Scholarships

Academic scholars additionally exhibit:

• Intellectual rigour and precision in thinking and communication
• Ability to make connections across disciplines and apply knowledge in novel contexts
• Engagement with complex ideas beyond the syllabus
• Sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills
• Effective articulation of ideas both verbally and in writing

Note: Academic excellence may manifest as either broad all-round ability or exceptional strength in particular areas (humanities, sciences, languages). Single-subject specialists demonstrating outstanding ability within their area of strength are equally valued.

A limited number of scholarships are available to entrants at age 11+ and 13+, valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum.

These will be awarded upon the results of the Admissions Examination. The scholarships are awarded at 11+ and 13+ and are tenable for one year. There is no need to apply for an academic scholarship as all applicants are automatically eligible.

Creative arts scholars additionally exhibit:

• Creative flair and artistic vision demonstrating originality
• Technical skill and craftsmanship underpinning creative expression
• Cultural awareness and appreciation of artistic traditions
• Ability to communicate meaning and evoke emotion through their chosen medium
• Willingness to take creative risks and explore unconventional approaches
• School participation: Active engagement in school arts programmes and commitment to contribute to the cultural life of the school

Creative Arts Scholarships

Creative Arts Scholarships are available at 11+ and 13+ in Music, Art, Drama and Dance. These are valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum and are tenable for one year.

Candidates may apply for one Creative Arts Scholarship only.

The successful candidates would be expected, during the tenure of their award, to make an important and continuing contribution to the creative arts at the School.

Candidates applying for a Creative Arts Scholarship may also apply for a Sports Scholarship.

Music Scholarships

Candidates at 11+ should have reached approximately the standard of grade 5 in one instrument (grade 6 for 13+ candidates). The ability to sing or some competence in a second instrument would be regarded as an additional, though not essential, qualification.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to audition and asked to play two prepared pieces of contrasting styles. Candidates may offer singing, the piano or any orchestral instrument. Both pieces may be played on the same instrument: alternatively, where two instruments are offered, one piece may be played on the candidate’s first instrument, the other on the second. Candidates will also be asked to play a piece of sight-reading on the first instrument.

Drama Scholarships

The short-listed candidates will be invited to attend individual auditions, interviews and a group workshop. Auditions will take place in front of the Head of Drama, another member of the Drama Department and the other auditionees. In addition, each child will have a short, informal interview about their performance, experience and their interest in Drama. The final session will be a whole group workshop in which the children may be asked to work on various games, improvisations and sketches together.

Art Scholarships

Candidates should prepare a portfolio of their own work. Candidates must display both a flair for, and an interest in, the subject. From the portfolios we receive, a shortlist of candidates will be drawn up and invited to attend a workshop. The morning will consist of an interview with a member of the department where candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their work and interest in art.

There will be two set tasks whereby candidates can demonstrate their talents in observational drawing, imagination and three-dimensional skills.

Dance Scholarships

11+ Dance Scholarships
Dance Scholarships at 11+ are awarded to candidates who demonstrate strong potential, creativity, and enthusiasm for dance. As Dance is primarily offered as part of the co-curricular programme in the Lower School, scholars will be expected to play an active role in the cultural life of the school through participation in clubs, workshops, and performances.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an audition consisting of a prepared solo performance and a group workshop. Candidates will also take part in an informal interview to discuss their experience and interest in dance.

13+ Dance Scholarships
Dance Scholarships at 13+ are intended for students who have developed their skills through prior training and, where applicable, through their study of Dance in Year 9 or at GCSE level. Candidates should demonstrate technical ability, artistic expression, and a clear commitment to dance.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to perform a prepared solo (2–3 minutes), which may be in any style and may be self-choreographed. This performance will form the basis of assessment, in addition to informal interview to discuss their experience and interest in dance.

Sports scholars additionally exhibit:

• Technical proficiency and tactical understanding exceeding their peer group
• Physical commitment and disciplined training regimes
• Sporting intelligence and effective decision-making under pressure
• Exemplary sportsmanship demonstrating integrity, fair play and respect
• Leadership qualities that inspire teammates
• Understanding of theoretical aspects of their sport
• School representation: Commitment to represent the school and contribute to school sport

At King Edward’s we value sport and it is a very important part of the School’s ethos. Each year a number of Sports scholarship valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum are available for those applying to join us at both at 11+ and at 13+. In addition to the receipt of an award, the recipient will be a member of the Elite Sports Performer Programme in which we support the individual’s sporting development within the whole School environment. We invite applications from children with a passion for sport who have achieved, or shown the potential to achieve, a high level of sporting performance in at least one of the School’s major sports; hockey, netball and cricket for girls, and hockey, rugby and cricket for boys.

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to attend a selection day. This will involve a morning of fitness assessment and an afternoon of team sport coaching sessions that will focus on competitive sporting performance.

Candidates may apply for a Sports Scholarship as well a Creative Arts Scholarship.

Scholarship application forms for creative arts and sports are included with admission applications. For all external candidates at 11+ and 13+, application forms are available from September and need to be completed and returned in October. External candidates at 16+ will also be required to complete a creative arts and sports scholarship application form by February.

There is no specific application for academic scholarship required, everyone that applies to the School is automatically considered for the academic scholarship. Creative arts and sports scholarship assessment for 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form entry take place in the Spring Term.

For pupils already in Year 9 and Year 11, Music and Drama applications are internally advertised for Upper School and Sixth Form scholarships. Candidates are invited to audition in the Spring Term. The auditions comprise of performance and interview with candidates required to prepare material in advance. Art scholarships for Upper School and Sixth Form are awarded through departmental nomination and assessed on merit. Internal candidates are not required to apply. 

For internal pupils moving into Years 8 and 10, assessment for sports scholarships will be through departmental nomination and awarded on merit. For pupils already in Year 11, applications for a Sixth Form sports scholarship are required and internally advertised. Candidates are invited to interview in the Spring Term.

Please contact: admissions@kes.school