Scholarships and Bursaries

Scholarships
 
An academic scholarship is a reward for high achievement in the school's entrance examination.  It is usually offered to those joining Year 7 (aged 11+), Year 9 (aged 13+) 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 scholarship be offered to a pupil in the Junior School.
 
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 25% of the fees.  A scholarship is tenable throughout a pupil's time at Silcoates, subject to good academic progress.  Pupils already at Silcoates are eligible for a scholarship, either by sitting the entrance examination between Year 6 and Year 7, i.e. before transferring from the Junior School to the Senior School, or during their time in the Senior School, if their academic performance merits an award.  All decisions about scholarships are made by the Headmaster.
 
A music scholarship is a reward for high achievement in music.  It is usually offered to those joining Year 7 (aged 11+), Year 9 (aged 13+) 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 music scholarship be offered to a pupil in the Junior School. 
 
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 20% of the fees.  These scholarships are tenable throughout a pupil's time at Silcoates, subject to good musical progress and a continuing significant contribution to the musical life of the school.  Pupils already at Silcoates are eligible for scholarships, either by auditioning on the appointed day between Year 6 and Year 7, i.e. before transferring from the Junior School to the Senior School, or during their time in the Senior School, if their musical performance merits an award.  The awards are based on an audition, normally held shortly after the entrance examination, and a report from the pupil's music teacher(s).  All decisions about music scholarships are made by the Headmaster, in consultation with the Director of Music.
 
 
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+), Year 9 (aged 13+) 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. 
 
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 satisfactory progress of the pupil, though any change to the level of fees assistance is only made in consultation with parents. 
 
Current parents are also eligible for a bursary award at any time during their child's education at Silcoates School, 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.