HOW I DID IT

Rachel West, 13, is a King’s Scholar and received her bursary when she joined the school in year seven. Here she shares the story of her application

When did you apply?

When I was in year six at my primary school, we looked at what options were available at Durham School to put myself forward for an academic scholarship and a bursary. I sat an entrance exam, was awarded a King’s Scholarship and we then applied for the financial support needed to allow me to join the school.

Can you give a rough timeline of your bursary application process?

My parents made it clear from the start that for me to attend, it would have to be with bursary funding, so as soon as I was offered a scholarship place we filled in all the bursary forms and the Director of Admissions was really supportive.

How much did you know about bursaries?

We weren’t in a position to consider an independent school without financial support, so we’d done lots of research online before applying. My local secondary school had been rated ‘inadequate’ and ‘requires improvement’ for years and I really wanted to go to a school where I could focus on my studies and do well, so applying for a bursary was an important factor when looking at my next steps after primary.

Did you apply for a bursary at another school, or just to Durham School?

I sat the entrance exams for another independent school, but it was just as a backup because all I wanted was to go to Durham School!

How difficult was it to secure the bursary?

My mum and dad went through all the paperwork, it seemed a little daunting at first as there was a lot of information to fill in, but it was pretty straightforward. The school was aware of my homelife – my two brothers are at special schools and my dad is their full-time carer – so the admissions team and bursar were so supportive of my application from day one.

Do you have bursary provision for the entirety of your school life?

My scholarship is for the entirety of my school life and worth £1,000 off my fees, whereas the bursary is reviewed annually in case our financial circumstances change at all.

What qualities do you have to have to consider applying for a bursary?

Bursaries are almost always linked to scholarships, so you have to show you’re a worthy candidate when you sit your entrance exams or when you take part in assessments linked to scholarships in sport, music and the arts.

What checks does the school make to ensure that you’re a worthy candidate?

The whole process was very open, we chatted a lot to the Director of Admissions, and I had an interview with the Principal when I was being considered for the awards.

Which members of staff know that you have a bursary and do the other pupils know?

King’s Scholars are known around the school and I’m proud of my scholarship. I talk less about my bursary, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity, so it’s not something I wouldn’t discuss if asked!

What impact has receiving a bursary had on you?

Huge! I would never have been able to consider Durham School without one and I love it here, it has a real family feel. I’ve made amazing friends, I’m doing so many sports and activities, and I love the house system. My homelife is complex with my brothers’ needs, so this school gives me the perfect environment to be me and really thrive.

Do you have any tips for potential candidates hoping to apply for a bursary at their chosen school?

Go for it! Be yourself, be honest and try your best.

BURSARIES ARE ALMOST ALWAYS linked to scholarships, so you have to show you’re a worthy candidate WHEN YOU SIT YOUR ENTRANCE EXAMS