Bursaries

Dauntsey’s 100% Bursary Scheme is available to any child who fully meets the academic requirements for a place at Dauntsey’s, but whose parents or guardians have no realistic prospect of meeting the costs of independent schooling.

The scheme has been operating since 2009, and children from a wide range of backgrounds and family circumstances have benefited. We are an inclusive school and our bursary scheme has been very successful for a number of children from less well off families.

The Charitable Objectives of Dauntsey’s require that a proportion of our fee income is provided annually to support means-tested bursaries. The Governing Body feels that a 100% Bursary Scheme provides a genuine opportunity to broaden access to the school to children whose parents could not in ordinary circumstances contemplate private education on financial grounds.

We have not set a minimum qualifying level of income because individual financial circumstances vary widely. However, all applications for 100% Bursaries are subject to comprehensive means testing of income, investments and capital assets. You are most likely to qualify for consideration for a 100% bursary if you would never have considered sending your child to an independent school on financial grounds.

We offer up to 3 places annually.

You may apply at any time before the deadline date prior to the year of entry. Selection normally takes place in January of the year prior to entry in September. The deadline for receipt of applications is published annually on the school website and is normally close to the autumn half term break. The selection process will involve an initial financial assessment, academic selection tests, interview and detailed means-testing.

Candidates will be considered by a selection panel which will assess their academic merit and performance at interview.

You are most welcome to attend one of our Open Mornings, held in May and October each year. Please note that due to the high application rate for the 100% Bursary Scheme, it is not possible to arrange private visits to the School for those considering applying for the Scheme. Successful applicants will be offered an opportunity to visit the school before accepting the 100% bursary place.

The scheme is operated at the discretion of the Governors of Dauntsey’s School and there is no mechanism for seeking to appeal an unsuccessful application for a 100% bursary.

Not normally. It is the Governors intent that places are offered to those who have very limited means.

Yes. Applications may be submitted for either boarding or day places. Boarding places will not normally be offered to prospective pupils who are able to access our bus routes.

We only accept applications for entry at 11+ and 16+.

No. The process is confidential and children on 100% Bursaries will not be identified.

There are no costs involved in the application process. Parents of bursary award holders will be invited to make a contribution towards the costs that they would normally incur in providing for their children. This would include, for example, a boarding pupil who would otherwise be fed at home or the cost of lunches for day pupils. Charges would also be payable for individual tuition for sports coaching, music lessons and any specialist learning support at a reduced rate.

The bursary will cover all boarding or day fees and, depending on financial circumstances, will also provide funding for other specific essential academic activities. Examples of additional support that would be considered for funding would include academic field trips. Additional funding needs would be assessed on a case by case basis.

Yes, provided that acceptable academic progress is maintained. In addition, the bursary will be subject to an annual means-tested review.

Applicants for 11+ will be required to sit entrance tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. Candidates meeting our minimum academic standards will be invited for interview. In addition, the school will wish to see reports from the current school including a specific recommendation from the Headmaster. For Sixth Form applicants we will wish to see predicted GCSE grades in addition to a Headmaster’s report and recommendation from the current school.

Further details may be obtained from the Bursar or the Registrar.