Bursary
50–100% of feesMeans-tested bursaries for new entrants to the Senior School at 11+, 13+ and 16+, from partial awards up to a free place.
Who can apply
Open at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. school's words
“Bursaries for new admissions, or entry Bursaries, are available to Parents of children entering the School at 11+, 13+ (Boys’ School only) or 16+ and the process is as follows:”
The largest awards go to households under £50,000. school's words
“As a guide, families whose total household gross income is below £50,000 is likely to qualify for a free school place.”
Your child must meet the normal entrance standard. school's words
“All students applying for a bursary will need to sit our standard entrance assessments.”
Register for a place first. school's words
“Completion and submission of the application form, together with supporting documentation, as part of the registration process, by the specified date in any given year.”
Every parent is expected to work unless they can't. school's words
“where there are two partners, both would be expected to be employed unless one is prevented from doing so through incapacity”
Both parents' finances are assessed, including separated parents. school's words
“All parents who have parental responsibility for the applicant must complete a Bursary Application Form.”
How it works
The means test counts savings, investments and pensions, equity in your home, second homes or land and cars. school's words
“the School considers that indications of wealth such as a second property/land holdings with significant equity or new or luxury cars would not be consistent with the receipt of a Bursary.”
There may be a home visit. school's words
“A home visit may also be necessary to ensure that the information has been correctly interpreted,”
Applications are assessed by BAL Bursary Administration Ltd. school's words
“The Fees team will share the financial information of these candidates with an external representative (currently BAL Bursary Administration Ltd)”
You hear in The level of bursary support will be confirmed to Parents in June, ahead of the following school year. school's words
“The level of bursary support will be confirmed to Parents in Ju ne , ahead of the following school year.”
The award may also cover travel, lunches, essential trips and music lessons. school's words
“This helps towards the cost of coach travel, lunches, and educational school trips. Plus, they will qualify for free music lessons on one instrument.”
Awards are reassessed every year. school's words
“Every year, each bursary is subject to a means-test reassessment.”
Your checklist
- 1Complete and submit the bursary application form with supporting documents as part of registration.By the specified date in any given year
- 2Sit the entrance examination and attend interview if shortlisted.After the Entrance Examination
- 3Speak to the external assessor about your application; a home visit may be needed.
- 4Sign the acceptance form to accept the place and bursary conditions.
Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated Last Review Autumn 2026)