# Boarding school scholarships and bursaries

Ask what an award pays, how financial need is assessed and what must happen for support to continue.

Updated 2026-11-10. Also on the [web page](https://boardingschools.fyi/guides/scholarships-and-bursaries).

Ask about support before deciding that a school is affordable. Keep the advertised award, the family's assessed contribution and the full cost in separate columns.

## Start with the school's definitions

Schools use award terms in different ways. Ask whether a scholarship recognizes achievement, carries a fee reduction or gives access to activities. Ask whether a bursary or financial aid award depends on financial need. Do not assume the label answers those questions.

Oundle publishes bursary information alongside its fees. It describes support that varies with family circumstances. Andover states that it meets demonstrated financial need and describes its admission approach as need-blind. These are the schools' own policies, not promises from this directory or rules for other schools. Sources: [Oundle, Fees and Bursaries](https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/admissions/fees/) and [Andover, Tuition and Financial Aid](https://www.andover.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid), fetched 2026-11-10.

## Ask what the award covers

Request a written schedule showing the gross fee, award and family payment. Ask whether support includes compulsory extras, travel, uniform, books, trips, devices or health costs.

If support is stated as a percentage, ask what amount the percentage applies to. If it is a fixed amount, ask how future fee increases affect the family contribution. Keep refundable deposits outside the recurring cost comparison.

## Prepare the application carefully

Ask the aid office for its current document list. Use its secure submission route. Explain relevant changes in family circumstances and ask how unusual income or assets should be reported. Do not send financial records to a general directory contact.

Admission and aid may have separate forms even when their deadline is the same. For example, Andover publishes **February 1, 2027** for both admission and financial aid in its fall 2027 cycle. That date is not a universal aid deadline. Source: [Andover, Applying](https://www.andover.edu/admission/apply), fetched 2026-11-10.

## Test the offer before accepting

Ask these questions:

- Is the award confirmed for this entry group and boarding pattern?
- What must the family submit for reassessment?
- What happens after a material change in income or residence?
- Does the award depend on performance, conduct or continued participation?
- How are fee increases and optional activities handled?
- Who can explain a decision or correction?

Keep the answer with the award letter. Plan from confirmed support only. If an offer remains unclear, ask the aid office to explain the expected family payment before you accept a place.

## Questions

### Does a scholarship always reduce fees?

Ask the school. The award name alone does not establish a fee reduction. Request the amount, duration and conditions in writing.

### Can we assume support will renew?

Use the award letter and current policy. Ask about reassessment, fee increases and the conditions for continuing support.