For context, we live near one of the top UK private boarding schools. We are a low income family - both me and my partner work, but due to having another child on the spectrum with some moderate care needs, I work school-time hours only, and we get a small amount of UC due to Carers Element.
My son is Year 10 and one of the top in his year across his STEM subjects, especially Maths. He is Grade 5 on the Piano and plays other instruments in ensembles, has constantly scored Gold or earned Kangaroo in the UKMT challenges, and is aiming high for uni. His dad and I didn't go to uni, so we are a bit ignorant about the processes.
We have been mostly happy with the school so far, but recently there has been significant issues with teacher turnover and teaching quality has become quite patchy, with frequent subs. So we have been considering looking at another 6th form if things do not improve.
One option is applying for a bursary at this private school. My concern is however, would this put him at a disadvantage in some ways? Because I know there is a certain quota of state school kids that must be taken at least at Oxbridge, so would a bursary kid be fighting against the private school cohort who have been in the independent system for much, much longer?
I also think boarding during the week could be helpful for him, as the house can be a bit of a mess/chaotic between both of us working, whirlwind sibling etc. However, he does appear to be coping okay with everything. Thank you for any advice!