170,000 students in the UK receive a reduction in fees from independent schools. These schools are devoting 800 million pounds to provide assisted fees, so how you can get involved, and does this apply to you and your family? Firstly, the different between scholarship and bursary? A scholarship is reward for excellent, predominantly for academic achievement, but can be applied for sport, music, art and more, with schools wanting pupils to join to ‘enhanced the overall quality of school life.’ A bursary is means tested, and requires full transparency with the school and a disclosure of all assets, income and additional financial commitments, with parents needing to be ‘scrupulously honest.’

There is also a possibility of receiving both a bursary and a scholarship Finding out if these apply to you, can be difficult, but don’t be afraid to call up schools and ask your questions or consult other services.

Susan also offers additional advice on choosing a school with her ten specific ingredients:

Ten ingredients on how to choose a school:

1. Inform yourself

2. No one right school

3. Way up the pros and cons

4. Do you like the head?

5. Be realistic about family life

6. Think about finances

7. Don’t be fixated on results

8. Do not listen to other parents

9. Know the hurdles of getting in

10. It’s all about your child

The last point being the most important, think about your child and ensure they are always a part of the process.

Make sure they’re aware of the scholarship and bursary aspect, approach each application as ‘lets give it a try’ and don’t apply too much pressure. ‘There is never just one school.’