Full and part bursaries

Having regard to the general guidance on Public Benefit from the Charity Commission, the School continues to develop its overall contribution in addition to the plans for increasing the number of means-tested Bursaries.  In 2009/10, an average of 554 boarders and 14 day-girls were educated at no cost to the state, and the School has continued to achieve high standards in all areas, focussing on its aim of providing each individual girl with an excellent all-round education thus enabling her to achieve her potential. The academic results were well above the national average and showed excellent added value.  Click here to download a Bursary Application Form.

Financial help towards the payment of fees in cases of proven need is available at all points of entry to Downe House. This assistance is available in the form of bursaries which vary in size according to circumstances; some may be as high as 100% plus an allowance towards School extras.  Bursaries are not dependent on scholastic merit but are means tested and awarded to pupils who are likely to gain most from a Downe House education and who will contribute fully to the life of the School.  The pupils in question must satisfy the academic entry requirements and continue to work to capacity as they progress throughout the School.  Parents who feel that they may need the support of a bursary are encouraged to discuss the matter with the School well in advance of the due date of entry.  Bursary applications must be received on the appropriate form, available on request with appropriate supporting documentation before 15th December of the year prior to entry.  Decisions are dependent on scrutiny of the financial circumstances and the availablity of Bursary resources.  Decisions regarding Bursary assistance is expected to be made available by the following February.  The decision of the Board of Governors on any particular Bursary award will be final.