A statistic making headlines at the moment will alarm many parents.
Teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers, causing a potential snowball effect on education in the coming years. It’s worrying for anyone who wants the best for their child.
The alternative is moving to the private sector. But in a rocky economy, that feels too much of a stretch for many families.
If that’s you, read on. We’ll explain how to apply for bursaries and scholarships in private and independent schools.
Bursaries vs. Scholarships
Private and independent schools offer two primary forms of financial support: bursaries and scholarships.
Bursaries are available to those who can’t meet the financial demands of school fees. It’s there as a way for independent schools to broaden access.
This financial support is means-tested. So, it’s offered to those who can demonstrate their income falls below what’s required.
On the other hand, scholarships don’t depend on your financial background, and you won’t need to demonstrate hardship. These awards are offered to students with exceptional talent in one or more subjects.
You’ll often see scholarship awards for music, sports, and general academic excellence.
You may sometimes see awards for other subjects like art and drama. Most scholarships are offered at 11+, and you will also find a few offered at 13+.
Securing a Bursary
If school fees feel out of reach for you financially, you could qualify for a bursary. Here’s how to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.
Do Some Research
Create a shortlist of independent and private schools in your area. Consider travel distance, though many of these schools offer transport options. Look for fees on each school’s website.
You should find in this section whether the school gives bursaries.
It will often tell you what percentage of the fees are covered and the criteria. If you need help finding the information line, contact the school directly and ask the question.
Check the Criteria
It’s important to understand that all schools have different eligibility criteria. So, if you can’t apply to one school, it’s always worth checking with other schools in your area.
You’ll need to check the small print on the criteria.
They often have specific rules about income, dependents, and other obligations. Schools also have application deadlines for selecting an intake for the next academic year. So note the dates.
Make an Application
You’ll need to apply for a bursary and a separate application for each school. If you are self-employed, that may cover previous tax returns. If you’re employed, the application will ask you to include payslips.
So always get this paperwork together first to save you time when applying. It’s also worth getting professional advice from an organisation like the Royal Spring Board or The Bursary Foundation.
Some schools may also ask for a personal statement. That will outline your case for receiving a bursary for your child. That is your opportunity to explain your child’s talents and potential.
The Interview
Most schools will interview potential students. These are usually one-to-one. Parents generally won’t sit in on these interviews. Schools have lots of experience in these interviews and know how to make children feel relaxed.
The Entrance Exam
The last step in the application is for your child to take the entrance exam. Most independent schools run these exams at 11+ and 13+.
Some highly selective schools (primarily in London and surrounding counties) will also have entrance exams at 7+ and 8+.
You must check the details of these exams and give your child time to prepare. All will cover Maths and English. Many will also have non-verbal reasoning. Schools may also assess potential students on other skills, like creative writing.
It’s worth getting your child to take a mock test at home under exam conditions to see whether there are any weak spots.
Consider some support and tuition to help prep your child for the exam. That will help your child feel relaxed and ready on the actual day.
Securing Tuition Scholarships
Scholarships are a prestigious and sought-after feature of private schools. Schools award these to students displaying exceptional talents, making them highly competitive. Here is how to improve your chances.
Do Your Research
Each school offers different types of scholarships. So research local schools beforehand. You’ll often find scholarships fall into four categories:
- Academic scholarships for those excelling in subjects like Maths, English, and Science
- Music, art, and drama scholarships
- Sports scholarships
- All-round scholarships for those excelling in many areas
You’ll find specific scholarship application criteria on the school websites.
For example, if your child plays an instrument, the school often asks for a high ABRSM grade. In sports, the child must have evidence of excellence, such as playing at a regional or national level.
Preparing Your Child for an Assessment
Scholarships take much preparation. Check the details for each school. For example, the students will need to audition in music and drama, so they will need time to prepare. That’s why it’s vital to check deadlines far in advance.
Academic scholarships often mean your child will sit the entrance exam and then a further, more challenging set of exam papers.
Even if your child is gifted, it’s still worth prepping them for these exams to ensure they know the format and feel confident on the day.
Interviews
Schools will also interview students separately for a scholarship audition or exam.
These interviews will typically be in the same format as standard entrance interviews. The school may ask additional questions about their scholarship talent.
Continued Criteria
Schools award scholarships for the time your child attends that school. However, these awards are conditional on the child continuing to excel in that subject.
For example, a music scholar would need to continue learning that instrument and be expected to participate in musical activities like the school orchestra.
How To Secure Bursaries and Scholarships: A Final Note
Don’t rule out the possibility of a private or independent school. With many bursaries and scholarships available, you can give your child the best education. The key is to prepare early.
Ant Learning can help you do that.
Our online and centre tuition has been a go-to resource for many families in your situation, and we have the experience to prepare your child for these competitive exams. Find out more by heading here.
