Fees Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions

• We are very impressed with the High School, and would like our daughter to come here, but we do not think we can afford the fees. Does this mean that our daughter cannot attend the School?
• It is the Governors’ intention that girls who would benefit from an education in the School but whose parents may not be able to afford the fees should be given the opportunity to attend. It is for this reason that means-tested fees assistance is available.
• At what stage of schooling is it possible to receive assistance with fees?
• Fees assistance can be awarded from Reception (aged 4+) upwards.
• We do not think we would be able to afford to contribute anything towards the fees. Can assistance be provided to cover the full fees?
• Fees assistance is available up to 100% of the tuition fees, based on a sliding scale reflecting financial circumstances. Furthermore, help can be provided with additional costs like lunches and coaches depending on parental circumstances.
• What factors are taken into account when assessing whether fees assistance is appropriate?
• Eligibility for fees assistance is based on a consideration of the income and assets of both parents.
• Our household income is in excess of £50,000 per year. Does that mean that we should not apply for fees assistance?
• The financial circumstances of each family are different, and each case will be considered on its merits. However at this level of income it is unlikely that significant, if any, assistance with fees will be possible.
• If we apply for fees assistance, is our daughter less likely to be offered a place in the School?
• An application for fees assistance does not in any way prejudice a girl's application for a place in the School. The two processes are run entirely independently of each other. The offer of a place is based on meeting the School's normal examination and assessment requirements for entry.
• If our daughter is accepted into the School and we receive fees assistance, can we be sure that the same level of financial help will continue throughout our daughter's school career?
• Any offer of fees assistance is based on the pupil making satisfactory academic progress and on an annual review of the family's financial circumstances. Whilst no guarantees can be given, it is the Governors' intention that, subject to funds being available and the criteria continuing to be met, support would be provided at a similar level throughout a girl's time in the School.
• If our daughter joins the School and we receive fees assistance, will she be known as someone whose family cannot afford the fees?
• All issues relating to fees assistance are treated as highly confidential, and the only people within the School who will have any knowledge of the family's financial circumstances will be the Headmistress and the Bursar. It is the School's policy that all pupils are treated equally, regardless of their families' finances.
• If we do not qualify for fees assistance and our daughter starts in the School, but our financial circumstances deteriorate, perhaps due to redundancy or some other unforeseen event, would our daughter have to leave the School?
• Each year the Governors budget for a proportion of the School's income to be made available to provide financial assistance to parents who encounter financial difficulties.
• If we would like to know more about fees assistance, what should we do?
• Please contact either the Headmistress or the Bursar who will be delighted to have a confidential conversation and to supply further details.