When you submit an application to King’s, simply indicate on the form that you would like to be considered for a bursary by ticking the box provided. We will then send you a Bursary Application Form prior to the entrance examination and a general information booklet. It is very important that the information on the form is correct. Once an assessment has been made, there is no possibility of a reassessment. If you need advice or help completing the form, please contact the Finance or Admissions Office.
Yes, if you would like to be considered for a bursary, please submit the completed Bursary Application Form by, the absolute latest, 25 November 2024. All supporting documentation must be included with the bursary application form. Incomplete application forms will not be considered.
Each application is forwarded to an external, specialist company who will assess your application and supporting paperwork, this part of the process will also involve an interview. The report from the external company, and your application will then be reviewed by an internal bursary review panel.
We take into account a family’s income, expenditure, assets, equity and outgoings to determine whether a bursary or assisted place is needed to enable a child to attend King’s, and if it is, how much it should be. Where the financial review indicates the family can contribute to fees, they are expected to do so.
It depends. The amount will be calculated through the means-tested process and will be based on an assessment of what proportion of the school fees a family can afford.
We consider each application carefully but the reality is that we only have the financial resources to help a handful of applicants in any one year. In Year 7, we typically have 30-40 applications and are only able to help around 4-5 families.
Yes. In all cases, this will involve a home visit.
No, all children have to meet our academic selection criteria before being considered for a bursary. The amount of bursary awarded is based on financial need and not academic ability. However, where total applications exceed the funding available, the bursaries are awarded to those achieving the best results in the entrance exam or application for Sixth Form.
The demand for bursaries is greater than the financial support available, so we have to prioritise where we feel they will have the greatest impact. Currently, this is when the children enter Senior School or Sixth Form.
Families of children already studying at King’s are generally not entitled to apply for bursaries unless there has been a significant and permanent financial change of circumstances outside the family’s control, in which case they can apply to the hardship fund (outlined below). For information about applying for a bursary as a current parent, please see more detail in the Bursary Policy here: www.kingschester.co.uk/about-us/policies. Current pupils must sit the external exam.
The financial support may continue for the length of time the child attends King’s, but is subject to annual review to ensure that the funding continues to help those in greatest need. As with all pupils, those in receipt of bursaries are expected to maintain a high standard of work and behaviour. Bursaries can be reviewed in cases of poor performance. Any change in financial circumstances must be communicated to the school.
We would advise any family applying for a bursary to apply to more that one school and have an alternative plan should you not receivea bursary award.
The terms scholarship and bursary are often used interchangeably but at King’s a scholarship may be given to recognise academic achievement and is not means-tested. All scholarships at King’s are one-off, relatively small awards. A bursary refers to means-tested financial support and can be a substantial amount equivalent to 100% of the fees.
There are a number of trusts and foundations that provide some limited support for children attending independent schools. The internet is the best way of finding out what is available.
Please get in touch with the Fees Officer as soon as possible who will discuss with you the best course of action. Short-term plans and in some circumstances support may be available from the hardship fund. The purpose of the hardship fund, which is limited in amount, is to allow pupils to continue their studies despite such difficulties at critical times, particularly during key examination years. The hardship fund generally provides support for up to one year, which should enable families to make appropriate future plans.
The impact of receiving financial support continues long after leaving King’s and influences many aspects of pupils’ lives. We want to attract pupils who would like to be part of King’s because of the opportunities we offer, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
If you would like more information about joining The King’s School or wish to apply for a bursary, please contact the Admissions Manager on:Telephone: 01244 689553Email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk
For guidance on the bursary process, please visit the Bursaries section on our website under the Admissions and Fees tab at: www.kingschester.co.uk
If you have specific questions about fees and financial support, please contact the Fees Officer:Telephone: 01244 689539Email: fees@kingschester.co.uk
