BOLTON School is increasing the number of assisted places available in the wake of the credit crunch.

The independent school says it has experienced an increase in the number of parents seeking help with fees.

And this week the school announced it would be extending its bursary scheme to help more children.

The announcement came just weeks after a report found that the current economic climate could soon hit private schools, with fewer children applying.

Bolton School’s clerk and treasurer, Simon Marsden, said: “Despite the economic downturn, application numbers are commensurate with past years.

“In September, 2009, we are hoping to help out more pupils than ever with their fees. We currently assist 290 pupils with their tuition costs — with a third of these receiving full payment of their fees.”

He added: “We have had a few more than usual requests for help with payment of fees. As expected, parents who are involved in property sectors have suffered.”

The school said providing financial help was part of the school’s ethos, which dates back to 1913 when it was re-endowed by Lord Leverhulme.

He wanted to offer an education to children regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances. Around 15 per cent of pupils at the school are from families whose income is below the national average. Mr Marsden said it was difficult to estimate how many extra pupils would benefit from assistance.

But he said: “But we do try very hard to not disrupt a child’s education, particularly in the critical examination years.

“We are able to assist, where we can, parents who experience a change of circumstances, such as redundancy, illness, death or a downturn in business."