Academic Awards

The tests will be based on GCSE syllabuses and candidates will be expected to answer on three subjects of their own choice. All papers will last for one hour. There will also be a short general interview.

Art Awards

For an award in Art, all candidates should offer a portfolio of work.

Drama Awards

(Please note there is no formal written paper for this Award)

Drama Scholarships are awarded to candidates who show excellence in either Performance or Technical Skills. All Performance candidates should present two contrasting pieces: one must be an acting solo; the other may be acting or an extract from a musical. The music should be in the form of a backing track. If a piano accompanist is needed, a copy of the music should be included with the completed entry form when returned. The combined time for both pieces
should not exceed six minutes. All Technical candidates will be expected to provide details of their experience and should nominate the technical skills they would like to be taken into consideration.

Candidates will be expected to provide a full CV of their involvement in drama and the name of a person(s) from outside of school who is able to provide a supporting statement. This supporting statement should be sent to the School before the scholarship assessments. Please note that it is the Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility to ensure that these references are submitted. Certificates and additional information on drama achievements to support the application may also be submitted.

Drama Exhibitions may be awarded to those who show potential but do not quite reach Scholarship level. Free LAMDA lessons will be offered to Drama Exhibitioners and Drama Scholars.

Music Awards

Candidates are normally expected to be at the level of ABRSM grade 7 or equivalent. Any instrument may be offered. A Paul Crosfield Choral Scholarship can be applied for in addition to a Music Scholarship (see Paul Crosfield Choral Scholarships). The candidate’s musical experience and record will be taken into account. Music Exhibitions may be awarded to those who show potential but do not quite reach Scholarship level. Free music lessons will be offered to those awarded a Music Exhibition.

Auditions usually consist of a performance of two contrasting pieces on first instrument and one on subsequent instruments, sight-reading, aural tests and a short interview with the music team.

All Music Awards Holders are expected to contribute fully to the musical life of the school, taking part in ensembles, concerts and masterclasses. There are frequent opportunities for performance, either as a soloist or in the various choirs, orchestras, bands and chamber groups.

The Director of Music is very happy to meet candidates considering an application in advance of a formal audition to hear them play/sing, and to offer advice and encouragement.

Paul Crosfield Choral Awards

Candidates are expected to be singing at a high level (approximately ABRSM grade 7) and any cathedral chorister or choir experience will be taken into account. Paul Crosfield Choral Scholarships can be applied for in conjunction with a Music Scholarship or Music Exhibition and are available to outstanding singers across all voice parts. Free singing lessons will be offered to those awarded a Paul Crosfield Choral Scholarship in addition to an annual sheet music allowance to the value of £100.

Auditions usually consist of a performance of two contrasting pieces, sight-reading, aural tests and a short interview with the music team.

All Paul Crosfield Choral Scholars are expected to contribute fully to the musical life of the school and be an integral member of the Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir. They will have unique access to the benefits offered by the newly-created partnership between The Leys and Trinity College Choir, Cambridge, which will include the opportunity to attend rehearsals, services and concerts at Trinity in addition to receiving specialist choral training sessions.

Sports Awards

For a Sports award, candidates should be able to show a high level of proficiency and commitment in at least two major sports. Candidates will be expected to provide a full CV of their sporting involvement and to provide the name of a person(s) from outside of school who is able to provide a supporting statement. This supporting statement should be sent to the School before the scholarship assessments. Please note that it is the Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility to ensure that these references are submitted. Certificates and additional information on sports achievements to support the application may also be submitted.

Candidates will be interviewed and participate in practical tests, which are designed to test their skills and fitness. They will also, where possible, participate in team games (possibly reduced sides). Each candidate will be assessed in two sports.

The Arkwright Scholarship Awards

Those wishing to follow an A level course in Design and Technology, leading to courses in Higher Education, to read Engineering, Technology or other Design-related subjects, may enter for Arkwright Scholarships. These Scholarships are externally assessed and awarded.

Further details and application forms will be available from the Arkwright website www.arkwright.org.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Scholarships do you offer?

We offer Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships at both Year 9 and Sixth Form level. In addition, there is a STEM scholarship available for entry into Year 9.

How many Scholarships can a candidate apply for?

There is no formal restriction on the number, but we advise against any individual applying to more than two, except in exceptional circumstances and only following discussion. Tests for different scholarships are often on the same day and applying for multiple scholarships can place a heavy burden on the individual. Those who are successful in more than one category for entry into Year 9 will be considered for The Neil White Award; preference is given to those who wish to board.

Is there a minimum standard for application for a Scholarship?

All applicants must have already demonstrated excellence in their chosen field. Applicants for a Music Scholarship must have reached Grade 5, for example and those applying for a Sixth Form Academic Scholarship should have high GCSE predictions; 7 or higher in most of their subjects. Applicants for Sports Scholarships are expected to show a high level of proficiency (County standard or above) and, along with Drama Scholarship candidates, are required to have supporting references.

Are there any Scholarships for entry into Year 7?

Yes, we offer Academic Scholarships at this level. There is no application process; the most promising candidates are invited to interview following the entrance tests in January.

Why is there no technology Scholarship for Sixth Form?

We encourage outstanding, aspiring engineers to apply for an Arkwright Scholarship.

How much is a Scholarship worth?

All our Scholarships carry a 5% fee remission. The only exception to this is the Foundation Scholarship, available to those applying in Year 6 from St. Faith’s School (which is part of the same Foundation). However, all scholarships can be supplemented by a means-tested Bursary, up to 100% in exceptional circumstances.

If a candidate is awarded more than one Scholarship, is the fee remissions cumulative?

No. 5% is the value, no matter how many scholarships are held.

Do you offer Exhibitions?

Yes, we offer Music and Drama Exhibitions to those who fall just short of Scholarship standard. Music Exhibitioners will be offered free tuition on one or two instruments and Drama Exhibitioners will be offered free LAMDA lessons.

Do Scholars retain their Scholarship thoughout their time at the School?

Yes, subject to satisfactory performance. There is normally no need to reapply for a scholarship for entry into Year 9/Sixth Form. However, scholarships are subject to regular review.

How do we apply for a Scholarships?

Forms are made available on the website during the summer before the year of entry. The Admissions Office will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You will need to have the endorsement of your current school.

How do you select Scholars?

All candidates are invited to The Leys for a day of testing and interviews. Details of the process and deadlines for applications for each of these can be found on the website.

When do the Scholarship exams and assessments take place?

In early November for Sixth Form Scholarships, mid-January for Year 9 Scholarships. Details and exact dates can be found on the website or by contacting the Admissions Office.

When will we find out the results?

Parents are informed at the same time as receiving the offer letter, usually early December for Sixth Form and early February for Year 9 scholarships.

Do successful applicants still have to sit the entrance exams?

Yes. All scholarships are dependent on successfully meeting the academic criteria for entry to the school.

What are the expectations of Scholars?

All scholars are expected to take a full and active role in school life especially in the area for which they were awarded their scholarship. They should take a lead in demonstrating excellence and should set an example to others.

Do Scholars have to take A Levels or GCSEs in the subjects they are awarded Scholarships for?

Art Scholars must study Art GCSE and then A level. There is no obligation for other Scholarship holders to sit the GCSE or A level in the relevant academic subject. Music Scholars do not have to take Music GCSE or A level, for example.