Scholarships & Bursaries

We offer a range of academic and non-academic scholarships to pupils who have achieved a high standard and who demonstrate potential to excel. Please see below for details on the scholarships available and the different processes for selection.

Scholarship awards are typically between 5% and 15% of tuition fees. All award holders are expected to work hard and to be fully involved in the life of the school.

Parents who have any queries about scholarships and bursaries should contact the Finance Office on 0117 965 3376.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS AT 11+ & 16+ entry

The Year 7 entrance examination identifies potential academic scholars. All prospective pupils are automatically considered and no separate application is required.

The Head will invite high performers to an interview. If successful, scholars enjoy their award for the duration of their education, provided they continue good academic performance, progress and conduct.

ENTRY TO OTHER YEAR GROUPS

All applicants, regardless of entry point, are considered for an academic scholarship following their entrance assessment and interview with the Head. Those that perform to a very high standard may enjoy a scholarship for the duration of their education, subject to continued good academic performance, progress and conduct.

SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS AT 11+ & 16+ entry

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

These scholarships are for candidates who have achieved a high standard of performance in one or more sports, usually at county or national level.

Priority is usually given to those pupils achieving recognition in the school’s major sports:

Girls: hockey, netball, tennis and cricket

Boys: rugby, cricket, tennis and hockey

Of course, we will consider applications from those with significant achievements in other sport, too.

Sports Scholars should display the following:

The ability to represent the school in a range of competitive sports included within the school programme
A committed and dedicated approach to sport, showing a genuine aptitude to achieve
A good standard of personal health and fitness

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTION?

Submit a completed registration form and scholarship application form (available from the Admissions Team), accompanied by a reference from the pupil’s sports coach.
Attend an assessment day where performance in a variety of sports and tasks is used to help test sporting potential.
We will require evidence of experience and expertise and any contributions to club or school performance.
We assess candidates for 11+ sports scholarships in January, usually the week after the entrance examination.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS AT 11+ & 16+ entry

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Pupils can audition for a music scholarship with instruments or voice. We award scholarships to pupils who will contribute significantly to school music and pupils with a natural flair for performing and / or composing, which may include improvisation.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate musical ability of at least grade 4 standard for entry at 11+ on at least one instrument (or voice).
We normally expect higher standards for older applicants, although we do not require grade examination certificates. We are happy to explore future potential.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTION?

Submit a completed registration form and scholarship application form (available from the Admissions Team).
Play two contrasting pieces of prepared music lasting no more than 10 minutes in total. (Candidates are responsible for providing their own accompanist, if needed. In cases of difficulty, one of the music staff may be able to play for you, providing adequate notice is given).
Have an informal discussion with the head of music about past and present musical activities and what they enjoy about music making. (Feel free to bring any evidence to support this discussion.)
Take tests of aural recognition, sight-reading, or improvisation, all appropriate to the level of entry.
Assessments for the 11+ music scholarships are in January, usually on the same day as the entrance assessments. Candidates may perform on any combination of instruments or voice.

ART SCHOLARSHIPS AT 11+ & 16+ entry

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Art scholarship candidates should display an aptitude for the following:

Observational and analytical skills.
The ability to use practical materials with control and precision.
Breadth and depth of approach and an understanding of contextual studies within art and design.
An ability to make an informed connection with the work of artists and crafts people.
Commitment and dedication to art, showing a genuine aptitude to achieve.
Genuine commitment, interest and motivation in art.
Candidates’ portfolios should demonstrate evidence of a variety of skills and interests.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTION?

Submit a completed registration form and scholarship application form (available from the Admissions Team).
Compile a portfolio of work for the assessment day. The portfolio should contain work in a variety of media. 3D work such as clay or papier-mâché may be included, packed carefully in a named container.
Have an interview with the Director of Creative Arts or the Head of Art.
Assessments for the 11+ art scholarships are in January, usually on the same day as the entrance assessments.
We schedule 16+ art assessments individually.

DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS AT 11+ & 16+ entry

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Drama scholarship candidates should display the following:

Excellent vocal skills, clear articulation and projection.
Stage presence.
Imagination and creativity.
A passion and flair for the subject.
Contribution to school drama.
An interest in drama outside of the school.

Please bring supporting records of achievement, certificates or public speaking awards to the interview.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTION?

Submit a completed registration form and scholarship application form (available from the Admissions Team).
After a group warm-up exercise, applicants will perform a prepared speech (We will send the speech in good time to all candidates).
Perform a set piece of sight-reading given on the day.
Perform an improvisation in response to a task.
The interview and audition will take place with the Director of Expressive Arts or members of the Drama Department.
We hold assessments for 11+ entry in January of entry, usually on the same day as the entrance assessments.
We schedule 16+ drama assessments individually.

BURSARIES

The Governors of Collegiate School are committed to broadening access to the school. At the point of entry into the Senior School, parents may apply for means-tested financial support in the form of a bursary. The school is fortunate to receive support from the Hilborne Foundation, the Roger Newport Foundation and the Old Colstonian Charitable Trust, among others, to facilitate this.

Prospective parents wishing to apply for a bursary must indicate this on their registration form and complete the bursary application form. All bursary applicants pay a £50 administration charge (non-refundable) and complete a statement of financial circumstances. The school uses an external bursary consultant to help facilitate the application process. A bursary award is typically 10-25% of fees, higher awards are only made in the most exceptional circumstances.