Houseroom

Downe House bursaries.

Means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of fees.

School profileScholarships

Key facts

Support
Up to 100% of fees
Means-tested
Yes, on household income and assets
Awards made
48

Who qualifies

Financial support is subject to annual means-tested review by the bursary committee. Military families may be eligible for reduced contribution under the military discount scheme.

Source: downehouse.net, checked 9 May 2026

Who can apply, and how

From Downe House's own published policy, read on 10 Nov 2026. The school decides every award.

Means Tested Bursaries

Up to 100% of fees

Means-tested bursaries giving a sliding scale discount on fees, up to 100% plus an allowance towards school extras, for girls at all points of entry.

Who can apply

  • Your child must meet the normal entrance standard. school's words
    “All bursaries are subject to the pupil being formally offered a place at the School following successful completion of appropriate examinations.”
  • Register for a place first. school's words
    “Parents /Guardians who wish to apply for a Bursary are asked to formally register their interest when they receive the invitation to assessment.”

How it works

  • The means test counts savings, investments and pensions and equity in your home. school's words
    “Significant capital savings and investments would be expected to be used for the payment of school fees, as would equity values in houses above”
  • Awards are reassessed every year. school's words
    “All Bursaries are subject to review of parents/guardians’ means every year, and may be varied”

Your checklist

  1. 1Discuss your need for a bursary with the Registrar well in advance of your daughter's entry date.Well in advance of your daughter’s date of entry
  2. 2Formally register your interest in a bursary when you receive the invitation to assessment.When you receive the invitation to assessment
  3. 3After successful entrance tests and interviews, submit details of household income, expenditure and assets.After successful entrance test results and interviews
  4. 4Await the Headmistress's recommendation; you will be told in writing if a bursary is not appropriate, and may appeal to Governors.

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated Reviewed: August 2026)

Military discount scheme

Reduced parental contribution for Armed Forces families receiving CEA, for 11+ boarding entrants.

Who can apply

  • Only for armed forces families. school's words
    “If you are in receipt of the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), your daughter may be eligible for a reduced parental contribution”
  • Open at 11+ entry. school's words
    “under our dedicated military discount scheme for 11+ boarding entrants.”

How it works

  • Awards are reassessed every year. school's words
    “All financial support is subject to an annual means-tested review by the bursary committee.”

Source: Downe House Fees | Downe House School (policy dated Reviewed: August 2026)

Hardship Bursary

For current pupils whose family finances suddenly change, funded from a hardship allocation subject to availability.

Who can apply

  • For pupils already at the school. school's words
    “Parents/guardians with a girl at the School whose financial circumstances suddenly change may apply for a Bursary at any time”

Your checklist

  1. 1Apply using the standard application process, explaining your changed situation.At any time

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated Reviewed: August 2026)

Deadlines by entry point

EntryOpensClosesMeans-test formsDecision
11+2027-28————

Frequently asked questions

How much bursary support does Downe House offer?

Bursaries at Downe House are worth up to 100% of fees, depending on household income and assets. It made 48 awards. Full-fee places go to families on the lowest incomes.

Who qualifies for a bursary at Downe House?

Financial support is subject to annual means-tested review by the bursary committee. Military families may be eligible for reduced contribution under the military discount scheme.

How do I apply for a bursary at Downe House?

Register for a place, then return the school's financial form with P60s or tax returns and bank statements before the bursary deadline. Many schools make a home visit, and awards are reviewed each year.

Can I get a scholarship and a bursary at Downe House?

Yes, the two are assessed separately: Downe House lists 5 merit scholarships, and a bursary can be added on top where a family qualifies financially.