The Purcell School for Young Musicians
The Purcell School is a boarding and day school for young musicians, and Britain's oldest independent music school. Based in Bushey, near Watford and close to London, The Purcell School offers a rounded education with music at its heart. The Purcell School is funded largely by the Government's Music and Dance Scheme which, along with our own scholarship funds, ensures all pupils join the School on the strength of their musical potential irrespective of their parents' ability to pay.
Head's name:
Mr Paul Bambrough (Principal)
ISC associations: The Society of Heads, AGBIS, ISBA
Religious affiliation: Non-denominational
Day/boarding type: Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Gender profile: Coeducational
Size: 192
The Purcell School for Young Musicians fees:
Boarding fees per term:
£12,567
to £14,492 (excl VAT)
Day fees per term:
£9,843
to £11,351
(excl VAT)
Scholarships & bursaries:
Available
ISC reference number:
12941
DfE reference number:
919 / 6239
Boys - age range & pupil numbers:
Day: 9 to 19 (22)
Boarding: 9 to 19 (69)
Sixth Form: (45)
Girls - age range & pupil numbers:
Day: 9 to 19 (19)
Boarding: 9 to 19 (82)
Sixth Form: (49)
Fees
The Purcell School is committed to providing the best education available to talented musicians, regardless of financial means. We are able to do this with the support of the Government and a selection of trusts and private sponsors.
The fees for the academic year 2018/19 are:
| Annual | Termly | |
| Boarding | £33,156 | £11,052 |
| Day | £25,968 | £8,656 |
Fees are payable in advance at the beginning of each term. The School fee covers the full cost of tuition, including up to three hours of instrumental tuition each week. Boarding fees include accommodation, all meals and laundry costs.
The School offers financial assistance with fees in the following ways:
Music and Dance Scheme
Bursaries are available for those students who meet the eligibility criteria under the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme. The scheme is means-tested, and the table below gives an indication of approximately how much parents will be asked to pay.
| Gross Family Income/Annum | Annual Contribution to be made by Parent | |
| Day | Boarding | |
| £190,000 | £24,180 | £32,298 |
| £185,000 | £23,430 | £31,299 |
| £80,000 | £7,680 | £10,299 |
| £50,000 | £3,420 | £4,749 |
| £30,000 | £1,380 | £1,719 |
| £10,000 | £0 | £0 |
Please be aware that special rules apply to European Union students over the age of 16 and UK citizens living abroad.
School Bursaries
Students who are not eligible for the MDS Scheme may apply for assistance from the School’s Bursary fund. Funding is based on need and parents are required to declare their financial circumstances for consideration by the School’s Bursary Committee.
Parents of prospective students are welcome to discuss their individual circumstances with the Bursar, either when visiting the school for auditions or over the telephone, so that a broad indication of their likely contribution to fees can be provided. Bursary staff are always available at Open Mornings to give additional information or advice.
Enquiries should be directed to the School Bursar, Ms Aideen McNamara, on [email protected] and 01923 331127, or the Finance Office on [email protected] and 01923 331106.
Scholarships & Bursaries offered
- Music scholarships
- Bursaries for new entrants
- Hardship awards for existing pupils
Disclaimer: Data is provided by the school, ISC is not responsible for inaccuracies