Bursaries for New Boys

How to Apply

A small number of Open Bursaries may be made available to parents/guardians of children entering the Third Form. They are awarded at the discretion of the Governors, and the Head and Bursar are responsible for the management and coordination of the process.

Step One
Parents/guardians seeking a bursary are required to complete an application form (available from the Registrar) which seeks to establish the financial circumstances of the household. The form, which requests details of income and capital, must be accompanied by full documentary evidence. The completed forms, together with the necessary documentary evidence, are to be submitted to the Registrar by a nominated date in January in any year for bursaries to start the following September.

Step Two
The Bursar assesses all applications in order to establish the likely level of support which will be required in order to allow the child to attend the School. This may involve the Bursar visiting the parents/guardians' home to ensure the information has been correctly interpreted and the basis of the financial assessment has been fair.

Step Three
The Bursar prepares a recommendation based on the family financial circumstances which is considered with the Head and a joint recommendation is then reached. The boy will take tests to establish that he meets the School's entry criteria, based on Key Stage 3 and focusing upon English, Mathematics and Science.

Step Four
Mid March. The parents/guardians are advised whether their child is to be offered a place at the School and of the Bursary offer.

Step Five
Parents/guardians are then required to sign a letter accepting the place at the school and an acknowledgement agreeing to any conditions relating to the bursary.

The Case for Assistance

The Head and Bursar will consider a number of factors when making the judgement as to the justification for support, and the extent of such support. In the main, the child's suitability for the school is the first consideration in granting support.

  • Suitability. In assessing a child's suitability, attention will be given to the academic assessment result of each applicant, but potential will also be considered as well as actual achievement. Bursary funds are limited and those judged likely to gain most from the School's educational provision will be given priority. Each pupil to whom support is offered must, in the opinion of the Head, be likely to make sound academic progress following admission and possess the potential to develop the quality of his work. He will be expected to benefit other pupils through his participation in the wider, extra-curricular activities on offer at the School. Previous school reports will be consulted for evidence of good behaviour. Any boy in receipt of a bursary will be expected to abide by all the School's policies and to meet its academic expectations.
  • Financial Limitations. The amount of the bursary award is not influenced by the level of the academic ability of the child but by the extent of need. Each case is assessed on its own merits and awards are made accordingly, subject to the School's ability to fund these within the context of its overall budget. It is recognised that judgements about what sacrifices a family should make to pay school fees will be personal. However, the School has a duty to ensure that all bursary grants are well focussed and so, as well as current earnings, other factors which will be considered in determining the necessary level of grant will include:
  • The ability to improve the financial position or earning power of the family. For example, where there are two partners, both would be expected to be employed unless one is prevented from doing so through incapacity, the need to care for children under school age or other dependents, or the requirements of their partner's work.
  • Opportunities to release any capital. Significant capital savings and investments would be expected to be used for the payment of school fees, as would surplus equity values in houses.
  • In cases of separation, the contribution made by the absent parent.
  • Contribution to household costs by other, wider, family members, any adults unrelated to the child or by outside sources.
  • Payment of fees to other schools (or universities). The School's grant will take into account all these outgoings.
  • Lifestyle of family. Acknowledging that others might have a different view, the School considers that the following would not be consistent with the receipt of a bursary: erequent or expensive holidays; expensive or luxury cars; investment in significant home improvements; a second property/land holdings.
  • Other Factors. It is recognised that, in addition to academic ability and financial constraints, there may be other circumstances which should be considered. These include:
  • Where a child has siblings at the School.
  • Where the social needs of the child are relevant.
  • Where a parent/guardian is terminally ill or is unable to secure permanent employment due to poor health.

Other Sources of Bursary Assistance

In addition to the School's Bursary Fund, there are a number of educational and charitable trusts which provide assistance with tuition fees. In the majority of cases, these are to assist children who are already attending a fee-paying school and due to a change of circumstances may be unable to remain. Sherborne School encourages parents/guardians to apply for support where it is felt a good case can be made for assistance. Further information on how to pursue such assistance may be obtained from the Bursar.

For further information, please contact The Bursar on bursar@sherborne.org or telephone 01935 810501.