An independent school is reducing its sixth form scholarship scheme in a bid to cut costs.

Fears that Swaminarayan School would have to withdraw its sixth form have now been allayed, but in a letter to parents headteacher Nilseh Manani has made clear his decision to bring in a more “formalised” approach to providing money off to students taking their A-levels.

For the students applying for a place in February at the £4,310 per term school in Brentfield Road, the maximum scholarship has been capped at 40 per cent. For those Year 11 students who apply elsewhere but consequently decide to take up a place at The Swaminarayan in August or September, the maximum scholarship will be capped at 30pc.

There will be no discount offered to prospective students who apply for a place in the sixth from other schools.

Mr Manani said: “It is our duty to closely align our teaching resources to match the needs of incoming sixth form students and not be left with any surplus teaching capacity.

“We ask for your kind understanding in this matter and hope we can continue to count on your support during these difficult times.

“It goes without saying that we strongly believe that we offer the best education and future for our pupils in a very cost effective manner and we endeavour to continue to strive for this.”

Brent Cllr Ketan Sheth added: “Both the parents and pupils have endured much anxiety about the possibility of the school withdrawing the sixth form. I think this is an excellent decision that will provide certainty for parents and continuity for the pupils.”

For more information visit swaminarayan.brent.sch.uk.