Bursaries

Over the past eight years, Epsom College has reduced the value of non means-tested Scholarships and Awards, which are now worth between £500 and £1,500 per annum. This in turn has allowed the Bursary fund, which is allocated to families with demonstrable financial need, to be doubled, which has helped to widen our access to disadvantaged families. This is one of the College's declared aims and is in line with the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and, in particular, its supplementary guidance on advancing education and fee charging.

This year, access to an education at Epsom College has been extended further to allow more talented youngsters with less financially fortunate families to benefit from the superb education that the College offers. With effect from September 2009, 44 pupils to date have been awarded means-tested support by the College with help from the Education Trust (formerly known as the Development Trust), Epsom College Bursary Funds, The Old Epsomian Club and other generous benefactors. The value of each bursary varies, but can be equivalent to up to 100% of the fees. For 2009, the average annual bursary awarded will be over £9,500 per pupil.

Some 81% of these awards are "access widening" bursaries, enabling children whose parents could not otherwise have afforded to enroll their child to start at Epsom College. The remaining awards are "hardship bursaries" - means-tested awards given to current pupils whose families have undergone financial difficulty whilst at the College and need help, often in the short term.

Parents who feel their particular financial circumstances may mean that they would qualify for financial help are encouraged to read the guidance the school publishes on the assistance available. This document can be downloaded by clicking here.

Funds are limited and new parents are, therefore, encouraged to apply six to twelve months before a pupil enrolls at the College. Existing parents should speak to the Bursar at the earliest possible opportunity following a change in their financial circumstances.

To download a bursary application form click here.

There may be other solutions available to help parents in financial difficulties if they do not qualify for a bursary or there are no further funds available for a particular academic year. Please contact the Bursar (bursar@epsomcollege.org.uk) for more information on the above.