Scholarships
At KES, we are committed to recognising and nurturing exceptional talent across all areas of school life. Our scholarship programme celebrates excellence in academic achievement, sporting prowess, and artistic creativity, providing enhanced educational opportunities for our most gifted pupils.
Our scholarships offer both financial recognition and access to specialist enrichment programmes designed to maximise each scholar's potential while embodying our core values of keeping growing, doing the right thing, and lifting others.
What It Means to Be "Scholarly" at KES
A KES scholar consistently demonstrates:
- Excellence in their field: Distinguished ability and achievement that exceeds age-appropriate expectations
- Independent thinking: Bold, critical thinking that challenges conventional approaches and demonstrates original thought
- Inquisitive learning: Deep curiosity that drives them to ask insightful questions and explore beyond set parameters
- Intrinsic motivation: A natural internal drive to pursue mastery without requiring external rewards
- Resilience: The ability to learn from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and persevere through difficulties
- Community spirit: Willingness to share knowledge and skills to elevate others and contribute positively to the KES community
- Growth mindset: Continuous self-improvement and openness to feedback and new approaches
- Collaborative communication: The ability to work effectively with others, listen to alternative viewpoints, and communicate ideas clearly
We offer scholarships in five key areas: Academic Scholarships, Music Scholarships, Art Scholarships, Drama Scholarships and Sports Scholarships
Financial Awards
All scholarships provide a 2.5% fee remission regardless of category, ensuring parity across all disciplines while focusing on the enhanced educational experience rather than primarily financial benefit.
Special Awards: The Chant Music Award provides additional financial recognition for exceptional musical talent in the Sixth Form.
Academic 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.
Creative Arts Scholarships (Art, Drama, Music)
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
Sports Scholarships
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
Application & Selection Process
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
