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 this policy has enabled governors to find the right balance between fulfilling the school’s charitable aims and ensuring long-term viability.

1.1    Academic Awards 

All pupils entering Amesbury in the first year of Preparatory School (Year 3) are eligible for the award.

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

The maximum value of a full scholarship award is around £1750 per term. However in the absence of candidates who are clearly head and shoulders above other very able pupils, it is normal practice for smaller Exhibition awards to be made to the value of £200 - £300 per term. 

1.2    Sports 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 £1750 per term. 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 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. 

In the last six years Amesbury sports scholars have gone on to win sports scholarships at Cranleigh, Lord Wandsworth, Millfield & Wellington College. Three have represented England in their chosen sports.

1.3    Tennis Awards

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

Amesbury has a dedicated tennis programme which allows 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.

Two recent Amesbury sports scholars are currently representing Great Britain. 

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 £1750 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 either the Head of Visual or Performing Arts Departments 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.

a)      Public Benefit Obligations

The school seeks to fulfil all of its legal obligations as defined in relevant Public Benefit Legislation. Details of which are available separate to this summary.

b)      Bursarial Support for Parents of children already at Amesbury

The governing body will consider applications for bursarial support from parents whose children have been at Amesbury for more than two years, when there is a sudden change in the financial circumstances of those parents. Parents must already be up to date with their fees (no retrospective bursarial support will be considered).

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.