Scholarships

Scholarships are available to pupils who demonstrate high ability, interest beyond the curriculum and a willingness to make a significant contribution to the life of the School.

Scholarships are held through to Year 13, but a scholar’s performance and contribution to the School are reviewed annually.

Mr Will Phelan - Head

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YEAR 7 SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

ACADEMIC

In Year 7, children who have performed exceptionally well in Entrance Examinations for English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning papers, will be called for an interview with either the Head, Mr Will Phelan or the relevant Head of Department. During this interview, candidates will be asked to discuss a subject of special interest to them.

Scholars are expected to take a lead in the School community and are invited to participate in the scholars' Excelsior Forum. This forum is managed and organised by Sixth Form scholars, under the supervision of the Head of Mathematics and provides an annual program of debates and discussions along with Guest Speakers. 

The following shows a typical half-term’s offering in our Excelsior Forum programme:

excelsior Forum
Week 1	Sixth Form Lecture Series - our Sixth Form Academic Scholars produce a range of 'mini lectures' on topics of their choice
Week 2	Languages - An Introduction to Italian
Week 3	Biology - Jessica Foley (Bristol University PhD) - The evolution of long life: a case study in butterflies
Week 4	Mathematics - GCHQ - How Mathematics is used in cybersecurity to protect the UK from cyber-attacks, terrorism and espionage
Week 5	Latin - Dr Shelley Hales (University of Bristol) ‘Eating in Pompeii and Herculaneum’.
Week 6	Careers - Admissions officer from Merton College, Oxford: Applying to competitive universities
Week 7	Physical Education - Nick Butter – the man who ran a marathon in every country in the world

Scholars in Years 7-9 will have academic tutorials throughout the year, in which they will be challenged to enhance their current academic performance as well as to think critically and analytically in a range of thought-provoking tasks. As part of this process, pupils will be encouraged to participate in academic competitions, short online courses and co-curricular reading.

Throughout the year, our Academic Scholars and more academically able pupils will have the opportunity to join a number of enriching activities run by the various departments. In Years 9-10, these include HPQ (Higher Project Qualification), Language and Science Olympiads and UKMT Junior, Intermediate and Senior Mathematics Challenge.

MUSIC

Music scholarships are awarded for excellent musical skill and aptitude. Depending on the instruments offered, children applying for Year 7 entry should be performing at Grade 3 (associated board) or above.

All elements of the audition are conducted by the Head of Senior School Music. One piece on each instrument/voice applied for the scholarship should be prepared. Sight reading and aural tests appropriate to the relevant grade will also take place. This will be followed by an interview to discuss the child's particular interest in music, and candidates should also provide references from relevant music and instrumental teachers.

SPORTS

Candidates applying for a Sports Scholarship should have reached a high standard (e.g. County level) in their chosen sport or at least have the potential to achieve this, or a higher level. Alongside their application, they will be asked to provide references from their sports coaches and will be expected to perform in a variety of sports-related skills and games during their sports assessment. They will also need to demonstrate a keen interest in their chosen sport/s, as well as be committed to representing the School, as and when required to do so. 

Candidates who have an aptitude and show genuine talent for an individual sport for which the School does not field a team could also be considered for a Sports Scholarship. The Head of Sport will recommend potential current pupils who may be considered to be a sports scholar and invite them for an interview. Prospective pupils may apply and attend our Sports Scholarship selection day. 

Provision for Sports Scholars - Year 7-9 pupils will be mentored by a carefully selected older pupil in the School, who will act as a role model and be mentored by a member of the Sports Department, who will champion their successes and monitor their individual progress. Each Sports Scholar will also attend weekly Strength and Conditioning sessions, ‘Sports Podium’ talks from a range of professional and motivational speakers, and participate in specialised sports scholar trips throughout the year.

REALISING INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE

Some pupils feel that their particular talents or abilities lie in the area of creative or performing arts, or are more niche and do not necessarily fall under a traditional academic field. The School values such talents and offers pupils the opportunity to apply for a Year 7 Realising Individual Brilliance Scholarship. References from coaches/teachers or evidence of these abilities should be provided upon application for the scholarship.