A private school bursary is financial help given to students to help pay private or independent school fees if their families cannot afford the full cost. 

Many private schools and independent schools offer these bursaries, and the support can cover anything from part of the school fees to the entire amount. The amount is based on your family’s financial situation and is often assessed through a detailed application.

Applying for a private school bursary can make a high-quality education possible for students from a range of backgrounds. Some bursaries are awarded purely on financial need, while others look for academic potential or other talents.

If you are interested in an independent school education but feel the fees are too high, bursaries could open up new opportunities in your school search. The right information and preparation can help you give your child access to a wider choice of schools without the financial burden.

Understanding private school bursaries

Private school bursaries can make independent education possible for families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. These awards offer financial help by reducing or removing school fees, but each school’s bursary policy, eligibility requirements and the types of school fee assistance they offer can be very different.

What are private school bursaries?

Private school bursaries are means-tested awards that provide school fee assistance to pupils based on family income and personal circumstances. The main aim is to make independent schooling more accessible and inclusive.

A bursary programme usually involves a detailed look at your finances, such as income, savings, and sometimes housing costs. Bursaries are often available at key entry points, like ages 7, 11, 13 and 16, and can start from the last years of primary school up to sixth form. At St Martin's, our bursaries are available from reception up to entry into year 8.

Some schools offer partial bursaries that cover only a percentage of tuition, while others provide full bursaries covering all fees. Bursaries may also offer help with expenses like uniforms, travel, and learning materials. The level of school fee assistance changes according to the school's policy and the financial need presented. Our bursaries are available to cover up to 95% of our school fees.

Types of bursaries available

Most bursaries fall into a few main categories:

• Full means-tested bursaries: these are the most common form of bursarial assistance. The amount you receive depends on your family’s financial situation and is calculated through a thorough assessment process.
• Transformational bursaries: these offer substantial, sometimes full, remission of fees for pupils whose circumstances would otherwise prevent them from accessing private education.
• Armed-forces bursaries: some independent schools offer awards or fee assistance to children of serving military personnel.
• Annual bursary schemes: some schools renew bursary awards every year based on a review of your financial status.

Bursaries and scholarships can sometimes be awarded together, such as combining a bursary with a music or sports scholarship. Some schools have specific funds set aside for particular groups or skills, such as sport and creative art at St Martin's.

How bursaries differ from scholarships

Bursaries are primarily about providing financial help based on need. Your family's financial situation is the main focus, and the application usually requires you to submit proof of income.

Scholarships, however, are awarded for achievement or talent in a specific area. This could include academic excellence, sport, creative arts (including art, music and drama) or other abilities. Scholarships might come with set entrance criteria, such as passing academic entrance exams or meeting high academic standards.

You can sometimes receive both types of assistance -- a combined scholarship and bursary -- if you meet both the academic and financial criteria. Fee assistance from scholarships usually covers a smaller proportion of fees unless it is linked with a bursary, so means-tested fee assistance can make the award more significant for your family’s needs.

Eligibility and assessment criteria

Bursaries at private schools are mainly meant to help families who cannot afford full school fees. They use different forms of financial checks and other personal factors to decide who will get bursary support.

Who can apply for a bursary?

You can apply for a bursary if your family income does not meet the set fee thresholds. Some schools set strict limits, while do not set exact figures and look at your situation case by case.

Bursaries are often available for new applicants and sometimes for current pupils if their family’s situation changes. Many private schools aim to help disadvantaged children or those from low-income backgrounds. If you are a single parent or experiencing challenges, such as major changes in household income, you may have a higher chance of qualifying.

Financial and personal assessment

All bursary applicants must go through a means-tested process. This means the school or a partner company will thoroughly check your family income and household assets.

You may need to provide payslips, bank statements, details of any investments and information about your home and possessions. Some schools use outside groups, like bursary assessment associates, for a neutral review. Others may have in-house bursary teams and a dedicated bursar. They look at combined household income and take into account any extra financial help you receive.

In some cases, costs for bursary families, such as uniforms, meals and transport, may also be covered if your need is high enough. The school bursar or an external auditor usually contacts you if any extra information is needed.

Other considerations in awarding bursaries

Personal circumstances can also affect bursary decisions, not just your financial need. If your child is facing difficult life events or family challenges, the school may view your case more favourably. Some schools want to support children who have experienced loss, illness or separation in the family. This is considered a compassionate bursary.

The aim of bursary provision is to make education more fair and open to those with real need. If you already receive some help and your situation worsens, there might be a chance to increase your funding as a current bursary recipient. Requirements and review processes differ between schools, so always check what individual schools are offering.

The application process for private school bursaries

Applying for a private school bursary involves finding the right options, understanding the application steps and ensuring your submission stands out. Choices vary between schools, and the process can require several forms and a detailed look at your finances.

How to find and choose the right bursary

Start by researching schools that offer bursaries. Most independent schools, including day schools, boarding schools and sixth forms, list bursary programmes on their websites. Use the school’s advanced search or contact the admissions office for information on available aid, eligibility and deadlines. For St Martin's, this is our bursar, Mrs Alison Curran (bursar@stmartins.org.uk or 09123 821006).

Each school sets its own criteria for bursary awards. Carefully review the admissions criteria for each school. Look at lists of bursary partners, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions team or dedicated bursar for further advice.

Step-by-step guide to applying

1. In some instances, you may need to contact the admissions department of your chosen school and request a bursary application form. You can access St Martin's bursary application form online.
2. Complete the form with up-to-date and accurate information about your household income, assets and spending.
3. Prepare supporting documents, such as tax statements, payslips and bank statements.
4. Submit your bursary application form by the stated deadline. The St Martin's application form is submitted digitally.
5. The admissions team will assess your form and may contact you for more details or to clarify your family’s situation.
6. Schools may arrange interviews as part of the bursary process.

Once your application has been checked and assessed, the admissions team will let you know if you qualify for assistance. Note that bursaries are often reassessed each year.

Tips for a successful application

Be honest and detailed when sharing your financial information. Missing or unclear details can slow down the bursary checking process. Keep copies of all documents and emails sent to the admissions department so you can answer any follow-up questions quickly.

Check your email address regularly for updates from the admissions office or team, as some schools may request extra details or schedule interviews at short notice.

Take time to read each school’s bursary strategy, including their commitment to supporting families and the kinds of assistance they provide. If you are unsure about any part of the process, seek bursary advice directly from the school.

Frequently asked questions

Private school bursaries are financial awards that help families with school fees. They are usually means-tested and based on your household income and circumstances. Some schools also offer scholarships, which are different from bursaries.

What are the eligibility criteria for receiving a private school bursary?

To receive a bursary, you usually need to show that your family cannot afford the full school fees. Most schools will look at your total household income, savings and any other investments.

Schools may also check for any special circumstances, like illness, unemployment or loss in the family.

How do you apply for a means-tested bursary at a private school?

You start by filling in an application form from the school. You'll need to share details about your finances, including income, savings and outgoings.

The school’s bursar or a third party reviews this information. They may ask for payslips, tax returns and sometimes bank statements. You will be told if you are successful once they complete their review.

What level of income is typically considered for means-tested private school bursaries?

There is no set income limit, as each school decides its own rules. However, families with very low total income and limited assets tend to get the highest levels of support from bursaries.

Some schools offer bursary support for families earning up to a certain amount, but significant awards usually go to families who could not pay fees otherwise. In some cases, bursaries can cover almost the entirety of the school's fees.

Are there scholarships available for UK private schools, and how do they differ from bursaries?

Yes, scholarships are available and often reward pupils with high academic, musical or sporting ability. Scholarships are usually not based on financial need.

Bursaries, by contrast, are always means-tested and based on your family finances. Scholarships may sometimes be combined with bursaries if you qualify on both grounds.

What options are available to parents to help finance private school education?

Alongside bursaries and scholarships, parents sometimes use loans or payment plans offered by the school. Some schools allow fees to be paid monthly, not yearly.

Other families look for help from trusts or charities. A few employers may also help with school fees as a work benefit. For many, applying for a bursary is the most effective way to get support.