Financial Assistance

For parents who are concerned about costs of daily travel, school meals, uniform and educational trips, there are some specific charitable funds available. This includes early help such as attending open days from primary school through to trips in support of A level studies.

School Funds – General

The General Fund funds prizes, education grants, sports grants, school functions and guest speaker expenses. To apply, please complete the application form for a grant from the School Fund and return it to the Finance Office as per the instructions on the form.

School Funds – Travel

The Travel Fund subsidises travel on school activities for pupils whose parents are experiencing financial difficulties or members of staff where the cost is high but attendance is essential. To apply, please complete the application form for a grant from the School Fund and return it to the Finance Office as per the instructions on the form.

School Funds – Hardship

The Hardship Fund provides assistance across a broad spectrum of educational activities to parents and pupils with particular financial hardship. To apply, please complete the application form for a grant from the School Fund and return it to the Finance Office as per the instructions on the form.

16-19 Bursaries

The 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help sixth form pupils overcome specific financial barriers to participation so they can remain in education. The policy and application procedure are on the School’s web-site: 16-19 Bursary Policy.

BWS Foundation

The Foundation provides:

• Support to, and enhancement of, Bishop Wordsworth’s School for the benefit of all pupils who attend the school.
• Grants and bursaries for uniform, extracurricular activities and transport for the benefit of those pupils who would otherwise be unable to afford such things.
• Grants to pupils not currently at the School but who need financial assistance to support their application, for example attending open days and the 11+ examination.

To apply, please complete the Foundation Bursary application form and return it to the Finance Office as per the instructions on the form.

Free School Meals

Free School Meals are available to pupils whose parents are receiving certain state benefits. The rules and application procedure are on the Wiltshire Council web-site: Wiltshire Free School Meals.

Pupil Premium

The pupil premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. It is not paid to the pupil or the family but to the School to be allocated where deemed appropriate. Details are available in the Pupil Premium Statement on the School web-site: Annual Reports and Financial Statements.