Bursaries and Scholarships

What is a Bursary?

A bursary provides financial assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to afford independent school fees. At Stockport Grammar School, we believe that talent, ambition and curiosity should shape a child’s journey – not financial circumstance.

For many years, our Bursary Award Scheme has transformed lives. Today, we have around 100 active award holders receiving financial support, and more than 400 Old Stopfordians have benefitted from bursaries since the Direct Grants and Assisted Places Schemes ended in 1997.

Who can apply?

We offer support for pupils joining in the First Year of Senior School (Year 7) or Sixth Form, and that level of support is determined by the household’s annual income:

• Household incomes of £32,000 a year or less may receive full fee support, along with help towards uniform, travel, lunches and educational trips;
• Families with household incomes above £80,001 a year are unlikely to receive financial assistance due to demand;
• Families between these thresholds may receive partial support.

We kindly note that financial assistance is offered in line with the funds available each year. Family incomes are reviewed annually to ensure support is provided as fairly and responsibly as possible.

Apply for a bursary

Please note that for September 2027, applications for our Entrance Examination in January 2027 will be open in May 2026.

We are currently working on a new information document about financial assistance, which will be available in May 2026.

This is designed to support families by clearly explaining what help is available and how the process works. It will include frequently asked questions, key timelines, and clear eligibility details, helping families feel informed and confident as they explore their options.

Scholarships

Music

Each year, we award two Music Scholarships, each worth up to 25% of the school fees, to recognise and nurture exceptional musical talent. Awarded by audition, these scholarships are open to prospective pupils who have reached a high standard on one or more instruments and who show outstanding musical promise.

Download more Music Scholarships information (pdf)

Click here to apply for a music scholarship

Shaa Scholarships

Each year, we offer a small number of Shaa Scholarships to pupils who demonstrate outstanding performance in the entrance examination. The scholarship provides a £1,000 reduction on annual fees for the first five years of senior school (subject to an annual progress review) and confirmed in the March entrance exam outcome letter.

You do not need to apply for a Shaa Scholarship, and they are not subject to a means test.

The scholarships were introduced in 2012 to commemorate the 525th anniversary of the school’s foundation by Sir Edmond Shaa, Mayor of London and Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

Junior School

Unfortunately, we do not offer fee assistance for the Junior School and Nursery.