At the present time in the United Kingdom more than a fifth of all pupils at independent schools get some form of financial assistance with fees. Scholarships are generally awarded to pupils for academic, musical or artistic merit and normally do not take financial need into account.
A scholarship can be awarded to any pupil based entirely on their performance within a particular subject or field of education and irrespective of background, class or financial stability.
How Scholarships Are Awarded
Scholarships are awarded normally, as we have already touched on, to those pupils who show exceptional talent and/or intelligence in a particular area. This may be music or the arts or literature or indeed sport and, as such, there needs to be a financial input to enable these pupils to pursue further qualifications in these fields at private independent school level.
In order to do this, private independent schools will hold examinations based upon a shortlist of pupils gleaned from the mainstream school system and as a result a shorter list of prospective and talented pupils may be drawn up.
A further examination and interview may be held to further quantify the pupil’s interest and indeed willingness to pursue the obtaining of a scholarship.
If the scholarship is awarded it amounts to a maximum of 50% of the school fees that may be required during the course of a pupil’s education at private independent school. This will take into account board and lodgings should the school be outside the catchment area to such a degree that the pupil might need to reside there during term time.

Tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school.
Try our School Application Strategist free, here on this site →There will also be such things as uniforms, textbooks, any sporting equipment, musical instruments or indeed any other item that falls outside the normal remit of an educational standard.
However, as a scholarship amounts to only 50% of the fees at a private independent school it may be necessary to seek a bursary if the pupil’s parents are not in a position financially to cover the shortfall between the amount granted in a scholarship and the overall amount of the fees incurred.
A bursary is an amount of money granted to make up the shortfall and is only granted after a series of means tests are carried out to ensure that a pupil’s parents are not in a position to make up the difference.
Although your child may be of a high intellect and of a high educational standard there is still no guarantee that a scholarship or bursary will be awarded. These are means tested and also granted on a limited number of places per year.
It is worthwhile mentioning that having looked at a varied number of private independent schools there is a generally accepted criterion across the board.
In saying this priority is given to the pupils of parents who are members of the clergy, members of the Armed Forces (both serving and non serving), teachers, and also to the children of former school pupils who have applied for scholarships at their chosen school.
That said do not let it put you off attempting to help your child gain a scholarship they have as much chance as anyone given the right exam results and the right advice.
As always with trying to place your child in any school it is important to understand the criteria laid down and also given the chance, inspect the school and speak with teachers and pupils alike for a more balanced view of how things operate.
As with all schools private or otherwise there will be a parent teacher association and as always this a good place to start if you are looking for an unbiased and realistic appraisal of your child’s chances. Read more about the school PTA on this site.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
We moved to the UK with my family two years ago due to my husband's job. I have two daughters (twin) and they are 14 years old (year 9). One of them has a talent for art, an original style. Recognized by her teachers in her class same time she is really interested in programming and she wants to be a character designer for games in the future. Another one is interested in programming as well and she is so passionate about this. Can you advise me if there is any specialized guidance to further their skills we live in Warwickshire Please also advise how to find out if they would be eligible for a scholarship as I am unable to afford private school education Kind regards JD.
I would like to know how to apply for scholarship and also be glad if more information can be sent to my email.
Many thanks
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to seek more advice to get scholarships in private school. I can’t afford full payment for her.
Thx
I have a nine year son who is very brilliant, his key interest is in Mathematics, Science and English. I am looking for a scholarship for him to start his secondary education in a private school which I can’t afford full payments .
He want to be a Neurosurgeon, want to go to Oxford or Cambridge University for his higher education.
Kind regards
good literature student who had all 8( A)s and a B in her 9 Subjects( she will like to be an anaesthesia and sports paramedic and also good in athletics. She goes for training Mondays and Wednesdays with her running clubs she is currently in a private co-educational school and would like to give her a platform to shine with a scholarship with the fees.
Janet
My son who is 14years old is quite extraordinary and intelligent. He is super smart and also has a great sports ethic and height for basketball. He is a real asset to anyone and all he needs a chance and a platform to shine. I am a single parent and also have an amazingly talented 9 year daughter who wishes to be an actress one day. She is something else one is the best personalities I've met in my life. I have good kids who deserve only the best.
Thank you in advance.
My son is in year 5 . He desires to study in a private school and he's doing very well in all subjects. He loves playing chess, piano, football and obviously video games. He's behaviour is always outstanding.
I would like to know when should we apply for scholarship ? We like him to start either from Year 6 or secondary. Please let me know.
Many thanks
Rinku
It will be a great opportunity for her in life.
6 he is not the smartest of kids he tries his best hence the reason why I would like him to get private school as there will be less number of children :- to teacher ratio. Thank you
Mamo
6 he is not the smartest of kids he tries his best hence the reason why I would like him to get private school as there will be less number of children :- to teacher ratio. Thank you
Munya
My name is Mercy n I'm Sudanese I live in Cairo and I'm looking for scholarship to help me with my school fees and visa bcuz I have no one to help me with my the fees only my mom and I have applied for the international community school in London and I have been accepted and the problem is the fees for the Visa and school and I hope so to help me.this is my case and thank you...
I would like to study in the UK but the fees are just too expensive. Please I'm currently looking for scholarships to reduce the burden on my parents.
Thank you.
However we would need a scholarship to afford the fees. Does anyone have any advice how to achieve this?
My son has already achieved 80% of his scholarship at one of the leading schools. However reaming 20% is really hard for me to pay. He is an excellent and brilliant student and aiming for medicine. If anyone one help him please or show us a source can aapproach. He is going to secondary by 2020. I need help please. Thanks.
Best wishes
Susan
He is academically very bright especially around maths. He is not sporty but a proper nerdy type. Would very much fit the slightly unusual Winchester/ Westminster type school (his father attended Westminster). But we obviously can’t afford that. So I am looking for something that will really work for him. We are in Hampshire.
Many Thanks
Many Thank Nell
I have no idea where to start or where it get advice ?
Many thanks
My 10 years old daughter loves playing football. She's also excellent in English and Maths. She's been deemed selected at Bexley selection test. I'm looking for a Scholarship for her to develop her skills and performing more in football.
Anyone who can help, please let me know.
Thanks.
best regards uche uju
Many thanks
Melanie
I need a scholarship for my boy turning 9 in 2020, he speaks both English and French fluently, he has been playing drum since he was 6years old.
How can I apply for a music scholarship for him?
Kindly give me an idea from where could I get support.
Yours faithfully
Mini
I have two sisters. One is 11, the other is 12. They will start secondary school. They grew up in Spain and now will be moving to London. Any advice on how to get them to the best public schools, or Grammar schools or private ones with scholarship.
Both of them are good with languages, arts and sport. I would love them to be in a school that helps them develop themselves better.
I have no idea how to start with the search for schools.
Thank you
Thank you
Can you help me. Tanks
She was chosen to be in the dynamo socitey which is the headmistress's award for the top 12 students that preformed exceptionally well in the entrance testing.
Her parents cant afford to make up the fees, can anyone advise of any help available?
Resantli we was on assistmant for tuturs and they put him in 8y old grups
We are wanting one in or around London
She has attended The PQA since year 5 and has obtain her Trinity Exams. She is very musical and she has performed in public and she is very conferdent
My son Jacen is just 25 months old. He is beyond anything at this point...recognizing numbers to 60, able to count to 30 unassisted (backwards too!), as well as knowing the entire alphabet on sight, and from memory (reciting without rhythmic devices). My concern being, we're not very well off, but want the best for our man. I was very similar in advancement for his age, and excelled skipping years, and attending university from age 12. Are there any recognizing programs that can identify with a cognitive advancement such as this at this age?
She is really smart; we live in a very deprived area and I want the best for her.
I have a daughter who is 9yr old.
Leading her class in maths and literacy and other subjects. She plays the keyboard very well too.
A very fast 100m and 150m runner. Indeed an asset.
Her teacher confirms that she is a star in indeed
I really need a scholarship into secondary school
How do I go about it.
Is there any bursaries we can get to help fund him into pre schools?
I will need you advise and assistant on how to get a sponsorship for him.
We want to give him the best opportunity we never had when growing up.
I am looking for a schoolarship for my 6 years old girl child. Her mother abondoned her and the court granted me a full custody of the child. I am a self employed person and I am facing some difficulties of paying for her at school, please assist.
Many Thanks,
David Maphanga
My kids who are 6 and 8 years for want to move to a private primary school. They are quite ahead of their peers interms of they intellectual ability.
Can you confirm how possible it is to get a scholarship to one of the primary schools in Bristol.
Cheers
Lewis
Please, let am seeking schorlaship support for my daughter who has just been given admission to Bury Girls School. Pls how do l go about getting one?
Thanks
My daughter is year 9 and I'm wondering if it's possible to apply for art scholarship for year 10. I'm guessing it's too late but I can't make sense of the system on some school websites.
Anyone know how this works exactly?
Thanks in advance.
Many thanks
I would like to understand and know where to look and how to apply for these places.kind regards
D13
Lanre.
Nike .
i'm wishing to get a scholarship in the country of my dreams UK
i'm really talented in music mostly singing i dont do too bad in my grades mostly 60% in all
my school doesnt really focus on talent and my parents cant afford the high class schools that focus on talent.If possible please grant me my dreams im in form one heading to form two next year.....please reply......have a good day
please give me scholarship for a boarding school in uk
Thankyou!
please I kindly ask you for your assistance so that he gets good education like the rest of the kids
Thanks and I will b grateful for yo support.
julie
My kids grade 10 and 9 , studying in uae Arabic curriculum they can manage them selves in English language . I am thinking to send them to continue study in UK . can some one help me and advise if this can work and how
BR
Kind Regards,
Andy
My name is hammad i going to any country for scholarships.
and my age is 14.15?
how can i do?
My parent's numbers are:0834966790 ; 078776351;0737793090.
I will appriciate your help
regards ..trina
Kind regards Comfort.
Very especial on her.she loves arts and she paint things and describe all. The colours.
And always she describe the famous painter like Salvador Dali picaso Van Gogh and other painters and she always say to me mummy I really want to do arts and I want to learn I can give up,my dream she always say to me. So I'm a poor mum I don't have the money to pay for her a private school of arts. So I want to know if someone know how I can find a scholarship for her. My daugther is very sensitive person and very intelligent I notice on her age something very especial this is a true gift from Our God .so thanks for you help.
I need a scholarship for high school student in uk
I am a full time homemaker with no income. Is there any way my kids can join a private school in UK where they can get sponsored. Any help will be appreciated.
yours truly,
Manuel
Anthony (London)
Can this be done mid term ?
My daughter starts school this september, she is incredibly bright, and I am really worried that she will be held back in a class of 30.
She is only 4, do they test them at this age ? And if so how ?
My husband completed 11 years service in the forces as an officer, does this mean because he took redundancy that we now have less of a chance because he is not serving ?
Thanks in advance
For more information about me search me on #GOOGLE! @ Fana Gudula! You'll see me even carrying my Awards.
mum
from, glasgow
My 11 yr old daughter has successfully gained a scholarship at her high school but is only 5%.
Are there any other organisations I can reach for financial help for scholars?
Any advise would be appreciated.
How do I apply for scholarship/bursary for a ptivate school in Edinburgh?
I have a intelligent 14yr old daughter who will make a good name of a private should they offer a scholarship.
Thank you
Mum
Thanking you in advance.
iam 13 yaer old
financial help for tuition, private tutoring, personal projects, it can offer
resources you can consult if you need financial help. You can locate its 'grants, funds and scholarship' information sheet, via potentialplusuk.org.uk. Hope this helps.
I live in warrington {UK}.l am unemployed.l have got an intelligent daughter who is 10 years old now and who is in year six now.l would like to ask for some financial assistance regarding her education.She love school and wish to become a medical doctor in future.l would like her to go to private secondary school but l have not got the money to pay her fees.Please,she need a schoolarship.Help!
Thank You
In Nigeria and she is doing quite well in year 8 going to year 9.in the British curriculum.i wouldn't mind getting her a schorlarship as soon as possible to a good school here in England.can you you pls give advise or help.thankyou
I was wondering to you if you give scholarships for East African students.I promise will be great student for you.
Thank You.
she is exceptionally talented in school especially in maths, from grd 1 her marks till now for all subjects are 90 to 100, we live in an area where the schools are so poor that she feels like not going to school. If there is anyone who is willing to help I would be grateful, not only will this child grow up to be an independent, exceptional young woman with excellent grades throughout her life and into college, I know if given the opportunity she will achieve this with distinctions. This little girl needs to prosper with the right help she can fly. Thanking you.
and i love poetry which is what i'm good at and i'm in grade 10 i love science and i want to persue my dream of becoming the first animal doctor in my family but that can only happen if i get high standard education
which is why i'm looking for a schoolarship to help me.
THANK YOU
My son is doing exceptionally well in grade 9, please guide me if he can get scholarship in one of the best school.
Thanks
I need to find out how I can go about applying for financial assistance until such time that I'm in a position to handle such responsibilities on my own again.
Please respond to the furnished e-mail address, thanking you in advance.
I'm requesting applications to scholarships/ spinsorship for a student who will be in grade 8 in 2014. He is an excellent soccer player. Would like to enroll him into a private school to be prepared for higher education. Unfortunately, he has fallen through the cracks of publics education which neglects to address his educational needs because of class room crowding and limited teaching resources.
Thank you for your assistance.
Thank you
Lindi
South Africa
Iam a 14 year old pupil I live in south africa and I need serious help for a schoolarship to study ina private school next year 2014 for grade 9 is it possible for me to get a schoolarshipfor 2014?
I thank you.
Thanks
Of the State of Sudan
Completed a study of elementary and high school also have a degree of success in the secondary level of weak proportion to conduct business during the study
I went to the University of Kordofan, Faculty of Computer Studies and Statistics
Specialization: Diploma in Computer Science
Have not completed the study, the proportion of financial inability
And ended up freezing my studies in college after three months from the beginning of the first year
I hope you a scholarship to documentary in high school from the beginning
I would like to asked for help in your office to find a sponsor to my two child in there school they are in Grade II and Grade III.
Please help me and please email me if there is anyone who are willing to help me.
Thank you.
Meriam
as i fell its a talet i him .pls help him because he loves maths as am ot able as i dot havempoy
thanks
Thanks,
doll
As a mother of two children,with a daughter who hasjust won a music scholarship to a top independant school, i can only advise you to be glad your son is September born! On paper most senior schools appear award scholarships based on age ie not older than 13 on sept first. My daughter wont be !3 until the end of august and it has been a galop for her musicaly but more so physically and mentally.there is a big gap between 4and 5 year olds and this tends to be more obvious in boys.Looking at my daughter now she feels a little left behing by her peers and seems to have more in common with the year below her.She too is bright,early to everything and in the top set at school but dont believe its a sign of great things to come.Children peak at different times and in hind site I wish I had held her back, its very difficult but speak to friends with older children.Yes im sure he seems more than ready for school,most 3-4 year olds are but also rem hes still a baby and cherish that.With age brings confidence and in my opinion the more confident children in a year group are either older or have older siblings.
I hope this helps
nanny
Thank you
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