The provision of means-tested Assisted Places is a central part of the purpose of the school to enable able boys, whatever their financial circumstances, to attend the school. The scheme supports about 30 - 35 pupils in each year. These places are awarded to successful 11+ candidates whose parents could not otherwise afford to send their son to the school. The funds are provided both by the King Edward Foundation and by donations from former pupils. Although the school spends over £1m on Assisted Places each year, there are not sufficient funds to provide for all the successful 11+ candidates who apply for Assisted Places. Thus, the standard of performance in the examination is also a factor in the distribution of the funds.

The amount of support is calculated on the basis of the family income. In some circumstances the school will pay full fees for a pupil, for example if the household income is under £20,000, and about 10% of pupils are here for free. At the other end of the scale, the school's financial support will run out at an annual income of about £71,000. In between there is a sliding scale of assistance, for example with a household income of £45,000 parents would be expected to contribute about £3,000 towards the fees. Parents must apply for this scheme before the examination and it is necessary for parents to complete forms about their financial situation.

The scale of fees payable is here.

Pupils on full Assisted Places may be entitled to free school meals, free travel, a uniform grant and payment for compulsory educational trips, for example GCSE field trips. Parents may also receive help with other educational trips, for example Shell camp at the end of Year 7.