Bursaries & Scholarships

Our Lady Of Sion

Bursaries

We offer means-tested, monetary awards, annually to school entrants at the usual points of entry, where the parents have indicated on the Registration Form that they require financial support. Both parents are required to provide proof of their income and assets. The level of support may vary according to parental need.
Within the assessment process
Each application is considered on its own merits. It is recognised that judgements about what sacrifices a family should make to pay school fees will be personal.
However, the school has a duty to ensure that any financial support it offers is well focused and targeted towards those most in need. Therefore, in determining the appropriate level of assistance to be offered, in addition to current earnings and assets, other factors will be considered, including:
Family circumstances. The school will take family circumstances into account.
Costs associated with other dependants e.g. sick or disabled parents or children.
Substantial realisable equity in the applicant’s home and ownership of or interest in other properties or assets.
In cases of separation, the contribution made by the non-resident parent.
Contributions to school fees or household costs by other family members.

Review Of Bursary Awards

Bursaries are always offered for 12 months at a time. The family is required to provide up-to-date information about financial circumstances for every year that their child attends the school. Levels of support may vary with fluctuations in income.

Our Lady Of Sion

Scholarships

Our Lady of Sion School is dedicated to nurturing students with a diverse range of talents and fostering excellence across all areas. Scholarships at Sion are highly sought after with only a select few receiving this honour each year.

The accolade of “Scholar” is a noteworthy title. Holding the title “Scholar” should instil in the child a great sense of pride, honour, and responsibility. This title is not given freely and therefore if one is bestowed it, one should be mindful of its significance.

The accolade of ‘Scholar’ is a noteworthy title, recognised for both its academic merit and its tangible benefits. In addition to providing financial support toward school fees, scholarships serve as an excellent way to showcase early success and potential. In the early stages of your career, including a scholarship on your CV can significantly enhance your profile, demonstrating commitment to academic excellence, determination, and competitive achievement.

Scholarship Awards

Ratisbonne Scholarship (Age 4+)

The Ratisbonne Scholarship is named in honour of our Founders. This prestigious award, is designed to recognise and nurture early potential. The Ratisbonne Scholarship Award is divided into four distinct sub-categories to enable us to focus on and cultivate each child’s unique interests and extraordinary talents:

Exceptional Minds Scholars are expected to demonstrate high aptitudes and/or accelerated academic ability. Applicants will proactively contribute to the academic and creative community, are inspired by learning and have an obvious thirst for knowledge. They should possess the ability to perform over and above the standards typically expected from their year group, consistently requiring access to our Challenge+ programme.

Original Minds Awarded to critical thinkers who demonstrate exceptional promise in STEM subjects, are analytical and inquisitive in their approach to acquiring knowledge and who show an all-round, deep, intellectual curiosity. Applicants will show keen interest in creative problem solving, debating global issues and in developing the skills and mindset required to navigate our ever-changing world.

Creative Minds Scholars are selected for a remarkable passion and/or talent in a creative discipline, whether it be art, creative writing, music, or drama. These students could exhibit a flare for techniques and skills within their chosen field or demonstrate a broad proficiency across multiple creative subjects. They should show a strong desire to develop their own ideas, with the ability to reflect critically and thoughtfully on their work.

Ecological Minds Awarded to students who demonstrate a strong connection to the natural world. Applicants should thrive in outdoor learning environments, particularly within our Forest School, Sion Soil and Beach School experiences. They may be driven by a sense of responsibility towards the planet, and may already be avidly engaging in positive world-stewardship and planet-kindness.

Louise Humann Scholarship (Age 13+)

The Louise Humann Scholarship is designed to support the growth of students’ existing passions which they have developed thus far in their educational journey. The scholarship is primarily intended for applicants transitioning from prep schools. However it is open to all candidates applying for entry into Years 9 or 10 who are keen to continue on their trajectory to GCSE outcomes reflecting true potential and intrinsic dedication to achievement.

Consideration is also given to those who are recommended by their Headteacher, for outstanding past achievements.

Sapere Aude Scholarship (Age 16+)

The Sapere Aude (Dare to know) Scholarship is designed for students entering our Sixth Form, open to both current students at Our Lady of Sion School and those studying elsewhere. This scholarship supports driven, high-achieving students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, whether through excellent GCSE results already attained or those anticipated – and are now aiming for outstanding A Level achievements. We are dedicated to fostering independent, original thinkers who are passionate about their studies. Applicants should have the ambition to secure places at highly competitive, prestigious universities either in the UK or internationally, while also demonstrating a commitment to inspiring and raising the aspirations of the wider school community. Scholars will help motivate younger students to realise their full potential through their own excellence and enthusiasm.

High attainment (or predicted grades) across GCSE subjects (required)

Report from current school evidencing the above traits (if external)

Scholarship Policy

A co-educational, independent school with a strong ethos, successfully providing education to children and young people from ages 3 – 18