Help with Fees

A bursary is a percentage reduction in the cost of the School tuition fees only. It is a means-tested award and the value therefore depends on a family’s financial situation and ability to pay.

Free Places include the cost of the School fees, School uniform and sports kit, School coach travel, lunches, co-curricular activities (e.g. Music lessons), trips and public exam entry fees.  All those who apply for a bursary are automatically considered for a Free Place.

Every family’s financial circumstances are different and when assessing a bursary, we consider the applicants broader financial situation, including income, savings, and other investments such as property value as well as financial dependents e.g. the number of children in the family. For more information about the criteria which we apply please contact the Admissions team.

In most cases, the financial circumstances of both parents will be assessed.  Separated or divorced parents complete separate online forms, and the information collected is not shared with the other parent.

To ensure that the process runs smoothly, it is important that parents are in agreement about making the bursary application and that this agreement is reached before registering their son for the entrance exam.

While we welcome applications from single parents with sole legal responsibility for their son, we do not usually accept bursary applications from a single parent where both parents have legal parental responsibility for their son, even if one has been awarded sole custody.

The School’s expectation is that each parent will contribute towards the School fees to the best of their ability and provide full financial disclosure. In a very limited number of cases, we may consider an application from a single parent, but would require evidence regarding the reasons for the absence of the other parent and why it is not possible to assess their financial circumstances. Parents are encouraged to contact the Admissions team before making an application.

The financial application form is very detailed and asks for a lot of information – it will take at least a few hours to complete. You also need to allow time to gather together the necessary supporting documentation.

Please note that we do not accept late applications. It is also important that you complete the form fully before submitting as we will not be able to assess your application if it is incomplete.

The bursary application process is separate to the admissions process, however, bursaries will only be offered to pupils who meet the academic criteria for admission to the School.  We also look for evidence of good behaviour, a positive attitude to learning, academic potential and kindness to others.

As demand for bursaries usually exceeds funds available, awards are made on the basis of the applicant’s potential and performance in the admissions process and the benefit they will gain and contribution they will make to the wider co-curricular life of the School.

No, applying for a bursary will not affect the likelihood of your son being awarded a place at Hampton. Our admissions process is completely separate to our bursary application process. If your son meets our academic standard and we feel he would benefit from a Hampton education, he will be offered a place regardless of whether or not he is offered financial support.

Bursaries and Free Places are reviewed annually, and you will be asked to complete an online financial form each year. Our expectation is that the bursary will remain at a similar level if your financial circumstances do not change. If your income or assets increase significantly, the value of the award may be adjusted to reflect this.

Making an application can be daunting as we request a lot of information. While we can’t complete the form for you, we are always happy to provide advice and guidance. If you have any questions or need help, please contact the Admissions team.

Unlike bursaries, scholarships are not means-tested. Scholarships recognise achievement and excellence regardless of financial need and are usually between 5% and 15% of the cost of the tuition fees.  A pupil may hold both a scholarship and a bursary.

As not all boys applying for 11+ entry into the First Year (Year 7) sit the 10+ Advance Place Exam we do not assess for bursaries until the 11+ stage. Your son may still sit the 10+ Exam but he must sit the 11+ Exam to be considered for a bursary (even if he is offered and you accept a place following the 10+).