Transformational
Bursaries
Bursaries provide the opportunity to give your child a Dragon School education that they might not otherwise had been able to experience.
All Dragons thrive here
Dragon School is a vibrant and nurturing environment that is proudly part of the Oxford community. Our Transformational Bursary Programme allows us to extend access to more families, giving your child the chance to experience a Dragon Education that might otherwise be out of reach.
Thanks to the generosity of its community, the Dragon School is able to offer bursaries to children with a genuine financial need. Our aim is to offer bursaries that are truly transformational, and our awards range from 50% upwards, with the average award currently 90%. When awarding bursaries, we aim to support those who will make the most of everything the Dragon has to offer whilst also making a positive impact on their School community. As such, potential bursary holders follow the same assessment of any other young Dragon-to-be.
For a clear overview of how the Dragon’s bursary pathway works, from the whens to the what to the hows, please see the below infographic and FAQs.
Becoming a Dragon starts here.
FAQs
How are busary applicants assessed?
All potential bursary holders undergo the same admissions assessment as any other young Dragon-to-be. The School seeks children who will make the most of everything the Dragon has to offer.
What financial information is required?
Applicant families must provide detailed information about their financial circumstances, including:
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Income
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Savings and assets
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Liabilities
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Lifestyle
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Relevant family circumstances (e.g., siblings’ schooling, financial support from relatives)
A combined household income threshold is available on request, and families are expected to demonstrate that assets and discretionary spending align with their stated income. [All information is kept strictly confidential.]
If your child is invited to the second stage, a home visit conducted by an independent Bursary Administraton company is arranged. This tends to happen in February.
What happens once a family meets the means-tested criteria?
Families who meet the means‑tested criteria are invited to take part in a selection process designed to identify children with the potential to make the most of the opportunities offered by a Dragon education.
When can families enquire about bursaries?
We welcome enquiries all year round. You can register your interest in applying for a bursary place anytime before your child starts Year 3. We will then contact you at the relevant time to begin the process (e.g. if you are looking to join the Dragon in September 2028, we would be in touch in the summer of 2027).
Families who have previously registered interest are contacted in the summer prior to their child starting Year 3 (for entry in to Year 4 the following September) or prior to starting Year 4 if looking at Year 5 entry.
Applicant families are sent an information pack and application forms to be completed. The deadline for applications is the end of October [in the academic year prior to the desired entry].
We encourage families to get in touch when their child is in Year 2 or starting Year 3. Completed applications should be submitted by the end of October in the academic year prior to the desired entry.
How long does a bursary last?
Bursaries at the Dragon are awarded for the duration of a child’s time at the Prep (Year 4 (E Block) through to Year 8 (A Block). They are reviewed annually to ensure continued eligibility.
Who can I contact with further questions?
Please email [email protected] or call +44 (0)1865 315 405 and ask to speak with a member of the Admissions team who will be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
BECOMING a dragon
If you would like your child to be considered for a bursary place, please do contact our Admissions team.
Support Transformational Bursaries
All gifts are greatly valued, with regular gifts by direct debit helping to secure the school’s aims for the future. We welcome donations of all sizes and frequencies, which combined make a real difference to the lives of the pupils who benefit.
For more information on supporting the Dragon, contact Frances Wheare, Director of Development and Social Impact, or telephone on +44(0) 1865 315 415.
Discover the Dragon
Book an Open Morning
There's only one way to properly experience the Dragon, and that is to come and see us in action. We hold Open Mornings every term at both the Pre-Prep and the Prep.
How to apply
When it comes to education, one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the right school is a highly personal, two-way process and our Admissions team are on hand to answer any questions you have.
Call us on +44 (0)1865 315 405 / 413.
Discover Quest
Dragon Quest is our thrilling enrichment program where children learn new skills and try out new things, reaping the benefits of a school that places equal weight on intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Some of the activities have direct academic benefits, others are focused on building friendships and life skills.