Full Bursary Application Checklist

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Pick the right schools

⬜ Choose 6–10 schools max
⬜ Prioritise boarding schools (more likely to fund everything)
⬜ Only include day schools if you can realistically commute
⬜ Check the school has a history of full bursaries
⬜ Avoid schools that mainly give small fee reductions

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Apply through access routes if possible (VERY important)

⬜ Apply to Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation
⬜ Apply to Sutton Trust
⬜ Ask your school if they know of local access partnerships
⬜ Start this as early as possible

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Check academic readiness

⬜ Are your grades strong for your school and background?
⬜ Show improvement over time
⬜ Ask teachers for honest feedback
⬜ Practise free 11+/13+/16+ papers
⬜ Be ready to explain how you learn, not just what you know

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Register early with schools

⬜ Register 12–24 months before entry if possible
⬜ Tick “yes” to bursary / fee assistance
⬜ Email admissions early and ask if full bursaries are possible
⬜ Drop schools that clearly say no full funding

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Prepare financial evidence

⬜ Universal Credit / PIP / benefit letters
⬜ 3–6 months of bank statements
⬜ Rent / housing costs
⬜ Debt or arrears information
⬜ Evidence of caring responsibilities or health issues
⬜ Make sure everything is consistent and honest

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Write your bursary explanation

⬜ Keep it 1–2 pages max
⬜ Explain your financial situation clearly
⬜ Explain any impact on education
⬜ Show resilience and effort
⬜ Avoid exaggeration or emotional language
⬜ Let teacher references do most of the talking

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Prepare for exams & interviews

⬜ Remember exams are ranking tools, not pass/fail
⬜ Practise thinking out loud
⬜ Prepare to explain why you’re curious
⬜ Ask questions in interviews
⬜ Be honest if you don’t know something

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Respond to offers 

⬜ Accept your offer promptly

⬜ If offer is only a partial bursary → don’t panic
⬜ Politely explain if it’s not financially possible to accept a partial award
⬜ Ask if there’s scope for increased support
⬜ Wait before accepting, schools sometimes revise awards

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After acceptance

⬜ Accept the offer officially
⬜ Reapply for bursary every year
⬜ Keep financial info updated
⬜ Ask for help if circumstances change

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Final reminder

Full bursaries do exist. Being under-privileged is not a disadvantage here, it’s the reason bursaries exist. Starting early means, massively better chances.

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