Can my Child get a Scholarship into private school?
As a parent, you will always be on the search for ways to improve your child’s life and help pave the way to success. This could be by teaching them life skills, moral values and most of all, sending them to the best school possible. Education plays a huge role in the route your child takes in life, which is why it is so important to carefully think through which one you send them to. Amongst all educational establishments, private schools are seen as high in status, offering all students that attend the best level of education possible. This is due to the quality of learning, provisions of resources and small sizes of the classrooms. Unfortunately, many parents who would like to send their child to these schools find that they are unable to due to the high demands in school fees and tuition. However, there is a way around it. Most private schools offer scholarships for students who demonstrate extraordinary abilities in certain subjects. So, how do you get one? Below is a guide on if your child can get a scholarship into private school.
Scholarships: The basics
To begin, it is important to note that not every private school will offer scholarships regularly. For the schools that do, they usually run on a short-term basis and are limited in availability. The majority of the time, private schools offer scholarships because they have a specific motive or philosophy in mind such as promoting diversity, academic brilliance or even community service. Scholarships can also come in different shapes and sizes. This includes scholarships for specific talents and interests, merit-based and need-based. Some schools vary and may offer a combination of the above. Scholarships for those who have talents in specific areas are awarded to students who excel in subjects such as music or sports. Merit-based scholarships are usually awarded to students based on their academic and extracurricular achievements. Need-based scholarships are for families who need financial support, in which documentation of income and expenses will need to be provided.
Look into the school’s scholarship programmes
Once you have determined if your child has a chance to be accepted into a private school through a scholarship, the next step to take is looking into the desired school and the programmes they have on offer. It is important to do as much research as possible to understand the scholarships the school can offer. This will also help you determine if your child is eligible and meets the requirements for it. This information is usually available on a school’s website, but for further information, it is best to contact the school and set up a meeting.
Prepare your child for the change
Given that private schools have a high academic standard when it comes to their students, this is an important step to take. If your child has shown interest in a scholarship, it is vital to remind them how unique this opportunity is and how serious they need to take it. Some establishments require new students to take entrance exams to prove their academic abilities. You can help your child prepare by enrolling them onto extracurricular activities or getting extra tuition lessons to strengthen their current skills. Other schools such as theatre schools may require an audition to showcase their performance skills. Working together to prepare them for every challenge will make them a more competitive applicant and increase their chances of being accepted at their chosen school.
When to apply
It is vital to apply for scholarships as early as you can. Applying sooner in the application process increases your child’s chances of being accepted given that most schools have rolling admissions and work on a first come first serve basis. It also shows schools how serious your child is about attending their school.
