Foundation Awards - Bursary
The School has a strong history of providing fully funded places to students who would benefit from attending the School, but for whom independent education is not financially viable. Each year, the School awards up to two Foundation Awards to new students. These cover 100% of tuition fees, plus additional assistance to cover extra costs (lunches, transport, uniform, equipment, trips etc.).
Foundation Awards are made to applicants who have shown that they will benefit greatly from, and contribute to, the environment at Reading Blue Coat, but for whom education at an independent school is not accessible owing to their family’s financial circumstances.
Applicants wishing to be considered for a Foundation Award should indicate this on the registration form. The Bursary Team will then provide a link to the application form for our partner organisation, Bursary Assessment Associates, who carry out an independent financial assessment of applicants for a Foundation Award on our behalf. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact bursar@rbcs.org.uk.
Applications for students joining the School in September 2026 should be submitted by Friday 31 October 2025. Please be aware that students must be formally registered for entry before applying for a Foundation Award.
Reading Blue Coat is committed to offering financial support to families for whom an education at the School would be transformational. Foundation Awards are designed for students who show strong potential to thrive at Reading Blue Coat and to contribute meaningfully to our community, but for whom independent education would otherwise be inaccessible due to financial circumstances.
While Foundation Awards are primarily aimed at applicants for Year 7 entry, exceptional candidates at other entry points may also be considered. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, but as a general guide, eligible applicants are expected to:
- Reside within the Borough of Reading, with special consideration given to those facing socio-economic challenges;
- Attend a state primary school within the Borough of Reading
A Foundation Award is based on financial need, assessed through a thorough means-testing process. Parents should begin by registering their child via the School’s website and indicating their interest in being considered for a Foundation Award.
Foundation Award applicants follow the same admissions pathway as all other candidates. Alongside this, families applying for a Foundation Award will be asked to complete a means-testing process, which enables the School to assess their financial circumstances and determine suitability for the award.
Please note that Bursary Awards are no longer available at Reading Blue Coat.