Bursaries

Latymer Prep School is very proud of its bursary programme. We strongly believe that the life-changing education we offer should be accessible to bright children who do well in the School’s rigorous entrance exams, regardless of their financial background.

We have a limited number of bursary awards available each year for entry to the Prep school in Year 3. The bursary programme is supported and sustained by present and former Prep families who endorse our aim of widening access to a Latymer education by donating to the bursary fund.

Parents wishing to apply for bursary support can indicate their interest when they register. If you would like to apply for a means-tested bursary please complete the relevant school registration form. Once your registration has been processed you will be sent further information and then a link to the Bursary Application form to complete from 2 September when bursary applications open, at this stage you will need to submit various financial information. Our confidential bursary assessment process is managed by an external company appointed by Latymer Upper School. Bursary awards are made in February at the same time as an offer of a place at Latymer Prep School and the full award details will be outlined in your offer letter. 

If you are applying for a partial bursary, the registration fee of £180 (inc.VAT) is payable, if this presents difficulties please contact the Admissions Team.

Assuming satisfactory academic progress, just as expected of every Latymer pupil, the bursary support will continue through to A levels.

Who is able to apply for a bursary?

Parents of new students entering the school at 7+ who are unable to afford full fees are welcome to apply. 

We recognise that circumstances differ, so do not set strict thresholds and criteria but look at everyone as an individual. However, if all of the below criteria apply to your family, then you may qualify for a bursary:

• Both parents working unless one is unable to do so
• Total gross family income of less than £135,000 (an additional allowance will be made where sibling(s) are at Latymer)
• No second property unless a business
• Insufficient savings or investments to cover school fees

You are unlikely to qualify if you have:

• A home worth more than £1.5m
• A second/holiday home or land above reasonable pension provision
• Recent expenditure on significant home improvements
• Another child(ren) in fee paying schools or university with no financial support
• Frequent and/or expensive holidays, excursions and meals out
• A new or luxury car(s) or item
• Recently formed a business which has resulted in a lower income than in previous salaried employment. 

Is there a threshold for a 100% bursary?

There is no strict threshold, but in general families with combined income of less than £65-75,000 are likely to receive a 100% bursary. Please note that the decision is not based on income alone, and other net assets will be taken into consideration.

What if I can afford some of the fees but not all?

We are very aware that school fees are a significant expense especially with VAT and we look to make plenty of awards at all levels. Last year besides free places we awarded a large number of partial bursaries ranging in amount from 25% to 90%. These examples may help to show the type of families who have been awarded bursaries in the past:

• Single parent family, one child, mother working in low income job, rented accommodation. Bursary of 100% awarded 
• Family with three children, one much younger. One parent currently working with low income, own home with little equity. Bursary of 100% awarded
• Family with two children. Both parents self-employed with low to moderate income, not always stable, rented accommodation. Bursary of 70% awarded
• Family with two children. Both parents working with moderate income, own home with mortgage and some savings. Bursary of 50% awarded
• Family with three children. Two parents working with moderate to high income, own home with significant mortgage and other financial commitments. Bursary 25% awarded 

What happens with divorced or separated parents?

Both parents will need to complete the application form in order for both their financial positions to be assessed, but are able to complete it separately and in confidence.

Does my child have to be a stronger candidate than anyone else to get a bursary?

No. Any student who is selected for interview, and has applied for a bursary, will be considered. We do not set a higher pass mark for bursary candidates. In any given year the number of bursaries available depends on both the number of successful applicants and the amount of money we have to offer.

Please note that all awards are discretionary and can not be appealed.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the bursary application process please contact the Admissions Team who will be very happy to speak to you about it.

Hear what current and former bursary students have to say about the bursary programme with special mention of the Prep bursary at 3:55!