Scholarships

Learn more about academic scholarships

Academic Scholars are expected to show strong academic ability or potential. The award of an Academic Scholarship is made, in most cases, upon the candidate’s performance in interviews, a group discussion based on current affairs, an online standardised attainment test, a lesson that is observed in which pupils will work collaboratively to complete specific tasks (for example doing a science experiment) and Academic Scholarship papers in all of the following

• English
• Mathematics
• Science with sections on Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Humanities with sections on Geography, History and Religious Studies
• Either French or Spanish (listening, speaking and writing)
• Candidates may also offer Latin or Greek

Academic Scholars in Year 9 will participate in Sedbergh’s 9 Star programme. This provides unparalleled preparation for Oxbridge, Russell Group and top US universities and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Sedbergh’s highest achievers will attain a mental agility that will set them up to be able to compete with top scholars all over the world.

Academic Scholars are also expected to participate in academic societies and activities beyond the curriculum, including the Phoenix Society – the academic enrichment society for pupils in Year 9, 10 and 11 that exposes participants to topics outside their regular curriculum and pushes them to think critically, debate ideas, solve problems and confront the challenge of cognitive dissonance.

Art Scholarships are awarded for outstanding performance in the visual arts, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Art.

Candidates should bring a portfolio of artwork, which may include paintings and drawings, made from observation or through imagination. Other work, such as prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture, will be very welcome. A candidate may be a specialist in any area of art. Candidates’ portfolios will be discussed at interview. As a practical assessment, candidates will be required to draw from still life.

Art Scholars are expected to take GCSE Art or Photography, and strongly encouraged to take A level Art. Art Scholars receive extra tuition through open sessions twice a week, special workshops and through attending exhibitions and galleries.

Design & Technology Scholarships are awarded for capability and potential in Design & Technology, particularly in the fields of Resistant Materials and Computer Aided Design, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Design & Technology.

All candidates should bring a portfolio of design work which can include an understanding of iconic design, design ideas, development sketches and/or models, technical skills, craftsmanship, CAD/CAM work, manufactured work completed outside of school or work that displays engineering principles. Candidates’ portfolios will be discussed at interview with the Head of Design & Technology. Where possible candidates are encouraged to bring examples of their practical work. There is a written paper comprising questions on theory of materials, processes and graphic work, and a short practical design task.

Design & Technology Scholars are expected to take GCSE Design & Technology, and strongly encouraged to take A Level Design & Technology. To further develop their talent, Design & Technology Scholars have the opportunity to participate in open sessions, workshops and industry visits.

Drama Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates; performers who demonstrate creative thinking and the ability to communicate innovative ideas and enthusiasm for the discipline, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Drama.

For the practical assessment, candidates will need to prepare a short piece of their choice, of no more than three minutes duration, to be performed to an audience. Candidates will be asked to participate in a practical Drama workshop. Candidates should bring a portfolio of work to include any relevant qualifications gained (e.g. LAMDA examinations) and evidence of their involvement within productions, and their depth and range of experience within the Dramatic Arts. The portfolio could also include reviews of live theatre they have experienced.

Drama Scholars are expected to participate in all productions. Drama Scholars receive year-round coaching and talent development as well as trips to see a variety of live performances.

Equestrian Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional skills in both riding and horse care.

Candidates will be expected to show a wide range of disciplines within their riding skills, to be competing regularly and to have a proven and successful record. The rider should be riding at either novice level in dressage, showjumping at 60-70cm or showing to a high-level.

Candidates would be expected to represent the school at equestrian events and help organise riding events held at Sedbergh Prep School.

Application forms should be accompanied by the rider’s CV and video footage. At the scholarship day, candidates will be assessed by the School’s BHSAI coach in several riding disciplines on their own horse/pony. They will also be interviewed by the Equestrian Team Manager (including questions on horse knowledge and care).

Music Scholarships are awarded to enthusiastic, talented young musicians who are on an excellent trajectory and can demonstrate skill and aptitude. This is measured by an understanding of experience to date combined with an assessment by Sedbergh School’s Director of Music.

For Y9 entry, we would expect that candidates would be playing at a standard equivalent to Grade 5 in their main instrument, including Voice. However, it must be stressed that no formal qualification is expected; ability, trajectory and potential is more important than any exams passed. Candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces to perform in the scholarship assessment. The assessment will last approximately 45 minutes, and will also include general musicianship tests (including some sight reading) as well as an interview with the Director of Music. A candidate offering singing (without another instrument) may be awarded a Choral Scholarship.

Thornely Scholarship

The Thornely Music Scholarships offer students an exceptional opportunity to develop their musical talents within a supportive and enriching environment. The Thornely Music Scholarship provides an inspiring and supportive environment where they can thrive musically, academically, and personally. Learn more.

Sport Scholarships are awarded to those displaying exceptional talent and potential in two or more sporting disciplines, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Sport and through interviews with Directors of specific sports.

Candidates will be expected to furnish evidence of achievement to date and supporting documentary testimonials from teachers or coaches at School and Club levels. Candidates will undergo a practical assessment of ability in at least one of Sedbergh’s main team sports: Athletics/Running, Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Rugby. Candidates may also put forward secondary individual sports to be assessed alongside the team sports, from Target Shooting, Swimming and Tennis.

Candidates must offer two or more sports for assessment and should be expect to be assessed in a minimum of two disciplines. The Application Form should clearly indicate the rank order in which they wish to be assessed. Parents will be advised which sports are timetabled as part of the assessment.

Sport Scholars will receive focused seasonal training, year-round coaching sessions, body conditioning and dietary advice throughout the academic year. Sport Scholars will be expected to attend all coaching sessions, train year-round and be available to attend all School matches and competitions.

Learn more about academic scholarships

The award of an Academic Scholarship is made, in most cases, upon the candidate’s performance in interviews, an online standardised attainment test, and in two one-hour papers, in subjects of the candidate’s choice, of two subjects that they plan to study at A Level.

Academic Scholars in Sixth Form will benefit from Oxbridge and Russell Group mentoring by Sedbergh’s Oxbridge Tutor Team. They will also participate in School of Athens, the academic enrichment society for the Sixth Form.

Art Scholarships are awarded for outstanding performance in the visual arts, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Art.

Candidates should bring a portfolio of artwork, which may include paintings and drawings, made from observation or through imagination. Other work, such as prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture, will be very welcome. A candidate may be a specialist in any area of art. Candidates’ portfolios will be discussed at interview. As a practical assessment, candidates will be required to draw from still life.

Sixth Form Art Scholars are expected to take A level Art. Art Scholars receive extra tuition through open sessions twice a week, special workshops and through attending exhibitions and galleries.

Design & Technology Scholarships are awarded for capability and potential in Design & Technology, particularly in the fields of Resistant Materials and Computer Aided Design, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Design & Technology.

All candidates should bring a portfolio of design work which can include an understanding of iconic design, design ideas, development sketches and/or models, technical skills, craftsmanship, CAD/CAM work, manufactured work completed outside of school or work that displays engineering principles. Candidates’ portfolios will be discussed at interview with the Head of Design & Technology. Where possible candidates are encouraged to bring examples of their practical work. There is a written paper comprising questions on theory of materials, processes and graphic work, and a short practical design task.

Sixth Form Design & Technology Scholars are expected to take A Level Design & Technology. Design & Technology Scholars receive extra tuition through open sessions twice a week and special workshops.

Drama Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates; performers who demonstrate creative thinking and the ability to communicate innovative ideas and enthusiasm for the discipline, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Drama.

For the practical assessment, candidates will need to prepare a short piece of their choice of no more than three minutes duration to be performed to an audience. Candidates will be asked to participate in a practical Drama workshop. Candidates should bring a portfolio of work to include any relevant qualifications gained (e.g. LAMDA examinations) and evidence of their involvement within productions, and their depth and range of experience within the Dramatic Arts. The portfolio could also include reviews of Live Theatre they have experienced.

All Drama Scholars are expected to participate in all productions. Drama Scholars receive year-round coaching and talent development as well as trips to see live performances, including in Manchester and London.

Equestrian Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional skills in both riding and horse care.

Candidates will be expected to show a wide range of disciplines within their riding skills, to be competing regularly and to have a proven and successful record. The rider should be riding at either novice level in dressage, showjumping at 60-70cm or showing to a high-level.

Candidates would be expected to represent the school at equestrian events and help organise riding events held at Sedbergh Prep School.

Application forms should be accompanied by the rider’s CV and video footage. At the scholarship day, candidates will be assessed by the School’s BHSAI coach in several riding disciplines on their own horse/pony. They will also be interviewed by the Equestrian Team Manager (including questions on horse knowledge and care).

Music Scholarships are awarded to enthusiastic, talented young musicians who are on an excellent trajectory and can demonstrate skill and aptitude. This is measured by an understanding of experience to date combined with an assessment by Sedbergh School’s Director of Music.

For Sixth Form entry, candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces to perform in the scholarship assessment. The assessment will last approximately 45 minutes, and will also include general musicianship tests (including some sight reading) as well as an interview with the Director of Music. A candidate offering singing (without another instrument) may be awarded a Choral Scholarship.

Thornely Scholarship

The Thornely Music Scholarships offer students an exceptional opportunity to develop their musical talents within a supportive and enriching environment. The Thornely Music Scholarship provides an inspiring and supportive environment where they can thrive musically, academically, and personally. Learn more.

Sport Scholarships are awarded to those displaying exceptional talent and potential in one or more sporting disciplines, as assessed by Sedbergh’s Head of Sport and through interviews with Directors of specific sports.

Candidates will be expected to furnish evidence of achievement to date and supporting documentary testimonials from teachers or coaches at School and Club levels. Candidates will undergo a practical assessment of ability in at least one of Sedbergh’s main team sports: Athletics/Running, Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Rugby. Candidates may also put forward secondary individual sports to be assessed alongside the team sports from Target Shooting, Swimming and Tennis. Candidates may offer more than one sport. It is frequent at Sixth Form assessments that more than one sport is assessed. The Application Form should clearly indicate the rank order in which they wish to be assessed. Parents will be advised which sports are timetabled on the assessment day.

Sport Scholars will receive focused seasonal training, year-round coaching sessions, body conditioning and dietary advice throughout the academic year. Sport Scholars will be expected to attend all coaching sessions, train year-round and be available to attend all School matches and competitions.