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Independent Education - Frequently asked questions

How much are school fees?

Basic fees vary widely. They depend on whether schools are educating younger or older children, day or boarding and where they are situated.

Here are some typical figures (per term) for 2010.

Are there any hidden expenses?

It is important to make allowances for uniforms, books, games equipment, excursions and other necessities.

Do scholarships and grants pay a high proportion of the fee?

Many senior schools and a few junior schools offer scholarships to attract bright or talented pupils to the school. They are usually awarded after a competitive examination, for academic, musical or artistic merit. Scholarships vary in value but rarely cover the whole fee; they might be worth as little as 10%.

Many schools also have bursaries - grants from the school - to help you pay the fees. These are often awarded after a 'means test' of family income.

Some schools offer grants to children of clergy, teachers and armed forces personnel. Others give help to children of former pupils, single parent families and orphans or concessions for brothers and sisters. You should contact schools to find out the details and how much awards are worth.

What is the child trust fund?

Child Trust Funds (CTF) became available in January 2005, with the government saying they would be issued by April 2005 'at the latest'. Each child born on or after 1 September 2002 will receive an initial lump sum payment of £250 (£500 for poorer families) from the government. A voucher will be sent to the Child Benefit claimant, usually the parent, which is then used to open a CTF account with the provider of their choice, likely to be a bank, building society or investment company.

How do I get a bursary, scholarship or grant for my child?

You can contact specific schools about scholarships. We have compiled some useful links regarding funding.

Can schools cater for special needs e.g. Dyslexia?

Many independent schools admit pupils with special educational needs, disabilities or illnesses. In all cases schools are concerned that children are helped to develop to the best of their ability and do not suffer academically because of their handicaps. Usually these are children whose needs are not sufficiently severe or complex to warrant a statement of special educational needs under the Education Act 1996 and can be catered for in a mainstream school.

If you think your child may have special needs, make sure you get plenty of advice. Your local library or Citizens’ Advice Bureau will have details of groups with expertise in this area. Alternatively, you can contact the Advisory Centre for Education. The first step, however, is to talk to your child’s class teacher about your concerns.

Is it possible to board from time to time rather than a specific schedule?

Some schools offer occasional or ad-hoc boarding which means children stay the occasional night (or nights) on a one-off basis; this could help parents who may be considering a move to boarding for their children or who are going to be away for a short time and would find it advantageous to know their son or daughter can be well cared for on the school site.

For more information on boarding you might also find the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) website useful.

What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects, including languages, the arts, science, maths, history and geography.

It leads to a single qualification, rather than separate qualifications for individual subjects. However if you don't achieve the full diploma, you'll be awarded a certificate for each subject taken.

It's available in more than 100 schools and colleges in the UK, both state and independent, and can be taken in English, French or Spanish. It's designed to encourage students to: learn how to learn, ask challenging questions, develop a strong sense of your own identity and culture and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

The IB Diploma Programme is at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework.

How does the average class size compare to the State sector?

Class size at Independent School normally averages 15 to 20 pupils, compared with nearly 26 pupils in state primary schools.

In GCSE groups the number is around 12-18, and at A Level between 4 and 12. These figures vary from one school to another and according to subjects. The majority of the schools have a staff:pupil ratio that ensures students receive plenty of individual attention in accordance with their needs.

Does my child have to pass an exam to get into an Independent Senior School?

Many independent senior schools set some form of entrance test. The difficulty of these tests and the standard required for admission vary and will be related to the type of school.

Entry to senior school is usually by way of a written examination, often combined with an interview.

Most prep schools prepare pupils for entry to independent senior schools. Many use the Common Entrance examinations for boys and girls, principally at 13-plus or 11-plus.

Are term dates the same as the State sector?

Independent schools set term and holiday dates themselves and are often different to those of State schools. Terms are, in general, slightly shorter than the State sector.

Autumn Term (also known as Michaelmas term in the private sector): From the beginning of September to mid-December.

Spring Term (known as Lent term in the private Sector) from the beginning of Jan. to mid/late March, depending on Easter’s dates.

Summer Term (known as Trinity term in the private sector): from early/mid April to mid July.

Is there special help available if my child is struggling academically?

Independent Schools take pride in the nurturing of pupils regardless of their ability. Children are given individual attention and are developed to fulfill their potential.

Students with learning difficulties are given additional support.