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 are not able to meet any of 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 100% bursary scheme has been very successful for a number of children.

We do not publish a maximum qualifying level of income because individual financial circumstances vary widely.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.

Candidates will be considered by a selection panel (Bursary Awarding Group) which will assess their academic merit, performance in any other fields (e.g. specialist scholarships) and performance at interview.

You are very much encouraged to attend one of our Open Mornings, held in May and October each year. Please note that due to the high application rate for Bursaries, particularly the 100% awards, it is not possible to arrange private visits for those considering applying. Successful applicants will be offered an opportunity to visit the school before accepting their 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 bursary.

Yes. Applications may be submitted for either boarding or day places at 16+ (Lower Sixth). 100% or high value bursary boarding places will not normally be offered to prospective 16+ pupils who are able to access our bus routes. Applications for 11+ (First Form) may be submitted for day places only. 

We only accept applications for 100% or high value bursaries for entry at 11+ and 16+.  

No. The process is confidential and children on bursaries will not be identified.

There are no costs involved in the bursary application process for those applying for a 100% bursary.

Those applying for partial fee assistance (20%-80%) are required to pay the registration fee at the time of registering.

A 100% 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, or trips that involve the whole year group. Additional funding needs would be assessed on a case by case basis.  Charges would also be payable for individual tuition for sports coaching, music lessons and any specialist learning support at a reduced rate. 

Yes, provided that acceptable academic progress and behaviour is maintained. In addition, the bursary will be subject to an annual means-tested review.  All bursaries and scholarships are re-assessed after the Fifth Form (GCSEs) and entry to the Sixth Form is subject to meeting the school’s academic entry standards as a minimum.

Applicants for 11+ will be required to sit entrance assessments 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 child’s current school, including a specific recommendation from the Head Master. For Sixth Form applicants we request predicted GCSE grades in addition to a Head’s report and recommendation from the pupil’s current school.

Please refer to the Bursary Policy in the first instance.  Following on from that, if you still have additional questions, please contact the Head of Admissions or the Bursar.