Top schools offering free places

CHILDREN from Oldham are being given the opportunity to attend Manchester’s top independent schools free of charge.

An anonymous charitable trust is funding four bursaries for the borough’s brightest and most talented young people whose families can’t afford to pay the full fees.

The means-tested places at Manchester Grammar School,

Withington Girls’ School and Manchester High School for Girls are only available to pupils with Oldham and Failsworth postcodes.

Support

Current Year 6 pupils who meet school’s academic entry criteria could receive up to 100 per cent of the cost of the fees depending on their parents’ income.

Full annual fees at the schools currently range from £10,932 at Manchester High School for Girls to £11,730 for Manchester Grammar School.

Dr Martin Boulton, high master at Manchester Grammar School, said: “As someone who attended this school as a pupil myself, and received financial support to enable this, I know full well the potential an education here offers to transform people’s lives.

“Central to our ethos is our commitment to social mobility and admitting pupils who possess the ability to benefit from the education we offer, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.”

Sue Marks, headmistress at Withington Girls’ School, added: “One-in-six girls in our senior school is currently receiving some financial support or attending on free places.

“These bursaries help to ensure that our school is a socially and culturally diverse and vibrant community, open to bright girls regardless of parental income.”

For more information contact Manchester Grammar School on 0161-224 7201, Manchester High School for Girls on 0161-224 0447 or Withington Girls’ School on 0161-224 1077.