Bursaries and Scholarships

BURSARIES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH SCHOOL FEES

One of the Governors main objectives is to make a Westholme education financially available to as many as possible. To that end the tuition fees charged by Westholme are amongst the lowest in the country.  However there are still some parents whose income prevents them considering Westholme for their children and for those situations the Governors make further provision through two different types of bursary, namely Foundation Bursaries and Governors Bursaries.  A bursary is a discount on fees awarded after parents have made a confidential application, giving family financial circumstances.

FOUNDATION BURSARIES

These are a new addition since September 2007 and are designed to assist those parents who could not manage the fees, even with the assistance of a Governors Bursary.  They are for pupils entering Year 7 only and are normally awarded following the Entrance Examination in November for entry the next September.  If your family annual income exceeds £15,000, then your application is not likely to be successful for a Foundation Bursary.  Up to four awards may be made each year, determined by funds available.  The award will be up to 100% of tuition fees, lunch charges and an initial £500 to assist with school uniform and other set-up costs.  The awards will be made on the basis of success at the Entrance Examination, financial need, assessment by the Foundation Bursaries Committee, operated by the Principal, and confirmation by the Board of Governors.  A successful application should expect a home visit to confirm domestic and financial circumstances.  Although offered on an annual basis, the expectation is that an award will run for seven years, assuming little change in financial circumstances and satisfactory progress by the pupil concerned.  If you want to apply for a Foundation Bursary, you should tick the relevant box on the School Application Form and the necessary application form will be sent to you. Unsuccessful applicants for a Foundation Bursary can apply for a Governors Bursary.

It needs to be emphasised that an application does not automatically guarantee an award.

GOVERNORS BURSARIES

These are normally available only to pupils entering Year 7.  If parents relevant income exceeds £40,000 per annum then it is most unlikely an application will be successful.  The award is based on relevant family income tempered by performance at the Entrance Examination.  Normally a Governors Bursary award will not exceed 50% of fees.  If parental income is less than £15,000 then, all other matters being equal, a maximum award of 50% is likely, but cannot be guaranteed.  All applications must be supported by a financial statement completed on a proforma available from the Bursary and coupled with documentary evidence of income.  Other normal charges, such as lunches, and optional extras such as coach travel and individual music tuition, also need to be taken into consideration. Normally about ten awards are made each year, but the precise number is dependent on the overall grant decided by the Governors and extent of the demand. Although offered on an annual basis, the expectation is that an award will run for the whole time a pupil is at Westholme, assuming little change in financial circumstances and satisfactory progress by the pupil concerned.  If you want to apply for a Governors Bursary, you should tick the relevant box on the School Application Form. Governors Bursaries are also available to existing pupils whose parents find themselves in unexpected financial difficulties such as redundancy.  It needs to be emphasised that an application does not automatically guarantee an award.

If you require any further information on bursaries or want to discuss the matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact either the Fees Secretary or the Bursar.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are only awarded in the senior department of the school and are based on ability only. They are not means-tested awards.

The decision on who is awarded a Scholarship rests with the Principal.  Her decision is final and there is no right of appeal to the Governing Body.

They are available for:

Entry into the Sixth Form (Year 12)

The School awards Academic Scholarships to pupils entering the Sixth Form (Year 12).
Please click here to download a Sixth Form Scholarship form

Entry into the Senior School (Year 7)

The School awards Academic Scholarships to those entering Year 7.

Year 7 applicants to the School will sit an entrance examination and, depending on their performance in the examination, will be interviewed. To be eligible for an Academic Scholarship applicants must perform outstandingly well in the entrance process.

When results have been received by all entrants, the school will contact those pupils who may be eligible for an Academic Scholarship and ask them to complete the application form.  Application forms must be returned to school by 9 March 2012.  Applicants will be informed of the school's decision by the end of March 2012.

Year 12 applicants will be interviewed by the Principal and their internal or external reports will be regarded, alongside estimated GCSE grades.

All Academic Scholarships will be for 10% of the tuition fee and are not subject to subsequent financial assessment.  High standards of conduct, assumption of responsibility and a strong work ethic will be expected.

Parents who, for financial reasons, would want to seek an award in excess of 10% should their daughter be awarded an academic Scholarship may also apply for a Bursary.

Further details on scholarships are available from the Fees Secretary: feessecretary@westholmeschool.com