Financial FAQs
Is financial assistance limited to scholars?
Generally speaking, yes, but we may very occasionally provide financial support for non-scholarship entrants.
What if I have financial difficulties whilst my child is at Oakham?
We may be able to help if you have suffered a change in circumstances leading to difficulty in meeting tuition fees and which may lead you to withdraw your child part way through a stage of education. Subject to the availability of funds, the School will make every effort to provide appropriate short-term financial assistance.
How do I/we apply for a means tested bursary?
Contact our Registrar (see Contact Us - right), who can give advice and arrange for the Bursar’s department to send the appropriate forms.
Do I/we need to complete a financial circumstances form?
You will only need to complete a financial circumstances form:
- If you are applying for a bursary
- If you are seeking financial assistance over and above any scholarship received.
- If you are applying for a means tested award (see description of the award concerned).
When should I/we submit the form?
If you are seeking financial support, or a supplement for any award offered, or the award itself is subject to a means test, you must complete a financial circumstances form in its entirety before we can consider an application. If the form relates to a scholarship, you should return it at the same time as the scholarship application. Forms are available from the Bursary 01572 758600 bursar@oakham.rutland.sch.uk.
Is there a scholarship examination fee?
No, but you do need to register your child for Oakham School and pay the appropriate registration fee before applying for a scholarship or bursary.
Are you able to give an early indication as to whether or not financial assistance may be available to me/us?
If you would like to complete a financial circumstances form well ahead of your child’s proposed entry date, we can give you an early indication, although no guarantee, of the likely value of any award should you choose to pursue an application.
What about confidentiality?
We treat information disclosed in the financial circumstances form in strict confidence.
When will we know the outcome?
Our Awards Committee meets regularly throughout the academic year to consider applications and makes decisions as fairly and objectively as possible. It is the Committee’s policy to communicate decisions within two weeks of the relevant meeting.
Is it necessary to re-apply annually for bursary funding?
Yes, we review offers of support each summer. We may vary funding upwards, or downwards, depending on parental circumstances. The Bursary circulates the review form to all families in receipt of a bursary during the spring term. You must complete and return the form by the advised deadline.
Are there any funds for local children?
Students at Catmose College may apply for a Catmose Scholarship for entry into the Sixth Form.
Other sources of bursary assistance
A number of educational and charitable trusts provide assistance with tuition fees. These trusts generally assist children who are already attending a fee-paying school and who, owing to a change of circumstances, may be unable to remain. We encourage parents to apply for support where it is felt a good case can be made. Please ask the Bursary for further information.