What Financial Support is Available at Private Schools in the UK

Private education in the UK is often associated with high fees, but many families are surprised to learn that financial support is widely available to help reduce costs. From bursaries and scholarships to fee assistance schemes, schools are increasingly working to make independent education more accessible. Here’s an overview of the most common types of financial support offered by private schools in the UK.

Bursaries: Means-Tested Financial Help

This private girl’s school suggests that bursaries are one of the most well-known forms of financial support. These are means-tested awards, which means the amount of assistance offered is based on a family’s financial circumstances.

Most schools will ask for detailed financial information—such as income, savings, and even assets—to determine eligibility. In some cases, bursaries can cover up to 100% of the fees, especially where there is significant financial need.

Bursaries are commonly offered at the time of entry into the school (e.g. Year 7 or Year 12), but many schools also offer them throughout a pupil’s time if circumstances change.

 

Scholarships: Rewarding Talent and Achievement

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a pupil’s ability or achievement in a specific area. These may include:

• Academic

• Music

• Drama

• Sport

• Art or Design Technology

Unlike bursaries, scholarships are not usually means-tested. However, the value of a scholarship is typically modest—often between 10–30% off fees. Some schools offer what is known as an honorary scholarship, which brings prestige but no fee reduction.

That said, many schools now allow scholarships to be combined with bursaries. So, a talented child from a low-income household might receive both an academic scholarship and a bursary, significantly reducing the cost of attendance.

 

Sibling Discounts and Fee Remission

Many schools offer discounts to families with more than one child attending at the same time. These discounts can range from 5% to 20%, depending on the school and the number of siblings enrolled.

Some schools also offer fee remission to the children of employees or alumni. This is more common in schools with a strong alumni network or foundation status.

 

Trusts, Foundations and External Funding

In addition to direct support from schools, some families may be eligible for help from educational charities, trusts or foundations. Examples include:

• The Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation

• The Educational Trusts’ Forum

• Buttle UK

These organisations aim to support families with challenging circumstances or children showing exceptional promise who would benefit from a private education.

 

How to Apply for Financial Support

Every school has its own application process, deadlines and criteria, so it’s important to start early. Most schools outline their bursary and scholarship information on their websites and offer guidance to parents on how to apply.

Parents are encouraged to speak directly with admissions or bursar departments to find out what support may be available and whether their child might qualify.

Private education can be a significant investment, but it is not out of reach for families on lower or middle incomes. With the right information and early planning, financial support through bursaries, scholarships and other means can make independent schooling a realistic and life-changing opportunity.