The Struggle for Access to Private Education
Josie has long been told by teachers that her daughter is exceptionally gifted. When it came time to apply for secondary schools, she sought out some of the most prestigious private institutions in London, hoping to secure one of the bursaries that these schools advertise on their websites. “We live in a housing association flat,” she explains, “and we don’t have any savings or investments, but we wanted to give our child the opportunities we never had. The state secondaries near us are okay, but there are some issues, and my daughter struggled with the large class sizes at her primary school. We can’t afford to move closer to better state schools, like wealthier parents do.”
When they applied for the private schools, Josie’s daughter passed all the entrance exams with flying colors, but the offers of bursaries were not affordable. One school offered 25 per cent off the fees, but even that would have left them with £6,750 per term, plus an additional £340 for food. That’s before factoring in any extra-curricular activities. “It was a meaningless offer,” says Josie. “My child was upset because she had worked so hard, and she was told she had every chance…”
Many parents dream of providing their children with a private education, drawn by small class sizes, beautiful grounds, and the potential for their child to be part of a community where parents might be famous actors, politicians, or business leaders. However, the financial barrier remains a major challenge.
The Role of Scholarships and Bursaries
In theory, private schools are designed to be accessible to students from all backgrounds through scholarships and bursaries. In 2025, UK private schools distributed £1.1 billion in scholarships and bursaries to 156,000 pupils—about 30 per cent of all students in private schools. Despite this, the reality often falls short of the promise.
Many elite private schools have charitable origins. For example, Eton was founded in 1440 as a charity to provide free education for 70 impoverished boys. While this tradition continues in some schools, others have more pragmatic reasons for offering financial aid. Until 2025, private schools were exempt from VAT, and many operated as charities, avoiding corporation tax, capital gains tax, and stamp duty. Although some of these tax breaks have been removed, schools with charitable status still avoid paying corporation tax. To maintain this status, they must demonstrate public benefit, which often involves offering bursaries.
Almost all private secondary schools offer scholarships to attract particularly able pupils, who may excel in sports, music, or art. These tend to be more about recognition than financial support, with fee reductions rarely exceeding 10 per cent. Bursaries, on the other hand, are means-tested and intended for families who cannot afford the full fees. Some students may receive both a scholarship and a bursary if their family’s financial situation warrants it.
A Rare Opportunity: Full Bursaries for Low-Income Families
Tara, a single parent earning £28k annually, used a pseudonym to protect her child’s privacy. Three years ago, her son Jack was awarded a full bursary to attend Christ’s Hospital, a school just a half-hour’s drive from their home. Without the bursary, the fees would have been £11,151 per term. “I’ve never had the experience of private education,” says Tara. “There’s no way my parents could have sent me to one.”
Jack was recognized for his exceptional talent in mathematics, having won a national competition. He completed two entrance exams, a verbal and non-verbal reasoning test, and an interview. “They said he was really engaged, quick, and showed a lot of curiosity,” says Tara. “Because he was so clever and also local, and had overcome a lot, he got it.”
However, full bursaries like Jack’s are rare. A recent UCL Institute of Education report found that 30 per cent of all private school bursaries and scholarships go to the wealthiest families. Middle-income families received an average grant of £1,038 per pupil, while lower-income families received an average of £787. High-income families received only £396 on average.
The Challenges of Bursary Allocation
The decline in the value of bursaries has raised concerns. A study by Francis Green and Dr Golo Henseke found that while more children are receiving some form of financial aid, the amounts have decreased over time. Schools vary widely in the help they provide, with some spending very little on fee assistance. Manchester Grammar School covers the full fees for one in 10 pupils, while Christ’s Hospital grants between 10-18 per cent of all means-tested bursaries.
Sandra, a former bursar at a West London private school, explains that financial pressures have led to reduced bursary support. “VAT has put strain on some schools, and alumni and charitable parents are cutting back on donations. With fewer pupils and rising costs, schools are prioritizing facilities over bursaries.”
Some schools now ask for voluntary contributions towards bursaries, but many parents, like one mother who previously donated £100 a month, can no longer afford to contribute. “With everything costing more, I’m stretched just paying my own fees,” she says.
The Limitations of Financial Aid
Despite increased support, financial aid remains limited in its ability to reach children from less affluent families. Only 1 per cent of UK private school pupils receive full means-tested support. In 2022–23, approximately £185m was spent on fee discounts that did not target lower-income families.
Tom Fryer, a lecturer at the University of Manchester, argues that unless bursaries are means-tested, they cannot truly serve under-resourced students. Jonathan Chambers, who attended Eton on a music scholarship, credits his education with broadening his horizons and giving him the confidence to pursue his goals.
The Future of Bursaries
Private schools continue to emphasize their commitment to improving access to education. Julie Robinson of the Independent School Council (ISC) stated that the rise in bursary funds reflects a commitment to education for all. However, with declining pupil numbers and reduced revenue, the sustainability of current bursary levels is uncertain.
Francis Green highlights the social implications of a segregated education system. “It matters because we have a socially segregated system, and it’s not healthy for our society.” The influence of private schools on Britain’s elite is undeniable, with many prominent figures, including 47 of 57 UK prime ministers, having attended such institutions.
What Do Bursaries Really Add Up To?
In 2025, the Private Education Policy Forum found that bursaries varied significantly from school to school. The majority of private school students come from professional or managerial backgrounds, and the wealthiest schools spend below 6 per cent on means-tested bursaries. A 2026 study in the British Journal of Sociology of Education found that 30 per cent of all bursaries and scholarships go to the wealthiest families. Additionally, bursaries and scholarships are more common in the South of England than in the North.
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