Scholarships and Bursaries

Please note that Scholarship & Bursary applications for 2025 Entry have now closed. 

The Royal Russell Scholarship and Bursary Scheme 

Although the School traces its history back to generous philanthropic donations it no longer enjoys the support of a financial foundation and is dependent on fee income to support scholarship and bursary awards.

What is the difference between a Scholarship and a Bursary?

A scholarship is awarded in recognition of a pupil’s merit and potential and is, as such, highly prized.  Awards are determined by the results in the competitive entrance examination or by performance in assessments and auditions relating to Art, Music, Drama and Sport and are awarded irrespective of financial means. Pupils can apply for up to a maximum of 2 scholarships in addition to being considered for an Academic Scholarship the total financial value of a scholarship may be between 5% and 35%. 

A bursary award is available to a small number of pupils who are offered a place but require financial assistance to be able to afford to accept it.  Every bursary is means-tested and the value of the bursary is related to the income and financial resources of the pupil's family.

A pupil can hold both a bursary and scholarship.

Aspects Common to both Scholarships and Bursaries

In order that parents can budget, all scholarships and almost all bursaries are ‘index linked’ in that they are awarded as a percentage of the published fees, so that when the fee increases the scholarship / bursary automatically increases.

All scholarships and bursaries are awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster who is accountable to the Governors for all decisions.

Scholarships and bursaries may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Headmaster in the event of unsatisfactory work or conduct or as a result of the pupil’s annual review.  This action may occur as the culmination of a process of communication and discussion between the school and the parents.

Note

Registrations, scholarship applications, and bursary applications for September 2025 places are now open.

For further assistance, please contact admissions@royalrussell.co.uk.

Parents must not assume their child has been, or will be, offered either a bursary or a scholarship until receipt of a formal written offer of a specific award.