Bursary ProgrammeOrchard House School Educational Trust
The Orchard House School Bursary Programme supports bright and promising children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford an independent fee-paying school. Bursaries are awarded by the Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET), a registered charity that works closely with, but independently of, Orchard House School. OHSET raises funds year-round from the whole school community.
Bursaries are available to academically gifted children who can demonstrate financial need. Funding can cover tuition fees and may also include support for uniforms, residential trips, and other school-related expenses. Bursaries are typically awarded to children entering Year 3 (aged 7+), though applications for Years 4 or 5 may occasionally be considered. All children must have the right to reside in the UK.
Applications for bursaries open each September for entry the following year. After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email within one week. We aim to contact all applicants by mid-February with an update on the status of their application. Following this, next steps may include providing recent school reports, undergoing a comprehensive financial assessment by an independent specialist (which may include a home visit), attending an assessment morning at Orchard House, participating in a parents’ interview, and allowing the school to contact your child’s current school. Final decisions are usually made by the beginning of the Summer Term.
We do not set fixed financial thresholds for bursary eligibility. Instead, a specialist company works with families to understand their full financial circumstances. Our aim is to offer transformational bursaries, including 100% bursaries for children who would otherwise have no access to independent education.
You can read our OHSET Privacy Policy. If you have any questions, please email ohset@orchardhs.org.uk, and we will aim to respond within one week.
Essential Information
-
Registration: Applications open in September for entry the following year.
-
Entry Years: Typically Year 3 (aged 7+), occasionally Years 4 or 5.
-
Financial Support: Tuition fees plus possible support for uniforms, trips, and other expenses.
-
Eligibility: Academically gifted children with a need for financial assistance; child must have the right to reside in the UK.
-
Application Steps: Submit form → financial assessment → child assessment → parents’ interview → final decision by Summer Term.
-
Contact: ohset@orchardhs.org.uk
-
Apply: Applications for September 2025 are now closed. If you would like to register your interest for future bursaries, please provide your details here.