Making LEH Affordable

Understanding that an investment in an LEH education will have a transformative impact on a pupil's future, LEH is committed to building a community of talented, intellectually curious and passionate students from a wide range of backgrounds, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Often, low and middle-income families feel that an independent school is financially beyond their reach. Our aim is to help families afford the LEH experience by offering applicants a financial award that makes tuition affordable, alongside a stipend for uniform, lunches, books and supplies, an iPad, and school trips.

We provide approximately £1 million in financial support each year to deserving students. Currently, 8% of our student body receives some level of needs-based financial support.

Such award is known as a bursary. A bursary is intended to make the cost of attending LEH affordable. To that end, LEH bursaries range from £1,000 a term up to the full cost of tuition, with the largest number of grants covering 100% of tuition. Bursaries are reserved for girls at their point of entry to the Senior School.

The number of bursaries we can offer is entirely dependent on the funds we have available. Where the number of applications exceeds the funds available, bursary awards will be made on the basis of the applicant’s performance in the entrance examination.

LEH determines awards based on a comprehensive analysis of need, including all variables that contribute to a family's financial situation, not just family income.

LEH's bursary application process deals with all families on a confidential, individual and personal basis. For full details of the financial assistance available please see the bursary policy at the bottom of this page. The Confidential Statement of Financial Circumstances Form is posted on the Application Form page from 1st September until the application deadline, which is also the deadline for receipt of the Confidential Statement of Financial Circumstances Form.

LEH is not supported by any Trust or Foundation, so all bursaries are funded through the generosity of alumnae, parents, and friends of the School.

The difference an LEH Bursary can make

Joint Application for a Scholarship and Assisted Place Bursary

Pupils may be awarded a non-means-tested Scholarship or Exhibition and a means-tested Bursary. However, if a joint award is made, the total value of the support provided will not exceed the value of the Bursary had a Scholarship (or Exhibition) not been awarded.

Assistance with Fees for Current Parents

Although bursaries are only awarded alongside an offer to join the School, temporary financial assistance may be available when parents (or the fee payer) of girls already in the School suffer unexpected financial hardship. Where such events occur, the parents should contact the Director of Finance at the earliest opportunity. Each case is assessed on an individual basis by the Director of Finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Scholarship, an Exhibition and a Bursary?
Can you hold a Scholarship and a Bursary?
What are LEH’s eligibility criteria in terms of income threshold?
How many girls receive bursaries?
How are bursary holders assessed?
Do bursary holders get help with the cost of uniform, trips etc.?
What happens if a family’s financial circumstances change?
Does LEH have a ‘hardship fund’ to help families cope with a sudden change in financial situation?
How can I help?

What’s the difference between a Scholarship, an Exhibition and a Bursary?

Scholarships and exhibitions are awarded purely on merit, irrespective of financial circumstances of the applicant’s parents, and bursaries are awarded on financial need.

Can you hold a Scholarship and a Bursary?

Yes, but the maximum assistance is 100% of the fees.

What are LEH’s eligibility criteria in terms of income threshold?

Parents/guardians whose combined income is less than £50,000 can expect to receive a 100% bursary, whilst those with a combined income of over £90,000 are unlikely to qualify for assistance. Please note that other income or non-income wealth may be taken into consideration, so the decision is not based on income alone.

How many girls receive bursaries?

Although the number varies from year to year, approximately 50 pupils benefit from bursaries each year, with the majority being full bursaries.

How are bursary holders assessed?

A financial disclosure form must be completed, together with supporting documentation. An external agency then reviews it, visits the parents at their home and prepares a report summarising the family’s financial situation. The Director of Finance in turn reviews each application and report prepared by the external agency.