Has anyone received a bursary for Merchant Taylor's?

[CoolMum5]

Hello, I'm new here and not sure where I should post this topic but we have a very bright little lad and were hoping he would get into MTs in Herts. The fees are scary, though, and we were wondering if we would qualify for a bursary - and if so, what would it actually cover?
I'm just worried that he will get in, but we will not be able to afford the fees...

Any help/advice would be gratefully received!

[hermanmunster]

In general (not necessarily MT) busaries are given to children who perform well in the entrance (some have to do very well) and then the parents can apply for a bursary which is means tested and covers a percentage of the fees dependant on a slding scale.

[CoolMum5]

Yes, that's what I understand of it too after having spoken to Habs and MTs. I was just wondering if anyone out there was aware of the income threshold to qualify for a bursary - or advice from anyone who's ever applied for one.

[hermanmunster]

Not MTS but KES/KEHS B'ham - one of the most generous in helping with fees ... this is their sliding scale for those who pass well enough for an award;
http://www.kehs.org.uk/UserFiles/File/T ... INGHAM.pdf

[Nathair]

Hi, if you have a good read of threads in the Independent Section, there is a lot of info on bursaries. We have been lucky enough to get a 100% bursary,though not in your area, the income limit for it was <£15000 p.a. It's a nerve wrecking process, with no guarantee's, but it's fantastic when it all works out. If you have half an hour spare read my thread http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 31&t=12312 it will give you a real time view of the emotional highs and lows of going for a bursary.

[CoolMum5]

Hi again and thank you all for the tips so far. Nathair, thanks for redirecting me to the appropriate forum - it all makes interesting, if daunting, reading. I'm happy that you got a 100% bursary (was that £15,000 a total household income or per adult?). If it's a total household income then I'm guessing we won't qualify for 100% bursary, however, after speaking to those in the know, apparently it does depend on how badly they want your child so there are no hard and fast rules - just guidelines.
It is so worrying though...

[hermanmunster]

The incomes are generally total household with some allowances for other dependant children.

[Nathair]

Herman's right, it was total income, but they did take things into account, like rent/mortgage I think. And you're right about how much they want your child. DD had passed the exams very well, and had also passed for another Grammar school and I think they wanted to make sure they got her rather than the other school. I still can't believe just how generous and fantastic the school have been though, really above and beyond stuff

[hermanmunster]

Hi Nathair, yes each school seems to vary in what they allow.

Some it is rent / mortgage etc and other kids.

Some also vary in what income they include - some including capital assets too.

Coolmum5 - you need to have a chat with the school in more detail I think - the main thing I think is that many people feel that the income levels are not generous when it comes to making awards and there are many people who feel they have very little spare cash are still expected to contribute quite a bit... .

Possibly explains the standing joke about all the fancy cars being outside the grammar school...!

[CoolMum5]

Possibly explains the standing joke about all the fancy cars being outside the grammar school...!

LOL! How true!

Have tried speaking to the school several times but they are a bit cagey about the facts - they just keep saying we should register and apply for the bursary before December - hence me asking for more advice on this forum!