Bursaries
The School Governors, in seeking to widen access and reduce the burden of fees for parents on whom it would rest most heavily, make means-tested bursaries available each year for new entrants to the Senior School, including those from the Junior School. Candidates need to qualify for a place at the school as a result of their performance in the 11+ or 16+ Senior School entrance examinations and interviews. Financial need must be established by completion of a confidential statement of financial circumstances.
Bursary awards range in value according to financial needs and the funds available for bursaries. Parents awarded full remission of tuition fees (a 100% award) will also usually be eligible to receive an award that covers the costs of coach travel, and lunches, as well as support with academic trips and one musical instrument.
As a guide, free places may be awarded where total assessable household gross income is below £45,000. Where an offer of a free place is made, and a student uses the school coach service this will also be subsidised. The ceiling for eligibility for financial support is approximately £85,000 gross. Between these two figures contributions towards fees will be on a sliding scale.
Bright Futures Bursary
We have subsidised or free-school places for students of Black African or Caribbean heritage.
Students need to qualify for a place at the school as a result of their performance in the 11+ or 16+ Senior School entrance assessments and interviews. Financial need will be established by completion of a confidential statement of financial circumstances.
Bursary awards range in value according to financial needs and the funds available for the Bright Futures bursaries. Parents awarded full remission of tuition fees (a 100% award) will also usually be eligible to receive an award that covers the costs of coach travel, and lunches, as well as support with academic trips and one musical instrument.
Further information can be found in our FAQs and bursary policy. Please contact the admissions team admissions@habsgirls.org.uk for details of how to apply.
When will I be able to complete the Bursary application form?
You will be emailed a copy of the Bursary application form and the Bursary policy, once the closing date for registration for admission has passed. You will have to complete the form and send it to us via email together with some supporting documents (which will be outlined in the form).
Is there a threshold for a 100% Bursary?
We recognise that circumstances differ, so do not set strict thresholds and criteria but look at everyone as an individual. We assess each application carefully, taking into account:
- sources of income
- outgoings
- assets
- liabilities
- the value and council tax band of the family home
- the size of the family
Do I need to pay the Registration Fee?
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to waive the Registration Fee; please contact Admissions for further information.
What if I can afford some of the fees but not all?
We will ask you to indicate the level of contribution you think you can make on the form we send you. We are very aware that school fees are a significant cost, and we look to make awards at all levels. Last year besides free places we awarded partial bursaries ranging in amount from 50% to 90%.
What happens next?
Your child comes and sits the entrance exam. If your child is then selected for interview, the Finance team will contact you to discuss the details in your form in greater detail. We also work with a third party, Bursary Administration Limited, who discuss applications with parents/guardians and produce reports for the Finance team to consider.
Does my child have to be a stronger candidate than anyone else to get a bursary?
No. 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.
What if my child has been selected for interview but we cannot be considered for a 100% bursary?
The level of financial support will be discussed during your meeting with a member of the Finance team or Bursary Administration Limited.
What are the bursary meetings about?
If your child is invited to interview, we will arrange an informal meeting with you to give you the chance to find out more about Habs and give you the opportunity for you to find out about the bursary support we offer. They are informal and relaxed and provide us with the opportunity to clarify information you have provided on your Bursary application form. We are happy for the student to join the meeting but if parents prefer a confidential meeting that is fine. Unfortunately, we cannot offer everyone a Bursary and an informal meeting does not always mean an offer will be made.
What extras do you help with, on top of the bursary?
Parents/guardians awarded a Bursary towards tuition fees will also be eligible to receive an award towards the costs of coach travel and lunches, as well as support with educational trips (Educational trips are those which are compulsory or integral to the curriculum). Furthermore, we offer free music lessons for one musical instrument, all of these extras are in proportion to the Bursary awarded.
The Director of Finance and Resources is always available to discuss any other extra help and costs that may occur during your child’s time at Habs.
Are the Bursary holders identified in any way?
Habs is enormously proud of its Bursary holders, but we do not identify them in any way. Most of our students who benefit from a Bursary are proud and happy to share this information. We often find that our older pupils want to act as ambassadors to both encourage other students to apply and promote more people to support and donate to Habs Bursary programme. We realise that seeing what successes our Bursary students achieve is truly inspiring.
What happens if my financial circumstances change, and I can no longer afford to pay the fees?
In addition to bursaries given at the time of entry, we make awards in some cases where the family has suffered unexpected hardship leading to difficulty meeting the fees. This may be as a result of a family bereavement, redundancy or illness. We do this to ensure continuity of a student’s education where possible, particularly for those who are nearing GCSEs or A levels. These awards are usually given on a short-term basis.
Does the bursary award last for my child’s entire schooling?
The Bursary award is there to support your child throughout their educational journey at Habs. The Bursary award is discretionary and is subject to an annual means-test re-assessment. The value of any award is calculated against a sliding scale, which means if your income or other assets increase the amount of assistance may diminish and vice-versa.
For further information on bursaries and if you feel you cannot afford our application fee, please contact our Admissions team. Please also review the Bursary policy.
Email: Bursaries@habsgirls.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8266 2338
