SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Policy & Practice 

The governing body awards scholarships for academic, artistic and sporting excellence within the framework outlined below:

In keeping with the vast majority of preparatory schools, Amesbury is not blessed with any scholarship foundation such as those enjoyed by many of the major Public Schools. Nevertheless over the last decade this policy has enabled governors to find the right balance between reinforcing Amesbury's core values and ensuring long-term viability.

1.1 Academic Awards 

The Rose Scholarship (named after a former Chairman of Governors) is the only academic scholarship available.  It is awarded for academic excellence.

All pupils entering Amesbury in the first year of Preparatory School (Year 3) from our final year of Pre-Prep (Year 2) are eligible for the award.

The maximum value of a full scholarship award is around £1250 per term to a single candidate. However in the absence of a single candidate who is clearly head and shoulders above other very able pupils, it is normal practice for four/five smaller awards to be made to the value of £200 - £300 per term.  A single full award has only been made once since 1994.

1.2 Sports Awards

All pupils entering Amesbury in the Preparatory School (Year 3) are eligible. There is no annual award cycle. There are currently five sports scholars at Amesbury.   

The maximum value of a scholarship award is £1250 per term to a single candidate. We endeavour to ensure that such awards are made to pupils who are head and shoulders above other very talented and able pupils in their peer group.  These judgements are sometimes difficult to make because sporting and artistic excellence depends on various factors.   Consequently, candidates are screened individually by the PE Department and in addition, the headmaster requires recommendations from experts who have worked with an applicant outside of the school. 

1.3 Tennis Awards

Specific awards are made for (potential) excellence in tennis.

The Amesbury tennis programme provides for girls and boys with exceptional talent to combine their academic studies with intensive tennis tuition to an elite (nationally ranked) standard.  Awards are made to pupils who are head and shoulders above other very talented and able pupils in their peer group.  For a boy or girl aged 11+ a minimum standard would be age group county player.

1.4 Music Awards

All pupils entering Amesbury in the Preparatory School (Year 3) are eligible.  There is no annual award cycle. 

The maximum value of a scholarship award is £1250 per term to a single candidate.  We endeavour to ensure that such awards are made to pupils who are head and shoulders above other very talented and able pupils in their peer group.  Consequently, candidates are screened individually by the Performing Arts Department and in addition, the Headmaster requires recommendations from experts who have worked with an applicant outside of the school.

1.5 Internal Scholarships

We do not make any scholarship awards to pupils who are already in the preparatory school. 

BURSARIES 

1. Policy & Practice

The published fee structure is strictly adhered to, and no bursarial support is offered to parents on entry to the school.

The governing body will only consider applications for bursarial support from parents whose children have been in the school for a number of years, for example when parents' financial circumstances suddenly change. Such requests are 'means tested' and the relevant documentation is available from the Bursar.   

In coming to any decision, the School Governors will normally ask the headmaster for a report on a child's contribution to school life.   However the headmaster has no authority to grant bursarial support. 

Under exceptional circumstances, bursarial support may be granted on a short-term basis only (normally defined as two terms).  Such support will normally involve a 're-scheduling' of fees rather than a discount in fees.