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Highgate School 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

Who qualifies

Published pupil/full-place data: Around/almost 100 Senior School bursary recipients | Annual pot/total support: Not published as total pot | Full award may… Read more

Published pupil/full-place data: Around/almost 100 Senior School bursary recipients | Annual pot/total support: Not published as total pot | Full award may cover: IT, school trips, uniforms; support through pupil's time at Highgate subject to review | Eligibility: Means-tested; academically selective | Confidence: Hard number

Source: highgateschool.org.uk, checked 20 May 2026

Who can apply, and how

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

Bursaries

Up to 100% of fees

Means-tested fee assistance for new pupils at 7+, 11+ and 16+, giving discounts of up to 100% of fees.

Who can apply

  • Open at 7+, 11+ and 16+ entry. school's words
    “For entry in 2026 it is expected that bursaries will be offered at the 7+, 11+ and 16+ entry points.”
  • Families living closest get priority. school's words
    “Priority may be given to Bursary candidates who live closer to the School;”
  • The largest awards go to households under £45,000. school's words
    “if total family income is less than £45,000 and if there are no significant assets (e.g. savings), then an applicant could be entitled to 100% funding of school fees”
  • Your child must meet the normal entrance standard. school's words
    “every candidate (whether applying for a bursary or not) must undertake our entrance assessments and pass them before we can offer them a place.”
  • Every parent is expected to work unless they can't. school's words
    “where there are two parents, both would be expected to be employed unless one is prevented from doing so”
  • Both parents' finances are assessed, including separated parents. school's words
    “in general, the financial circumstances of both parents of an applicant will be assessed”

How it works

  • The means test counts equity in your home, savings, investments and pensions, holidays, cars, second homes or land and home improvements. school's words
    “Significant capital savings and investments would be expected to be used for the payment of school fees, as would substantial equity values in properties;”
  • Expect a home visit or video interview. school's words
    “BAA will contact parents directly to arrange an online meeting or telephone call to finalise the Financial Details in full”
  • Applications are assessed by Bursary Assessment Associates. school's words
    “administered on our behalf by Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA), an independent company.”
  • You hear in 16+ in December, 7+ in January, 11+ in February. school's words
    “For 16+ entry this is in December, 7+ in January and 11+ in February.”
  • The award may also cover uniform, lunches, essential trips, travel, music lessons, a laptop or tablet and exam fees. school's words
    “specific electronic devices, etc.”
  • Awards are reassessed every year. school's words
    “All bursary awards are subject to the review of parents’ means each year”

Your checklist

  1. 1Tick the bursary box on the application form and give your estimated household income.Applications open from the summer the year before entry
  2. 2Complete the financial form and submit the evidence to BAA before the entrance assessments.Before Assessment Day in November (16+) or entrance exams in December (7+/11+)
  3. 3Attend the online meeting or phone call with BAA.After the form is submitted
  4. 4Sit the entrance assessment or interview.November or December before entry year
  5. 5Receive the outcome and sign the acceptance form and bursary conditions.With the entrance outcome

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated September 2025)

Keyworker Bursary

Up to 100% of fees

One full-fee equivalent bursary each year for a child of public-sector frontline key workers living locally.

Who can apply

  • Only for local residents. school's words
    “one full-fee equivalent bursary for a child of parents/carers who are key workers living in the local area.”
  • No award above a household income of £125,000. school's words
    “You can consider applying if your total family income is up to £125,000.”

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated September 2025)

Existing pupils: adverse changes in family circumstances

Bursary support for current pupils whose family finances suddenly worsen, supported by The Friends of Highgate School.

Who can apply

  • For pupils already at the school. school's words
    “Parents a with a child at the School whose financial circumstances suddenly change adversely may apply for a bursary.”

Your checklist

  1. 1Explain your situation in writing to the Bursar.When circumstances suddenly change
  2. 2Submit a completed Financial Details form with supporting documents.After writing to the Bursar

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated September 2025)

Deadlines by entry point

EntryOpensClosesMeans-test formsDecision
16+2027-28—16 Oct 2026——
11+2027-28—4 Nov 20264 Nov 202631 Jan 2027

Named bursaries

Frequently asked questions

How much bursary support does Highgate School offer?

Bursaries at Highgate School are worth up to 100% of fees, depending on household income and assets. Full-fee places go to families on the lowest incomes.

Who qualifies for a bursary at Highgate School?

Published pupil/full-place data: Around/almost 100 Senior School bursary recipients | Annual pot/total support: Not published as total pot | Full award may cover: IT, school trips, uniforms; support through pupil's time at Highgate subject to review | Eligibility: Means-tested; academically selective | Confidence: Hard number

How do I apply for a bursary at Highgate School?

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 Highgate School?

Yes, the two are assessed separately: Highgate School lists 3 merit scholarships, and a bursary can be added on top where a family qualifies financially.