Frequently Asked Questions about our Bursary Programme
What is a bursary?
A bursary is where the school fund’s part or all the school fees, subject to the outcome of a review of a family’s financial circumstances. This is not a scholarship where a reduction in fees is awarded based on academic, musical or sporting ability. As bursaries are separate from scholarships, a student could receive both.
How much is a bursary?
It varies. It could be 100% of fees on a sliding scale to 5%. A 100% bursary award, also includes the cost of a loaned laptop, compulsory uniform items etc.
Why does the school have a bursary programme?
The Governors of St Helen’s are keen to promote the attendance at the School by students whose parents might not be able to afford full fees but would greatly benefit from the education.
Who should apply?
Applications for a bursary are open to all students who register for the entrance exam by the deadline and who feel they may not be able to afford all or part of the school fees.
How to apply for a bursary?
Tick the box which says ‘applying for bursary’ on the Registration form (do ask your school if the registration is free). The deadline for the registration form can be found here, for entry into Year 7, but you can register any time before then. There is no ‘first come first served’ basis for this.
How will I know if I can apply for a bursary and when should I apply?
Following completion and receipt of the Registration form, and subject to your daughter being offered a place in either Year 7 or Year 12, your bursary application will be assessed, and you will be informed if you have been successful.
When to apply?
Once you have completed the Registration form and submitted it by the deadline, you will be sent a link by email to the online bursary application form. All online bursary applications will need to be completed by the published deadline.
What and when are the 11+ assessments?
St Helen’s School is part of a consortium of 14 independent School’s in North London that manage their admissions process collectively in order to reduce the number of assessments sat by pupils at 11+. The 11+ assessment is a bespoke online test used by this consortium to determine a student’s proficiency in English and Mathematics, as well as their creativity, logic and problem-solving ability. 11+ assessments take place in December, using the Atom test provider. Further information regarding this test can be found on the Admissions page of the St Helen’s School website. Access to more information and test material from Atom may be free for certain state primary schools, so do ask your school for more information.
How will I know if we have been successful?
Offers are posted early February and you have until the published deadline date in March to accept a place. If your daughter is offered a place at St Helen’s, the offer letter will tell you if your daughter has been awarded a bursary and/or scholarship and its value.
How long does a bursary last?
Once awarded, a bursary stays with the student throughout her time at St Helen’s, subject to an annual financial review to ensure that the family circumstances have not changed, using the same process as the original application (e.g. by you providing supporting financial information and documentation) and also that the student upholds her obligations, such as working hard, contributing positively to the life of the School, being a credit to the School and setting a good example to other pupils.
