An independent school education is a significant financial investment. In view of the fact that Ridley is committed to enrolling the most qualified and most talented students possible, we are also dedicated to providing a substantial financial assistance programme in order to help families meet their financial obligations. In the 2008-2009 academic year, approximately 200 students, representing approximately one-third of the total school enrollment, are receiving financial aid including bursaries, merit-based scholarships and loans. Families are also encouraged to take advantage of the deferred payment plan to further reduce their annual tuition costs.

To apply for assistance, students must first complete all aspects of the admission process and be offered a place at the school. For further information and application forms, please contact the Admission Office.

Ridley's Financial Assistance Programme has been developed to aid families who believe in the educational experience which is provided by the school, but are unable to meet the full financial commitment.

Through merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and a deferred payment plan, Ridley attempts to meet the needs of all students with academic promise and worthy character.

Applying for financial aid is a process separate from admission; a candidate must be formally accepted by Ridley before an application for financial assistance will be considered. All decisions by the Financial Assistance Committee regarding awards are based on completed applications submitted by parents.

The necessary forms are available from the school in January and should be completed and returned by mid-February for early consideration. For details, please contact the director of financial assistance.

Bursaries
A bursary is a grant which does not require repayment. These grants are awarded by the Financial Assistance Committee on a needs basis. An application for assistance must be submitted to be considered for a bursary. These applications require information on family assets, liabilities, income, expenses and special circumstances. 

Sibling Bursaries
When a family enrolls more than one child at the school, a tuition discount is automatically awarded to the second (third, fourth, etc.) oldest child in the family and will be applied to the student's account as of January 1st. No application is required to receive this assistance.

Merit-Based Entrance Scholarships
The scholarship programme, available only to new students seeking entrance to Ridley, offers awards of up to $15 000 annually. In addition to demonstrating high academic proficiency, the selected students must demonstrate notable achievement in a chosen category of special interest (arts, athletics, etc.). The SSAT is written on campus at Ridley in the fall, winter and spring terms.

Ridley's scholarship examination is the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). For details, go to www.ssat.org. Scholarship awards are renewed annually during a student's Ridley career conditional upon maintaining academic honours (80% and over) and a positive contribution to school life. Scholarship participants and winners may apply for need-based financial assistance should they require it.

Deferred Payment Plan
Option #1: A loan may be granted when a family demonstrates a need which is greater than can be satisfied by a bursary. The loan is normally $2,000 per year to a maximum total indebtedness of $10,000 per family. Option #2: Parents may be offered a tuition deferral of up to 20% of any one year's fees to a maximum totalindebtedness of 100% (or one full year's fees).