Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET)

Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET) is a registered charity which offers life-changing opportunities to bright and promising children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford an independent fee-paying school. It works closely with, but independently of, Orchard House School. OHSET raises funds year-round from the school community and supporters in order to award and funded bursaries to make these opportunities possible.

Applications

The deadline to apply for a bursary to join the school in 2026 has now passed. If you would like to register your interest for a bursary for 2027 or beyond, please use this form.

“I will forever be grateful to OHSET and OHS for this entire experience and the incredible opportunity it has afforded my daughter. Thank you!”

Parent of bursary recipient, OHS

How our bursaries work

Your child may be eligible for a bursary if you can demonstrate the need for financial support.

• Bursary awards: Bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees, depending on your family’s financial circumstances.

• Additional support: Bursaries can also contribute to the cost of uniforms, school trips and other educational expenses.

• Entry points: Bursaries are typically awarded to children joining Year 3 (aged 7+), although applications for Years 4 or 5 may occasionally be considered.

• Residency: Your child must have the right to reside in the UK to be eligible.

You can register your interest for a future bursary place here.

Application timeline

• 31 January – Final date to submit your initial bursary application.

• Within one week – You will receive confirmation that your application has been received.

• Mid-February – OHSET will update you on the status of your application and next steps. At this stage, you may be asked to:

  • Complete a more detailed form and provide a short written statement.

  • Share recent reports from your child’s current school.

  • Take part in a confidential financial review conducted by an independent specialist, which may include a home visit.

• Mid-March – Two visits to Orchard House, typically one week apart:

  • A half-day visit for your child, including an informal assessment and classroom experience.

  • A parent interview to learn more about your family and your child’s interests.

  • The school may also contact your child’s current school for a reference

• Beginning of the summer term (latest) – OHSET will communicate final decisions

Financial requirements

We do not set fixed income thresholds for bursary eligibility. Instead, we work with a specialist company to gain a clear and fair understanding of each family’s financial situation.

Our focus is on awarding transformational bursaries – typically covering 100% of fees – to children who would not otherwise be able to access private education.

As a general guideline, if your combined gross household income exceeds £100,000, it is unlikely that you would qualify for a bursary.

Other questions?

Please read our FAQs! For further questions please email ohset@orchardhs.org.uk.