We look at both the child and family circumstances. We consider financial need, the likelihood that the child will thrive academically and socially at Orchard House, and how well the school can support the child’s development.
Bursary Programme
The Orchard House School Bursary Programme offers life-changing opportunities to bright and promising children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford an independent fee-paying school.
Bursaries are awarded and funded by Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET), a registered charity which works closely with, but independently of, Orchard House School. OHSET raises funds year-round from the school community and supporters to make these opportunities possible.
The deadline to apply for a bursary to join the school in 2026 has now passed. If you would like to register your interest for a bursary for 2027 or beyond, please use this form
I will forever be grateful to OHSET and OHS for this entire experience and the incredible opportunity it has afforded my daughter. Thank you!
— Parent of bursary recipient, OHS
Bursaries at a Glance
| Bursary Quick Facts | Details |
| Typical entry point | Year 3 (age 7); Years 4 or 5 occasionally considered |
| Award size | Up to 100% of tuition fees, means-tested; may also cover uniform, trips and other essentials |
| Eligibility | Financial need, right to reside in the UK, and the likelihood that your child will thrive at Orchard House |
| Income guideline | Households with a combined gross income above roughly £100,000 are unlikely to qualify, though every case is assessed individually |
| Application deadline | 31 January for September entry that year; you can register your interest for future years at any time |
| Administered by | Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET), registered charity No. 1198567 |
How Our Bursaries Work
Your child may be eligible for a bursary if you can demonstrate the need for financial support.
- Bursary awards: Bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees, depending on your family’s financial circumstances.
- Additional support: Bursaries can also contribute to the cost of uniforms, school trips and other educational expenses.
- Entry points: Bursaries are typically awarded to children joining Year 3 (aged 7+), although applications for Years 4 or 5 may occasionally be considered.
- Residency: Your child must have the right to reside in the UK to be eligible.
You can register your interest for a future bursary place here.
Application timeline
- 31 January – Final date to submit your initial bursary application.
- Within one week – You will receive confirmation that your application has been received.
- Mid-February – OHSET will update you on the status of your application and next steps. At this stage, you may be asked to:
- Complete a more detailed form and provide a short written statement.
- Share recent reports from your child’s current school.
- Take part in a confidential financial review conducted by an independent specialist, which may include a home visit.
- Mid-March – Two visits to Orchard House, typically one week apart:
- A half-day visit for your child, including an informal assessment and classroom experience.
- A parent interview with our admissions team to learn more about your family and your child’s interests.
- The school may also contact your child’s current school for a reference
- Beginning of the summer term (latest) – OHSET will communicate final decisions
Financial requirements
We do not set fixed income thresholds for bursary eligibility. Instead, we work with a specialist company to gain a clear and fair understanding of each family’s financial situation.
Our focus is on awarding transformational bursaries – typically covering 100% of fees – to children who would not otherwise be able to access private education.
As a general guideline, if your combined gross household income exceeds £100,000, it is unlikely that you would qualify for a bursary.
You can read the OHSET Privacy Policy here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for a bursary?
What is the typical entry point for bursary students
Most bursary awards are made for Year 3 entry, when children are 7 years old. Occasionally, bursaries may be available for entry into Years 4 or 5, depending on available funding and school places.
How do you check applicants' financial circumstances?
We partner with an independent financial assessment company that conducts a confidential, professional review of your family’s finances. This includes reviewing documents such as payslips, bank statements and tax returns, and may involve a home visit. The process ensures fairness and consistency for all applicants.
Is there a limit for my household income to be eligible for a bursary?
We don’t set strict income limits, but as a guide, families with a combined household income above £100,000 are unlikely to qualify. Each case is assessed individually by an independent specialist who considers the full financial picture, including income, assets and dependants.
What does a bursary cover?
Depending on your financial circumstances, a bursary may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. We may also assist with the cost of uniforms, educational trips and other essential items to ensure every child can participate fully in school life.
When can I apply for a bursary?
Applications for September 2026 entry opened in autumn 2025 and had to be submitted by 31 January 2026. You are welcome to register your interest for later years at any time using the interest form.
How many bursary places are available?
Typically, one or two new bursary places are awarded each year, depending on the availability of funds and suitable candidates.
Does Orchard House offer scholarships?
No. Orchard House School does not offer scholarships based on academic, musical or sporting achievement.
What's the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
A scholarship is usually awarded for outstanding ability or talent in a particular area. A bursary is awarded based on financial need to ensure that a child who will thrive at Orchard House has the opportunity to do so regardless of family income.
What is your sibling policy for bursaries?
You are welcome to apply for a bursary for a sibling, but we cannot guarantee that bursaries will be available for multiple children in the same family. Each application is considered on its individual merits and subject to available funds.
Are children assessed based on their abilities?
Orchard House School is non-selective. Children take part in a relaxed, friendly assessment to help us understand their learning style and ensure they are happy and thrive in the school environment.
Explore Your Options
If a bursary isn’t the right fit, or you’d like to understand the full picture before applying, here’s where to go next.
- View the full fee schedule to see what standard tuition costs at each stage.
- Start your application for a place at Orchard House.
- Read our admissions process to understand each step from registration to offer.
- Other questions? Email info@ohset.org.uk. We aim to respond to all emails within one week.
