A scholarship can save a fortune in private school fees

My son Nick attended a nursery and preparatory school called The Paragon in Bath and most of the children in his class went on to receive scholarships to an independent school. When Nick was at the Paragon we decided we wanted him to go to a preparatory school outside of Bath because it would broaden his horizons and experience. So at the age of 11 he applied to three secondary schools, Prior Park, Monkton Combe and Millfield, and was offered scholarships to all three. He liked Millfield and decided to go there as a boarding prep school and stayed in senior school.

We only knew about the scholarships because the principal of The Paragon had already sent two students to Millfield who had won scholarships. Nick was a good swimmer then - in fact, he was the third fastest freestyler in the country - and the director nominated him for an all-round scholarship in sports, swimming and academic achievement.

In preparation, Nick was offered a larger scholarship, which was then further increased as he entered high school. That was a big help as we were talking about the full meal allowance which accounts for around £28,000 of taxable income. Grants typically range from 10 percent. In fact, 50 percent is not uncommon for gifted children who participate fully and actively in school life, and some even achieve full tuition reductions.

There were other expenses to consider as well, such as uniforms, sports equipment and rugby tours to South Africa, Atlanta, Canada and France. However, you can argue that it's good value for money as once your kids are at school they take care of laundry, food and transport.

Nick loved Millfield and became head boy for the prep and senior schools. Millfield is special because it's like a huge comprehensive school and it's not stuffy at all. There's a real social mix. You have some people who are extremely wealthy and whose children go there, perhaps because they have some special educational need. They also get particularly gifted children who may be in a vacancy. It's very friendly - almost like a big university campus.

The school has some of the best sports facilities in the country and takes sports seriously. Nick was very good at rugby and played for the First XV and England U16s. I'm sure if he hadn't been at Millfield he wouldn't have achieved that. Academically, it's not selective, but if you're very smart, you'll do very well there. You bring out the best in every student, whatever you have.

The classes and coaching are so inspiring. Nick had a teacher who taught economics who inspired him to take that option in high school, and he received one of the top five grades in economics in the country.

He was also in the choir, was vice president of the Academic Society and was involved with Mencap Day when they opened the school to allow adults and children with disabilities to use the facilities. The students take care of the visitors and make sure they enjoy their day. Nick said it was a real leveler.

We felt involved

The pastoral care at the school was excellent and I felt very involved and informed. The caretaker was in regular contact and there was constant communication via email or post - in fact you get bombed. Millfield is only 27 miles from Bath so we would drop in at the weekends to watch Nick play rugby and he would come home every third weekend.

The only thing Nick found frustrating was not being able to get his car there after passing his test. Still, it was a convivial school. They had an on-site bar for the sixth graders and wonderful balls and events. In many ways I'm glad he was down there with friends and what he was doing socially was constructive. Pupils at Bath day schools seem to spend most of their free time in pubs and bars.

Nick is now studying law at Durham University. His first choice was St John's College, Cambridge, but it's very academic and places are very limited. When he found out he hadn't gotten in, he was disappointed, but only for about an hour.

He loves Durham and has met many different people there. He hasn't been to school for so long I'm used to him not being around and I don't get the empty nest syndrome that I'm sure a lot of parents have.

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