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Bursaries
The Governors and Head of St Michael’s Prep School are committed to broadening access to the school by offering eligible parents and guardians financial support with the payment of school fees.
Bursaries are made subject to the school's ability to fund these within the context of its overall budget that year. It is recognised that judgements about what sacrifices a family should be prepared to make to pay school fees will be personal. However, as well as current earnings, other factors such as lifestyle will be considered. Bursaries are only available to children in Year 3 and above.
Parents wishing to apply for bursary support can indicate their interest when they register. If you would like to apply for a means-tested bursary please complete the Registration Form provided by our Admissions Team. Once your registration has been processed, you may complete and submit the Bursary Application Form found below. You will need to submit various supporting financial documents at this stage, please see the deadlines for this below. Our confidential bursary assessment process is managed by an external company on behalf of St Michael’s Prep School.
Bursary outcomes will be sent together with an offer of a place to successful applicants and parents need to confirm acceptance in writing along with the deposit payment.
Bursary application deadlines for September 2027 entry:
New applicants Years 7 and 8 entry: Monday 23rd November 2026
Current bursary holders - annual renewal: Monday 11th January 2027
New applicants Years 3 to 6 entry: Monday 8th March 2027
Parents of new pupils entering the school at Year 3 who are unable to afford full fees are welcome to apply as well as parents of current pupils who have experienced a change in circumstance.
We recognise that circumstances differ, so do not set strict thresholds and criteria but look at everyone as an individual. However, if all the below criteria apply to your family, then you may qualify for a bursary:
- Both parents working unless one is unable to do so, or you are a single parent
- Total gross family income of less than £100,000 (an additional allowance will be made where sibling(s) are at St Michael’s Prep of £15,000 per child
- No second property unless a business
- Insufficient savings or investments to cover school fees
You may not qualify if you have:
- A home worth more than £1m
- A second property/holiday home or land above reasonable pension provision
- Recent expenditure on significant home improvements
- Another child(ren) in fee paying schools or university with no financial support
- Frequent and/or expensive holidays
- A new or luxury car(s) or item
- Recently formed a business which has resulted in a lower income than in previous salaried employment
- Large donations made to charities
Both parents will need to complete the Bursary Application Form in order for both of their financial positions to be assessed but are able to complete the application separately and in confidence.
As a guide, the following documents are usually required as part of the bursary assessment process:
- Last 3 payslips for each applicant
- Last P60 for each applicant
- Latest FULL audited accounts (if appropriate)
- Latest self-assessment tax calculation summary (SA302) (if appropriate) for each applicant (please do not send full tax return)
- Schedule D self-employment income declaration (if appropriate) for each applicant
- 3 months’ bank statements for all accounts
- Proof of value of savings and investments (may include internet valuation)
- Latest pension valuation if over 55
- Benefit/Tax Credit/Universal Credit letters (if appropriate)
- Latest mortgage statement (on all properties if appropriate) / rent agreement
- Latest loan statements
- Latest credit card statements
- Contents insurance schedule
- Legal financial agreements
If you are interested and would like to have a confidential conversation about applying for a bursary, please contact:
Current pupils: Director of Finance and Operations rdearing@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk
Prospective pupils: The Admissions Team admissions@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk
