Scholarships and bursaries
Help with fees
A quarter of pupils receive some form of support. Awards run to full fees where the need is there.
The difference
Two different things, often combined
A scholarship is awarded on merit and is a fixed percentage. A bursary is means-tested and covers what is left. Most awards are a mixture of both.
Academic scholarship
Up to 25% of fees, at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
How it is judged
On the entrance papers and an interview. No separate application - every candidate is considered automatically.
Music scholarship
Up to 30%, plus free tuition on two instruments.
How it is judged
An audition and a short theory paper. Grade 5 or equivalent is typical but not required.
Art and drama
Up to 20%, with studio access outside lesson time.
How it is judged
A portfolio or an audition piece, and a conversation about what you want to make.
Bursary
Means-tested, to 100% of fees.
How it is judged
A confidential financial assessment, reviewed annually. It has no bearing on the academic decision, which is made first and separately.
25%
Pupils receiving support
Across all year groups
100%
Maximum bursary award
Where the need is there
48
Awards made last year
Scholarships and bursaries
0
Effect on the academic decision
Assessed separately
Questions
What families want to know
Does applying for a bursary affect our chances?
No. The academic decision is made first, by people who have not seen the financial assessment. Only after a place is offered does the bursary panel look at the figures.
What counts in a means test?
Household income, savings, other property and the number of dependent children. We also look at circumstances - a recent bereavement or redundancy is taken into account.
Is it reviewed every year?
Yes, briefly. Awards go up as well as down; if your circumstances change mid-year, tell us rather than waiting.
Can we get a scholarship and a bursary?
Yes, and most awards are a combination. The scholarship is applied first, then the bursary covers what remains.
When do we find out?
The award is in the offer letter, so you see the real number before you have to decide anything.
Talk to us before you rule it out
Families are often surprised by what they qualify for. The conversation is confidential and costs nothing.