Scholarships
A scholarship is a reward for high achievement, either academic performance or in other areas of school life, for example music, art or sport. It is usually offered to those joining Year 7 (aged 11+) or the Sixth Form (aged 16+), but it can be awarded at any time during a pupil’s time at the School. Entrants at other age groups in the Senior School will also be considered, though only in exceptional circumstances would a scholarship be offered to a pupil in the Junior School, Sunny Hill or St Hilda’s.
The value of the scholarship awarded, i.e. the amount deducted from the fees, is at the discretion of the Headmaster – most awards are between 10% and 15% of the fees. A scholarship is tenable throughout a pupil’s time at Silcoates, subject to good progress.
Pupils already at Silcoates are eligible for a scholarship, either at the time of transfer between the Junior School and the Senior School, or during their time in the Senior School, if their efforts and achievements merit an award. All decisions about scholarships are made by the Headmaster.
Bursaries
A bursary is a grant made by the school to assist parents to pay the fees in cases of special need. It is usually offered to those joining Year 7 (aged 11+) or the Sixth Form (aged 16+). Entrants at other age groups in the Senior School will also be considered, though only in exceptional circumstances would a bursary be offered to a pupil in the Junior School, Sunny Hill or St Hilda’s.
The value of the bursary awarded, i.e. the amount deducted from the fees, can be up to 100% of the school fees, to allow access to independent education for those who would otherwise be excluded on grounds of cost.
All bursary awards are means-tested and parents wishing to apply for a bursary must complete a Statement of Financial Circumstance form. The award is subject to annual review, both in the light of family income and the good progress of the pupil, though any change to the level of fees assistance is only made after consultation with parents.
Current parents are also eligible for a bursary award at any time during their child’s education in the Silcoates School Foundation, particularly if there is a significant change of family income. Parents are asked to contact the Headmaster in the first instance to discuss individual circumstances.
