Bursaries
St Benedict’s is committed to widening access to our education by offering means-tested bursaries to eligible families. Our bursaries are designed to support gifted young people who would benefit from the opportunities at our school, but whose families may not otherwise be able to afford the fees.
Who Can Apply?
Bursaries are available for Senior School entry at 11+ (Year 7) and 16+ (Year 12). They are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and would contribute positively to our community. These students would usually have been awarded a scholarship. All bursary applications are means-tested and subject to annual review. Our bursary funding is limited, and as a result, we are not able to support every applicant, including some pupils who have been awarded a scholarship. Each application is considered on an individual basis and includes allowances for housing costs, siblings, and capital assets to determine the fee assistance percentage.
The Bursary Application Process
1. Application
Before applying for a bursary, you must complete the full 11+ or 16+ Application form via our school website.
2. Initial Bursary Enquiry
As part of the application the Initial Bursary Enquiry form must also be completed. This can be completed as part of the Application Form, found here.
3. Application Deadline
The closing date for submitting your bursary enquiry form is Sunday 15 November 2026.
We are unable to accept any applications after this deadline.
4. Entrance Requirements
All bursary candidates applying for 11+ and 16+ must participate in the relevant entrance process.
For 11+ entry the examination date is Saturday 5 December.
For 16+ entry interviews will be held on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 December.
Scholarship assessments will take place between Tuesday 24 and Friday 27 November.
5. Supporting Documents
Following the assessment, if your child is shortlisted for a bursary, you will receive an email containing a link to access the Bursary Portal and complete the full application which involves a more detailed financial review. Please be aware, you will be asked to upload supporting financial documents (such as payslips, bank statements, mortgage/rent statements, benefits statements, utility bills, and company accounts if applicable).
6. Financial Assessment
Our external partner, Bursary Administration Ltd (BAL), may contact you to arrange an online appointment to discuss your application in detail. This is likely to take place in January. By signing the initial form, it will have been deemed that you are happy for your personal data to be shared with this external partner.
7. Offer of Award
Offer letters, including any bursary awards, will be emailed in February 2027 from the Admissions Office.
Please be aware that all bursary awards are subject to annual review and may be adjusted according to changes in family circumstances.
TIMELINE OF BURSARY APPLICATION
DATE |
STEP |
|
Sunday 15 November 2026 |
Application deadline |
| Thursday 3 & Friday 4 December 2026 | Sixth Form applicant interviews |
| Saturday 5 December 2026 | 11+ exam |
|
Early January 2027 |
Shortlisted bursary applicants will be sent a link to the Bursary Portal |
| January 2027 | Assessments with BAL will take place |
| February 2027 |
Bursary decisions letters sent |
St Anselm’s Award
The aim of this enhanced bursary scheme is to give the opportunity to able and deserving young people who would make a positive contribution to the St Benedict’s School community, and would benefit enormously from the opportunity of attending a high quality Catholic independent school.
Means-tested St Anselm Awards are worth 100% of the school fees, and will cover other costs, such as uniform, music tuition and some trips. A limited number of St Anselm Awards are available each year at the 11+ entry to Form 3 (Year 7).
Who is eligible?
St Anselm Award holders will be very able young people, among the top 10% of academic ability nationally, who would clearly benefit from the academic education offered in our selective Catholic school, and would thrive upon the opportunities for academic stretch and challenge available at St Benedict’s.
Successful candidates for the St Anselm Award will be able to demonstrate strong interest, and a track record of success, in some aspect of their co-curricular programme. For example, they may be strong at sports, a proficient musician, or have had significant involvement in drama, dance or art.
St Anselm Award holders will show determination, ambition, and a desire to make the most of their gifts and talents.
Families will qualify to be considered for a St Anselm Award where they are able to demonstrate, through confidential means-testing, that they would not have the means to pay the school fees without the significant support available from a St Anselm Award. As a guide, families with a combined total income of no more than £90,000 will be considered for this award.
It is important applications are supported by a suitable referee, who will usually be the Head of the applicant’s current school.
Applications can be made as per the Bursary process mentioned above.
Further information regarding bursaries at St Benedict’s School can be found in the Bursary Policy.