UK Guide to Independent Schools

School Fees

Most schools quote fees by the term, although an increasing number quote fees annually. Annual figures can look horrific and a number of boarding schools are now over £23,000 a year.

Day fees for secondary schools now range from about £2000 to £7000 per term, boarding from £3000+ to over £7500 (and then there may be extras). Specialist schools (whether they are music schools or schools for eg the blind) cost much more but don't be put off as there is often financial help. Fees usually go up each year. The heavily endowed schools still tend to charge very high fees but pay their staff well, have good facilities and a lot of scholarships. Schools charging very low fees may be constrained by low income.

Some schools offer a monthly payment structure and there may be reductions if you pay the school fees by direct debit. Others accept a capital sum to commute future fees, the discount offered depending on market conditions and how long in advance you buy them.

Payment of school fees is, for most people, a heavy financial burden and mistakes are expensive. Consult ISCis for their list of financial consultants with expertise in the field.

Assisted places
A number of schools have introduced their own assisted places schemes to replace the government scheme which has been phased out.

Bursaries
The term means different things in different schools. Traditionally bursaries were means-tested awards made by schools to the children of parents who could not afford to pay full fees. Sometimes they may only be available to the more able and talented pupils - for example, the Ogden Trust bursaries are for bright children from state primary schools to attend any one of ten top independent day schools.

Bursaries are frequently earmarked (eg for children of clergymen, service personnel or alumni) or are available only to existing pupils. They are often used to provide short-term help for parents in (proven) financial difficulties, particularly to help pupils complete their courses at crucial stages stages in their examination years.

This Independent School Guide also offers information on school league tables and the price of School fees advice and financial assistance.

For the information on school league tables go to School league tables and follow the appropriate links.

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