Scholarships & Bursaries

Downside School offers a number of scholarships for pupils hoping to join the School at the principal ages of entry of 11+, 13+ and 16+. For families who may struggle to meet the full fee payment there is the option to apply for a means-tested bursary and you can apply for this regardless of whether your child is eligible for a scholarship. We believe a scholarship should be a recognition of your child’s achievements to date and potential, and a bursary should be there as financial support.

Scholarships at Downside

The bestowal of any award carries with it privilege and responsibility. Every award holder is expected to set an example for other pupils in their approach to academic study and participation in the fuller life of the School. The tenure of any award is intended to be for the duration of a holder’s education at Downside, provided that the holder’s academic progress and general conduct remain satisfactory. Awards are reviewed annually.

You will find a list of awards available alongside the relevant application forms and deadlines listed below. If you have any questions during the application process please feel free to contact us at any stage. 

Scholarship Awards Available

‘At Downside I have gained an immense amount of academic, musical, sporting and most importantly, spiritual enlightenment.’ Current academic, music & choral scholar

Bursaries at Downside

We understand that there are children who wish to attend Downside but whose parents are unable to fully afford the fee costs.

Bursaries are means-tested and are available to pupils entering the School at all age levels. Bursaries can also be awarded to parents of current Downside pupils whose financial circumstances may have changed unexpectedly.

Bursary application forms can be obtained from the Admissions Office. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence. The Bursary application closure deadline is the end of December for entry the following academic year.

Application Information

Please click below to download further information and the relevant application form: 

Please note: the 13+ All Rounder Scholarship and 13+ Francis Dix Awards are awarded by the School and candidates are not required to enter. Please see the Scholarship booklet for further information.