Each year the School awards Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form scholarships to students who show exceptional academic, musical and/or creative potential. The number of scholarships awarded varies from year to year according to the calibre of the candidates.

The scholarships are competitive, open to both internal and external candidates and are not means tested. The majority of scholarships are in the range of 15 – 40% day fees. The value of a single or accumulation of awards shall not exceed half the day fees.

Scholarships are reviewed annually and pupils awarded scholarships will be monitored regularly and are expected to achieve satisfactory results in their work at the School.

Parents should bear in mind that there are only a few scholarships awarded each year and competition is very tough. The examinations are competitive and getting to the final interview stage does not guarantee an award.

Junior scholarships are awarded into Years 3 and 4 and are valid until the end of Year 6. There is then the opportunity to sit the scholarship for the Senior School. For those who are entering Year 7 the scholarship ends after Year 11. For girls entering Year 8 or Year 9, scholarships will continue to the end of the Sixth Form.

All scholarship candidates must be recommended by their current Head teacher. The School does not issue past papers or specific results. The examinations look for potential. The second stage, the interview, looks to confirm the academic results. The scholarships will be awarded by the Scholarship Committee on the merit of applicants on a competitive basis. The Committee will not be required to give reasons for the granting or refusal of awards and examination results are not published.  

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

These scholarships are open to girls who will enter Years 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and LVI in the September following the scholarship examination.

External candidates must be recommended by their present Head teacher, internal candidates by their tutors and in the case of Year 6 girls their form teachers. Emphasis is placed on the fact that it is potential rather than present knowledge being sought and therefore it is not appropriate to 'cram' for these examinations.  

The procedure consists of written examinations. For entry to Years 7, 8 and 9, these take place in January and consist of papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. (These are our normal Entrance Examinations). Syllabi can be obtained from the Registrar but past papers are not circulated.

On the basis of the marks obtained from written papers, short listed candidates are invited for interview.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the interview, the examination marks and the reference. No marks are divulged. It is possible to enter for both an Academic and a Music scholarship.   

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

These scholarships are open to girls who will enter Years 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and LVI in the September following the scholarship examination.

Music candidates are expected to pass the Entrance Examination and demonstrate a good standard of musical ability in two or more instruments. Voice may be offered as one instrument. Fees for one musical instrument or voice may be paid over and above the scholarship award, for music lessons either within or outside the School, at the discretion of the Headmistress.

Auditions are in the selected instruments or voice. It is potential that is being sought. With few exceptions candidates are expected to have already reached the standards listed below, whether examinations have been taken or not.

Short listed candidates are invited for interview with the Headmistress and Senior Teacher. (Curriculum)

Entry into Year 7

• Grade 3 in first instrument
• Grade 1 in second instrument

Entry into Year 8

• Grade 4 in first instrument
• Grade 2 in second instrument

Entry into Year 9

• Grade 5 in first instrument
• Grade 3 in second instrument

Entry into Sixth Form

• Grade 6 in first instrument
• Grade 3 in second instrument

The Director of Music would welcome the opportunity to discuss a candidate's chances before that candidate is entered. 

Music scholars are expected to support the Music department, give service to the choirs and orchestras and study Music up to and including GCSE.

CREATIVE (Art, Drama and Sport) SCHOLARSHIPS

These are available to girls entering the School in Year 9 or LVI. Girls are invited in for an assessment/practical and interview with the Head of the Department. Short listed candidates are invited for interview with the Headmistress and Senior Teacher. (Curriculum)

For SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS, examinations take place in November. Candidates sit papers in two subjects of their own choice and also write a general paper. The procedure is exactly the same as that already described above. Any Year 11 student may enter for a scholarship, but it is advisable to discuss this with their tutor before making this decision. Short listed candidates are called for interview. No marks are divulged at any stage, and it is on the examination marks and interviews that the final decisions are made. Previous academic record and predictions are not taken into account.

Acceptance of a Sixth Form scholarship is conditional upon accepting a place in the Sixth Form. For details please contact the Registrar

Overseas candidates studying GCSE or IGCSE may be considered for scholarships if appropriate arrangements for testing can be made. Candidates not studying GCSE or IGCSE will only be considered if they are able to attend the School in early November to sit the examinations and be available for interview.

Scholarships are advertised annually; enquiries should be directed to the Registrar for examination dates.