Admissions Update

Every year there is a high level of interest in Scholarships and recently we expanded the number of categories available for particularly able or talented candidates.

The scholarships available range from Academic, Art and Performing Arts (Choral, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre including Dance) to Sport. In addition, exceptional candidates who are both academically able and gifted and talented across a number of areas may be considered for an All-Rounder Scholarship, which would be awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

The number of awards is limited. Scholarships can be to a maximum reduction of 50% of tuition fees, however the majority are between 5% and 20%, and are awarded at point of entry. More than one scholarship can be applied for.

It is now possible to complete an online registration form and at the same time pay the registration fee. You can also upload completed scholarship applications should you so wish.

To start your registration and to view and download all our scholarship forms please click here.

Academic Scholarships

Candidates applying for entry to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be automatically considered for an academic scholarship when taking the Entrance Examination.

During their time at Princethorpe academic scholars are invited to attend guest lectures and will be offered a variety of opportunities for stretch and challenge, such as undertaking a Project Qualification.

Scholarship Interviews

Prospective Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils who are being considered for an Academic Scholarship will be invited to an interview with the Headmaster, Mr du Toit, following the entrance examinations. The parents/guardians of these candidates will be contacted by telephone from Thursday 14 November 2024. Only those being considered for these awards will be contacted.

The interviews will take place on Saturday 16 November 2024 and during the week commencing Monday 18 November 2024.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available up to 100% of tuition fees and additional educational expenses. Bursary and Thomas More Scholarship applications are made via an online system and supporting evidence will be required.

Applications for bursaries are means-tested and reviewed by external consultants. The deadline for bursary applications is Friday 27 September 2024. Those applications which do not meet the necessary criteria will be notified before the Entrance Examinations.

Click here for more information on Bursaries and the means-tested Thomas More Scholarship aimed at Catholic children who attend a Catholic state primary school.

At Sixth Form level there are a range of scholarships available, from Academic to Art, Drama, Music (including Organ) and Sports Scholarships. All scholarships are open to both our current pupils and those applying from other schools.

Full details and assessment dates will be confirmed in the Sixth Form Admissions 2025 Information Booklet, which is published in September, but in outline, all applications for scholarships must be made by the registration date of Monday 20 January to be considered.

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships are available to external candidates who are expected to achieve 7, 8 or 9 grades at GCSE.

If appropriate candidates will be invited to attend the Sixth Form Acadamic Scholarship Day, which comprises a verbal reasoning examination, an interview with the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form, taster lessons in two A-level option subjects, lunch and a tour of school.

Sixth Form Sport Scholarships

Candidates should submit a portfolio and detailed account of their reasons for the application supported by references from their coach/activity leaders.

Following a review of the portfolios, as appropriate, candidates will be invited to the Sports Scholarship Assessment Day.

Sixth Form Art Scholarships

Candidates attend an Art Scholarship Assessment Day.

Requirements:

Candidates should have achieved high standards in their GCSE courses (predicted 7, 8 or 9).

Portfolio work would also be expected to contain evidence of creative endeavours outside the confines of school GCSE coursework and be supported by a reference from their Head of Art.

The candidates will be expected to have excellent observational drawing skills and be able to draw from a still life during the interview day.

A WeTransfer of up to 20 images of artwork, in JPEG format, must be included with the application and sent to Princethorpe College by the application deadline.

Candidates will also be expected to bring a portfolio showing work from their previous two years. 3D work should not be brought, photographic evidence of 3D work being sufficient, or as images on the CD.

Art Scholarship Assessment Day:

Candidates will undertake some drawing and design exercises in the art studios and will also be interviewed by the Head of Art with their portfolios of artwork (portfolios should include recent GCSE coursework and evidence of work created outside school)

Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Art Course.

Sixth Form Music Scholarships

Requirements:

A standard of Grade 7 ABRSM or equivalent in any instrument.

A second instrument, which will probably be at a lower standard than the first. In certain cases it may be possible to begin a second instrument on entry.

The Audition

All candidates must attend a practical examination. At the audition they will be required to:

• Perform 2 pieces on the instrument of their first choice.
• Perform 1 piece on the instrument of their second choice.
• Sing a song of their own choice.
• Play the panel’s selection of scales and arpeggios from the ABRSM grade that best reflects their current standard and undertake an aural test of the same standard.
• Participate in a viva voce, where they will be asked about their music-making, hobbies, etc.

Piano accompaniments should be brought to the audition. An accompanist will be provided unless a candidate prefers to be accompanied by an external accompanist they elect to bring with them. Candidates are advised to perform music with which they are comfortable with, rather than playing music which is technically beyond them.

Names and addresses of two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school music teacher or conductor of a choir or orchestra in which the candidate regularly performs.

Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Music course.

Sixth Form Drama Scholarships

Requirements:

Candidates should have achieved high standards in their GCSE drama course (predicted 7-9).

A proven track record of dedication to school co-curricular drama productions and a commitment for this to continue in the Sixth Form.

Candidates to have demonstrated leadership qualities in drama related activities, such as directing or mentoring.

The Audition

All candidates must attend an audition. At the audition they will be required to:

• Perform two 2 minute contrasting monologues, one contemporary and one from pre 1950.
• Submit a theatre review of a recent production seen by the candidate.
• Present other supporting evidence for their application.
• Participate in a viva voce on a play they have studied and a company/theatre practitioner/theatrical style that has particularly inspired them.

Names and addresses of two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school drama teacher or the leader of a drama company in which the candidate regularly performs.

Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Theatre Studies course.

Sixth Form and Scholarship offers

Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers, along with confirmation of option subject choices, will be made at the end of March.