Scholarships & Bursaries
There is a variety of Scholarships available for particularly able or talented candidates ranging from Academic, Art, Performing Arts (Choral, Drama, Music and 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. Additionally, for the Sixth Form there are Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sports Scholarships available.
Every year there is a high level of interest in both Scholarships and Bursaries and the number of awards are 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.
Scholarship awards may be revoked if scholars fail to fulfil the conditions on which they were awarded.
Academic scholarships
Candidates applying for entry in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be automatically considered for an academic scholarship when taking the Entrance Examination.
Academic 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, 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 week commencing Monday 18 November 2024.
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.
Art scholarships
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Art Scholarship Day: Wednesday 6 November 2024
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete an Art Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024. The application should be accompanied by two original pieces from their portfolio, see below. In the event of a high number of applicants, this work will be used to select those to be invited to the assessment.
Princethorpe Art Scholarships will be awarded to those pupils who, in the opinion of the Head of Art, Paul Hubball, demonstrate an ability to express ideas clearly in visual terms, to tackle and solve problems in an imaginative, original and expressive way and to be studious and single-minded in their approach to their study of Art. Art Scholars are expected to continue with Art on the curriculum at least until Year 11, and usually in the Sixth Form.
Wednesday 6 November 2024 will be set aside for scholarship interviews and examinations. Candidates should report to the Theatre Entrance at 9.30am. All materials and lunch will be provided. Candidates should be collected from the Theatre Entrance at 2.00pm.
The Assessment
The assessment will involve studies in various media of still life objects. Candidates should practice drawing and painting manmade and organic forms. All materials will be provided by the College.
Interview and presentation of a portfolio
Candidates will also be expected to present a portfolio of some recent work during the day. Their portfolio should be brought along to the College on the day of the Art Scholarship Examination. Candidates should be able to answer general questions on Art and specific questions relative to their own work; they should be able to express ideas clearly and fluently. The portfolio will be returned to the candidate when they leave.
The portfolio should consist of 10 pieces of work only and no larger than A2.
5 pieces must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to draw the following:
- 1 x A4 tonal drawing of a sliced red pepper (slightly larger than life size)
- 1 x A4 colour drawing of a sliced tomato (larger than life size to fit page)
- 1 x A3 tonal drawing of a pair of laced shoes (life size - be creative with the composition of the drawing)
- 1 x A3 colour drawing of a reflective object (size depends on object)
- 1 x A3 tonal self portrait drawing (life size)
Plus 5 pieces of your choice (no larger than A2):
These pieces should aim to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to tackle problems, to experiment with various media and techniques, to display visual awareness, to gather, investigate, analyse and record visual information. Photographs of any three-dimensional work can also be included.
Performing Arts Scholarships - Choral
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Auditions: Week commencing Monday 4 November 2024
Auditions for Choral Scholarships will be held during the week commencing Monday 4 November 2024 with Gil Cowlishaw, the Director of Music.
Parents of candidates will be sent an online link by the Registrars to book their audition slot.
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete a Music Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024.
It is a stipulation that all Choral Scholars play an active part in the musical life of the school, eg perform in both the College Choir and the Vocalize Ensemble, and are available for any tours, stage productions and concerts, putting rehearsals as a priority over other co-curricular activities.
Requirements for Choral Scholarship candidates
- A standard of Grade 2 or equivalent
- Passion for singing within a public forum
The Audition
All candidates must attend a practical audition.
At the audition they will be required to:
- Perform two contrasting pieces of their choice
- Sit an aural test
- 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, rather than singing music which is technically beyond them. We are looking for potential, commitment and reliability.
References from two referees must be supplied by parents, one of which should be the school music teacher or conductor of a choir in which the candidate regularly performs. A candidate will not be considered without these references which must be emailed directly to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk by the application deadline.
Performing Arts Scholarships - Drama
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Audition Workshop: Wednesday 16 October 2024
Auditions for Drama Scholarships will be held on Wednesday 16 October 2024 with Aileen Cefaliello and Vicky Roberts, the joint Heads of Drama.
The Registrars will advise all candidates of the time of their auditions.
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete a Drama Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024.
It is a stipulation that all Drama Scholars play an active part in the performance life of the school, eg take part in stage productions, support Theatre opportunities and are available for any tours, putting rehearsals as a priority over other co-curricular activities.
Requirements for Drama Scholarship candidates
- Performed in stage productions inside and outside of school
- Passion for performing within a public forum
The Audition
All candidates must attend a practical audition.
At the audition they will be required to:
- Perform a 45 - 90 second audition piece which can be self-scripted or a published piece as a monologue
- Lead a group through the creative process
- Take an active part in a teacher led workshop
- Participate in a viva voce, where they will be asked about their stage performances, hobbies, etc.
We are looking for potential, commitment and reliability.
References from two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school drama teacher or director of a stage school in which the candidate regularly performs. A candidate will not be considered without these references which must be emailed directly to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk by the application deadline.
Performing arts scholarships - music
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Auditions: Week commencing Monday 4 November 2024
Auditions for Music Scholarships will be held during the week commencing Monday 4 November 2024 with Gil Cowlishaw, the Director of Music.
The Registrars will advise all candidates of the time of their auditions.
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete a Music Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024. The application must be supported with a short video of the candidate performing their first instrument.
It is a stipulation that all Music Scholars sing in the College Choir, play in the orchestra and are available for any tours, stage productions and concerts, putting rehearsals as a priority over other co-curricular activities. Music Scholars are expected to continue with Music on the curriculum at least until Year 11, and usually in the Sixth Form.
Requirements for Music Scholarship candidates
This is a guide only, as candidates’ background will vary.
Entry to Year 7 - A standard of Grade 4 ABRSM or equivalent, on woodwind, brass, percussion, piano or voice. Grade 3 on any stringed instrument.
Entry to Year 8 - A standard of Grade 5 ABRSM or equivalent, on woodwind, brass, percussion or voice. Grade 4 on any stringed instrument or piano.
Entry to Year 9 or 10 - A standard of Grade 6 ABRSM or equivalent, on woodwind, brass, percussion or voice. Grade 5 on any stringed instrument or piano.
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, if they have one.
- 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, rather than playing music which is technically beyond them. We are looking for potential, commitment and reliability.
References from two referees must be supplied by parents, one of which should be the school music teacher or conductor of a choir or orchestra in which the candidate regularly performs. A candidate will not be considered without these references which must be emailed directly to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk by the application deadline.
Performing Arts Scholarships - Musical Theatre (including Dance)
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Audition Workshop: Friday 18 October 2024
Auditions for Musical Theatre Scholarships will be held on Friday 18 October 2024 with Gil Cowlishaw, Aileen Cefaliello and Vicky Roberts, the Director of Music and the joint Heads of Drama.
The Registrars will advise all candidates of the time of their auditions.
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete a Musical Theatre Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024.
It is a stipulation that all Musical Theatre Scholars play an active part in the performance life of the school, eg take part in the College Choir or Vocalize Ensemble, stage productions, support Theatre opportunities and are available for any tours, putting rehearsals as a priority over other co-curricular activities.
Requirements for Musical Theatre Scholarship candidates
- Performed in stage productions inside and outside of school
- Passion for performing within a public forum
The Audition
All candidates must attend a practical audition.
At the audition they will be required to do two of the below:
- Perform a 45 - 90 sec monologue from a Musical Theatre piece
- Sing two pieces of Musical Theatre
- Perform a pre-learnt movement/dance
We are looking for potential, commitment and reliability.
References from two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school drama teacher or director of a stage school in which the candidate regularly performs.
Sports Scholarships (Years 7 to 10)
Deadline for applications: Friday 27 September 2024
Sport Scholarships Assessment Morning: Week commencing Monday 14 October 2024
The live assessment session for the Sports Scholarships will be held on Monday 14 (girls) and Tuesday 15 (boys) October 2024 with Lee Cassell, Carly Walton and Joe Jackson, Director of Sport and Heads of Girls’ and Boys’ Games.
All candidates wishing to be considered must complete a Sports Scholarship application form and return it by Friday 27 September 2024.
These will then be reviewed by the panel and top candidates will be invited for the live assessment session.
The Registrars will advise all candidates if they are required to attend.
It is a stipulation that all Sports Scholars play an active part in the sporting programme of the College and model the sport behaviour required.
Requirements for Sport Scholarship candidates
- Member of a junior pathway or academy
- Key player at club level for your chosen sport/s
Live Sport Assessment Session
Invited candidates will be required to:
- Take part in a baseline data gathering task
- Participate in a games for understanding session
- Take part in a conditioned competitive session for their sport
- In the case of sports not catered for on-site at school, candidates will take part in a discussion about their sport and be asked to submit a video of them performing.
We are looking for potential, commitment and reliability.
References from two referees must be supplied, one of which should be their lead coach from their performance level organisation or club coach. A candidate will not be considered without these references which must be emailed directly to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk by the application deadline.
bursaries and Thomas more scholarship (means-tested)
The Foundation wishes to extend the benefit of the school's Catholic ethos, academic and social excellence to families who may not be able to pay full fees through the provision of financial assistance by way of bursaries and the Thomas More scholarship.
2025 entry
Bursaries
Every year there is a high level of interest in Bursaries and the number of awards are limited. Bursaries are available for up to 100% of tuition fees, plus additional educational expenses. Bursaries are available for any external candidates, primarily for entry into Princethorpe College, regardless of current school or religion.
In addition to support with fees, children granted bursaries may be eligible for a reduction in the cost of music lessons at the College with our peripatetic music teachers.
Whilst the main financial criteria for the award are household income and net assets each application is considered on its own merits. Costs associated with dependant sick or disabled children will be taken into account and an allowance is made where there are other children already in the Foundation.
Our general guidance is that currently bursaries are not normally granted where gross household income exceeds £60,000 per annum and/or total net assets exceed £250,000.
Applications are made via an online system, please contact feessupport@princethorpe.co.uk to be sent a link to the system.
Please note that the process is time consuming.
Applications for bursaries are means-tested and reviewed by external consultants. The process is time consuming and parents are asked to note the following:
- Parents are required to complete the application and also submit supporting documentation in good time to complete the process before the deadline date of Friday 27 September 2024.
- An interview with the external consultants is required.
- Interviews will take place between July and October 2024.
- All bursary applications must be accompanied by a completed registration form and payment.
- Any bursary applicants applying after the deadline date will be considered after on time applicants.
The Thomas More Scholarship
The Thomas More Scholarship is a means-tested scholarship for Catholic children aged 11 by 31 August 2025, who attend a Catholic state primary school.
The application process is the same as for bursaries except letters of recommendation signed by the Parish Priest and current Headteacher are also required. The letters should include details of the length of time that the candidate has been known to them and confirmation of the candidate’s date of baptism.
Applications for the Thomas More Scholarship should be received by Friday 27 September 2023.
Advice of outcome
The result of applications will be advised in the letter regarding the examination results which will be sent to parents on Thursday 28 November 2024. Those applications which do not meet the necessary criteria will be notified before the Entrance Examinations.
How to apply
Applications are made via an online system, please contact feessupport@princethorpe.co.uk to be sent a link to the system.
Applications will be considered at any time but the availability of funds is likely to be significantly restricted after the cut off date of Friday 27 September 2024.