your child as much as the school, and a good admissions team will be happy to explain them.

Check 5: Combining awards and discounts

Many families qualify for more than one kind of support, but schools differ on how they fit together. Ask:

• Can a scholarship be topped up with a bursary if your family also has financial need?
• How do discounts interact with awards? Sibling, Forces and other discounts may be applied before an award, after it, or not alongside it at all.
• Is there a cap on the total support any one pupil can receive?

The order in which reductions are applied can make a real difference to the final bill, so ask the school to show you the calculation. You can see the discounts available at Claremont on our tuition fees page.

Check 6: The scholar's experience, not just the discount

The best scholarships offer more than a lower bill. They give a talented child the stretch, coaching and opportunities to develop that talent further. Ask what scholars actually receive from week to week:

• Extra coaching, masterclasses or mentoring
• Performance, competition or leadership opportunities
• Regular reviews of progress with a named member of staff

Two awards of the same value can lead to very different experiences. For a young footballer, for example, the programme behind the scholarship matters as much as the percentage. You can see what that looks like in our Football Academy and Performing Arts Academy.