BURSARIES AT RATCLIFFE COLLEGE

BURSARIES AT RATCLIFFE COLLEGE

Policy

Ratcliffe College wishes to encourage the inclusion of children, from all sections of society, whose parents feel that they can share in and benefit from the ideals and environment of the School.

In order to facilitate the accessibility of the School to parents who would otherwise be precluded for financial reasons, the School offers bursaries each year to children joining in Year 7.

Questions & Answers

How do I apply for a Ratcliffe College Bursary ?

You need to complete the Statement of Financial Circumstances form, which is available from the Registrars Department (registrar@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk / 01509 817072). This is a comprehensive financial questionnaire which seeks to establish the financial status of the applicant. The form should be completed at the same time as the application to join the School is made. The closing date for applications is 31st December in the year prior to Year 7 entry in the following September.

How will my application for a Ratcliffe College Bursary be assessed ?

A panel comprising a School Governor, the Headmaster and the Director of Finance will meet annually in January to assess the applications and make awards.

Subject to satisfying both the School's normal admissions criteria and the financial restrictions outlined below, awards for bursaries will be largely determined on the basis of a child's performance against other eligible candidates in the Schools entrance examinations with preference being given to Roman Catholic children in accordance with the Charitable Objects of the School. Decisions on the award of bursaries will be communicated to you following the School's entrance examinations which are held in the January prior to Year 7 entry.

Who may apply for a Ratcliffe College Bursary ?

The School's policy is to encourage applications from parents who believe that their children would benefit from the ideals and environment of the School, but would not be able to support financially their attendance. Specifically, in order to support those most in need of financial assistance, 100% bursaries would only be considered for applicants with an annual income less than £20,000 per annum and 75% bursaries for applicants with an annual income less than £25,000 per annum. These thresholds will be reviewed annually.

How many Ratcliffe College Bursaries are available ?

The school will offer annually 4 bursaries at the Senior School entry point of Year 7. Bursaries are offered at 2 levels of assistance 100% of fees and 75% of fees.

For how long will I receive a Ratcliffe College Bursary ?

As long as you continue to meet the financial criteria, the bursary will remain until your child completes Year 13, assuming the progress and behaviour of your child continues to merit an award.

What happens if my financial circumstances change ?

You will be required to confirm your financial position before the start of each new School Year. Continued eligibility for a Ratcliffe College Bursary will be dependent on your meeting the stated criteria on an annual basis.

Which fees are covered by a Ratcliffe College Bursary ?

A Ratcliffe College Bursary covers only the main school day fees and does not apply to boarding fees. Some assistance with incidental charges and expenses directly related to the education of your child may also be available, depending on individual circumstances.

You will not have to pay the deposit normally required on joining the School but the standard Registration Fee, currently £50, will be charged.

Can I apply for a Ratcliffe College Bursary more than once ?

Ratcliffe College Bursaries are only awarded at the Year 7 entry point so applications in respect of an individual child may only be made once. Subsequent applications may be made in respect of siblings.

Will I receive any other discounts in addition to the Ratcliffe College Bursary ?

Parents in receipt of a Ratcliffe College Bursary are not eligible for any other fee discounts offered by the School i.e. Sibling Discount, Staff Discount, Armed Forces Discount and Scholarships.

How will the Ratcliffe College Bursary be administered ?

The amount of the bursary will be deducted from your termly fee invoice. Any remaining amounts due should be settled in accordance with the School's normal payment policy contained within the Parent Contract. A bursary will not be renewed if amounts are outstanding from the previous year.

Will more Ratcliffe College Bursaries be available in the future ?

The School is committed to the widening of the accessibility of its resources to the public through the provision of bursaries but must act within its financial means at all times. Additional bursaries may be offered in the future should funds become available.

 

Any further questions concerning the Ratcliffe College Bursary Scheme should be addressed to the Director of Finance (DRobson@Ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk). October 2007