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Appeal advice for Whitgift bursary decision

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:02 pm
by mooey
Hi all.

I'm over the moon that my daughter was offered a place at Old Palace. We applied for a bursary, but unfortunatley we were not offered one. Is it a thing that a decision can be appealed? I know that may sound daft as there is a limited pot of money and once it's gone, it's gone. However, offer letters have been received today and the state school offer letters will be received on 1st March, so I'mm assuming many will be holding out for a grammar school, for example. If this is the case, surely there will be 'money left in the pot' due to families rejecting their places in favour of a non fee-paying school? And if so, how does the money get further allocated. Would like to know if there's a chance she could in fact end up getting a bursary (no way we could afford the school without one) without looking like a complete pillock when I go back 'begging'!

This is all quite new to me, so not sure if I'm living in la la land.

Thanks.

Re: Appeal advice for Whitgift bursary decision

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 3:51 pm
by kenyancowgirl
Unfortunately, in my experience, it is very unlikely. Bursaries are not like scholarships, where if someone rejects the offer of a place they can offer the schoalrship to the next best candidate - bursaries are means tested and it appears, if they are offering you a full fee paying space, they consider you able to pay it. If they thought you might need some support they might have offered you a small bursary already, however, as they haven't, you have to consider they think you are well able to pay. It is also very difficlut to appeal anything at private school as they literally can make up their own rules!

However, you have nothing to lose by asking - as you have said, as there is in your opinion, no way you can afford the school without one, you won't be sending her there without it, so if they say "no" you haven't lost anything.

Re: Appeal advice for Whitgift bursary decision

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:37 pm
by hermanmunster
Bursaries are usually treated in a similar way to scholarships ie only given to those who reach a particular standard in the exam.

If pupils haven't reached that standard then they may be offered a full fees place and it is up to the parents to decide if they can afford it .

A few schools have bursary waiting lists and it may be worth asking if Whitgift have similar - nothing to lose at present.

Re: Appeal advice for Whitgift bursary decision

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 3:24 pm
by mooey
Thanks both.

My salary is under £20k, so definitely wouldn't be able to do it without financial support. I'll contact them because as you say, there's nothing to lose.

Enjoy your weekends :)

Re: Appeal advice for Whitgift bursary decision

Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:40 pm
by grgygirl
I would contact them as you will always wonder 'what if'. However, please remember that bursaries are re-assessed each year so even if they stump up more money, this could be taken away the following year when your dd has started at school which could cause a lot of stress. On 20K I think it would be very difficult to consider private secondary school fees. Hopefully you have a good state option.