Understanding Sixth Form Fees and Financial Aid

The cost of private sixth form education represents a significant investment for any family. Understanding the full financial picture, including what fees cover and what assistance may be available, helps you make informed decisions and plan effectively.

This guide explains the costs involved and explores options for making private sixth form more accessible.

Understanding Fee Structures

How Fees Are Quoted

Colleges quote fees differently, making direct comparisons difficult:

Per Term Fees

Most UK colleges quote fees per term. Remember there are three terms per year, so multiply by three for annual costs.

Per Year Fees

Some colleges, particularly those with international students, quote annual fees. Ensure you are comparing like with like.

Day vs Boarding

Day fees cover tuition only. Boarding fees include accommodation and meals. The difference typically ranges from £10,000 to £20,000 per year.

Current Fee Ranges

As of 2024 to 2025, typical fee ranges are:

Day Fees

• Lower range: £15,000 to £18,000 per year
• Mid range: £18,000 to £25,000 per year
• Higher range: £25,000 to £35,000 per year

Boarding Fees

• Lower range: £30,000 to £38,000 per year
• Mid range: £38,000 to £45,000 per year
• Higher range: £45,000 to £55,000 per year

London colleges typically charge at the higher end due to property costs.

What Fees Cover

Typically Included

Most fees include:

• All tuition and teaching
• Basic materials and textbooks
• Use of facilities and resources
• Standard extracurricular activities
• Academic reports and references
• Personal tutor support

For boarders, fees usually cover:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Laundry facilities
• Weekend activities and supervision
• Basic medical care

Often Extra

Many colleges charge additional fees for:

Examination Fees

A-Level exam entries cost several hundred pounds per subject. Some colleges include these; others charge separately.

Registration and Deposits

Non-refundable registration fees (£100 to £300) and deposits (often one term's fees) are commonly required.

Optional Extras

• Individual music lessons
• Specialist sports coaching
• Educational trips and expeditions
• Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes
• Additional language tuition

Materials for Specific Subjects

• Art supplies
• Science equipment beyond basics
• Technology materials

The True Total Cost

When budgeting, add approximately 10% to 15% to quoted fees to cover:

• Exam fees (if not included)
• Trips and activities
• Uniform or dress code requirements
• Books beyond those provided
• Transport costs
• Personal expenses for boarders

For two years, expect total costs of:

• Day attendance: £35,000 to £80,000
• Full boarding: £70,000 to £120,000

Fee Increases

Annual Rises

Private school fees typically increase by 3% to 5% annually. Over two years of sixth form:

• Year 1 fees: as quoted
• Year 2 fees: typically 3% to 5% higher

Factor this into your planning. A college charging £20,000 in Year 1 might charge £21,000 in Year 2.

Guarantees and Caps

Some colleges offer:

• Fee guarantees for the duration of your course
• Caps on annual increases
• Multi-year payment discounts

Ask about these policies when comparing options.

Financial Assistance Options

Scholarships

Scholarships recognise excellence and potential:

Academic Scholarships

Awarded based on entrance exam performance, predicted grades, or interview. Typically worth 5% to 20% of fees, sometimes more for exceptional candidates.

Subject Scholarships

Some colleges offer scholarships in specific areas: Music, Art, Drama, Sport. These require auditions, portfolios, or trials.

All-Rounder Scholarships

Recognise students who excel across multiple areas. Require evidence of achievement in academics plus other fields.

Value of Scholarships

Most scholarships are partial, reducing rather than eliminating fees. Full scholarships are rare and highly competitive.

Scholarships often carry expectations: maintaining grades, participating in activities, representing the college.

Bursaries

Bursaries are awarded based on financial need:

Means-Tested Support

Families provide financial information (income, assets, commitments) and assistance is calculated accordingly.

Levels of Support

Bursaries can range from 10% to 100% of fees depending on circumstances. Some colleges have substantial bursary funds enabling significant support.

Application Process

Typically requires:

• Completing detailed financial forms
• Providing tax returns and payslips
• Declaring assets and liabilities
• Annual reassessment of circumstances

Combining Scholarships and Bursaries

Many colleges allow combination of both. A scholarship might recognise merit while a bursary addresses remaining affordability.

Questions to Ask About Financial Aid

When enquiring, ask:

• What percentage of students receive financial assistance?
• What is the typical value of awards?
• How are means-tested bursaries calculated?
• Are awards guaranteed for the full two years?
• What circumstances might cause awards to change?

Payment Options

Payment Schedules

Colleges typically offer:

Termly Payment

Standard approach. Fees due at the start of each term.

Annual Payment

Some colleges offer small discounts (1% to 3%) for paying the full year in advance.

Monthly Payment Plans

Increasingly common. Spreads cost across the year but may involve interest or administration fees.

Payment Methods

Options usually include:

• Bank transfer
• Direct debit
• Credit or debit card (sometimes with surcharge)
• Third-party payment providers

Late Payment

Understand policies on:

• Late payment penalties
• Consequences of non-payment
• Notification requirements for financial difficulties

Planning and Budgeting

Before Committing

Assess Total Affordability

Calculate the full cost over two years, including extras and fee increases. Ensure you can sustain payment throughout.

Consider Opportunity Costs

What else might these funds achieve? University costs come next. Family circumstances may change.

Have Contingency Plans

What happens if income drops, circumstances change, or unexpected costs arise?

Managing Costs

Start Early

The sooner you identify your preferred colleges, the more time to prepare financially and explore assistance options.

Apply for Everything

Apply for any scholarships or bursaries you might qualify for. There is no penalty for applying.

Consider All Options

Weekly boarding is cheaper than full boarding. Some excellent colleges charge lower fees than prestigious names.

Negotiate Where Possible

While fees are typically fixed, some colleges have flexibility, particularly for siblings or exceptional candidates.

Tax Considerations

School Fee Payment Companies

Various schemes exist claiming tax advantages. Approach with caution:

• Legitimate schemes have been closed by HMRC
• Some arrangements carry significant risk
• Seek independent financial advice before entering any scheme

Grandparents and Family Gifts

Family members helping with fees should consider:

• Inheritance tax implications of large gifts
• Whether gifts come from income or capital
• Potential pension contributions as alternatives

Professional financial advice is valuable here.

Making the Decision

Is It Worth It?

Consider what you gain:

• Smaller class sizes and individual attention
• Strong academic results and university preparation
• Excellent facilities and opportunities
• Personal development and pastoral support

And what you sacrifice:

• Significant financial resources
• Potential investments in other areas
• Funds that could support university or later life

Alternatives to Consider

Before committing to full fees, explore:

• State grammar schools (where available)
• Selective state sixth forms
• Sixth form colleges with strong reputations
• Part-funded places through scholarships or bursaries

Some families find excellent state options that suit their child well, preserving resources for university or other priorities.

Conclusion

Private sixth form education represents a substantial financial commitment, but one that many families find worthwhile given the potential impact on academic outcomes and personal development.

Understanding the full costs, exploring available assistance, and planning carefully ensures you can make this investment sustainably and with confidence in its value.

Whatever your budget, the most important factor remains finding the right educational environment for your child. Sometimes that is achieved through substantial investment in private education; sometimes excellent outcomes emerge from other paths.

Make financial decisions that serve your child's interests without compromising your family's long-term security.