Scholarships

Princethorpe College Scholarships and Bursaries

Every year there is a high level of interest in Scholarships and for 2025 we have a variety of scholarships that children can be awarded.

The scholarships available range from Art and Performing Arts (Choral, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre including Dance) to Sport. All children who sit the entrance exams are automatically considered for an academic scholarship, and no further application forms are required. 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.

Registration can now be completed online, and you are able to pay the registration fee at the same time. You can apply for scholarships at the point of registration and you will be asked to attach your completed scholarship forms.

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 which is aimed at Catholic children who attend a Catholic state primary school.

Sixth Form Scholarships

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships 

External Candidates

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

Those who wish to be considered should make an application by the deadline date of Monday 20 January 2025, and if appropriate will be invited to attend the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship Day on Tuesday 11 February 2025. The Academic Scholarship Day will comprise 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.

Internal Candidates

Internal candidates are also able to apply for the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship as well as Art, Drama, Music, Organ and Sport Scholarships.

To do so they must complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form and write a ‘personal statement’ outlining their achievements to date and why they feel they would make an excellent candidate for the scholarship (maximum 500 words).

Those pupils who currently have a scholarship will normally retain their award for Sixth Form, but must also complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form to re-apply for the scholarship.

The deadline for this application is Monday 20 January 2025. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar.

Prospective award holders may be interviewed in early March. Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 31 March 2025. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

Sixth Form Sport Scholarships

Sport Scholarships may be awarded to internal or external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The candidates should submit a portfolio and detailed account of their reasons for the application supported by references from their coach/activity leaders, plus a video of their sporting highlights in their main sport.

The final document should be forwarded to our Registrar by Monday 20 January 2025. Following a review of the portfolios, as appropriate, candidates will be invited to the Sports Scholarship Assessment Day on Friday 14 February 2025.

Sixth Form Art Scholarships

A Sixth Form Art Scholarship is available to internal or external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The deadline to apply is Monday 20 January 2025 and the Art Scholarship Assessment Day will take place on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

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

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 emailed to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk 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 a 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).

Internal Candidates for Art Scholarships

Internal candidates are not required to submit a portfolio, however they will be required to attend the Art Scholarship Assessment Day. They will be considered by the Headmaster based on their performance in the GCSE examinations and feedback from the Head of Art.

Sixth Form Music Scholarships

A Sixth Form Music Scholarship is available to external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The deadline for applications is Monday 20 January 2025 and Scholarship Auditions will take place the week commencing Monday 10 February 2025. Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Music course.

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.

Sixth Form Organ Scholarship

A Sixth Form Organ Scholarship of up to 50% of tuition fees is available to candidates who have a high level of ability and are committed and enthusiastic performers; the successful candidate will be expected to play in the College Chapel on Sunday at 10.15am, Mass during term time, and other functions. Applications addressed to the Registrar should be received by the deadline of Monday 20 January 2025 and Scholarship Auditions will take place the week commencing Monday 10 February 2025.

Candidates will be required to perform a short piece and be interviewed by the Director of Music and Headmaster as part of the selection process.

Internal Candidates for Music and Organ Scholarships

Internal candidates do not have to apply for Sixth Form Music and Organ Scholarships. They will be considered by the Headmaster based on their performance in the GCSE examinations and feedback from the Director of Music.

Sixth Form Drama Scholarships

A Sixth Form Drama Scholarship is available to internal and external candidates entering the Sixth Form. Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Theatre Studies course. The deadline for applications is Monday 22 January 2024 and Scholarship Auditions will take place week commencing Monday 5 February 2024.

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.

Sixth Form and Scholarship offers

Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers, along with confirmation of option subject choices, will be made the week commencing Monday 31 March 2025.

The deadline for acceptances of Sixth Form places and Scholarship offers is Wednesday 30 April 2025.