Scholarship Scheme and Tuition Reduction Bursary Scheme

Berlin British School offers each academic year, from a maximum of five scholarships, each to the value – determined by the school – of between 10% and 50% of the tuition fee a year, to students applying to, or already enrolled at, the school in Year 5 (German and international Grade 4) or above.

Application and selection criteria for the award of scholarships:

An outstanding academic record, as documented by previous and/or current school/s attended
A very strong recommendation from the school in which the applicant is currently enrolled
Distinction in an entrance test, for applicants up to and including Year 9 entry
An excellent impression – in the form of deep interest in learning, a natural curiosity and an ability to argue in an informed manner – made in an interview conducted by one or more members of BBS staff
An excellent record of school behaviour
A contribution to the extracurricular life of current or previous schools attended, and/or to the wider community
A role model for other students

These qualities will be identified and assessed by BBS school staff who will select and then interview prospective scholars. Size of parents’ income and financial means will play no part in determining the award of scholarships. The award of a scholarship, and the percentage of tuition fees discounted for such an award, will be entirely at the school’s discretion.

A parent who would like to enter their child for a scholarship should complete an application form, attached, and submit it to the Admissions Secretary. Because a maximum of only five scholarships will be awarded each academic year for admission in the same or following academic year, the earlier an application is submitted the more likely a scholarship place will still be available.

Each scholarship will be subject to an interim review at the end of the first year and be awarded for a two year period, towards the end of which a consideration of the same qualities for which the scholarship was initially awarded will again be made, to determine whether the scholarship will be re-awarded for a further two year period.

Scholarship applications may be submitted from 1 March 2013, for entry in September 2013. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2013.

Tuition Reduction Bursaries

BBS also offers Tuition Reduction Bursaries for academically able students, whose parents find it difficult to pay the full tuition fees. Bursaries are available to existing students as well as those applying for entry to the school.

Criteria for Tuition Reduction Bursaries

Applications for bursaries are means-tested. However, all financial information shared with the school is confidential, with procedures aligned to the German Data Protection Act.
To allow fixed resources to be fairly shared with all members of the community, a maximum of one child per family will be allowed to receive a Tuition Reduction Bursary
Tuition Reduction Bursaries are granted for two years in the first instance, with the option of re-application at the end of the two years.
Students applying for Bursaries should show a very good record of academic achievement, together with a positive commitment to the wider life of the school and the school community.

Financial Criteria

Documented evidence (see attached) of joint parental income is required for successful Tuition Reduction Bursary applications. Bursaries are offered for parents with:

(a) A joint gross annual income not exceeding 40,000E= 100% tuition reduction

(b) A joint gross annual income not exceeding 50,000E= 50% tuition reduction

Tuition Reduction Bursaries apply to school tuition fees only. Additional school costs, e.g. school uniform, lunches, home to school buses, field trips, etc., must be funded by the parents.

Bursaries are not available to families for whom part or all of the school fees are paid by embassies or private companies.

Application and Selection Process

If you think you or your family circumstances make you eligible to apply for a Tuition Reduction Bursary for your son/daughter a letter of application, together with a certified declaration of your financial circumstances, should be sent for the attention of the Head Teacher. The Bursary Committee will then conduct interviews with the families concerned. At interview, the student’s contribution (potential or real) to the school, and their record of academic success, will be taken into account.

Once eligibility for a Tuition Reduction Bursary has been established, funds available will be prioritized using the following criteria:

Students nearing external examinations, such as IB or IGCSE
Students from single-parent households
Students from families with two or more children registered at the school

Families in receipt of bursaries are not eligible for a sibling discount.