Scholarships
Scholarship awards at St Gabriel's recognise the pursuit of learning at a level of excellence, Academic, Art, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama) and Sport scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry.
Scholars are expected to make a significant contribution to school life through their enthusiasm and commitment to the particular area for which they have been recognised. Progress will be monitored and scholars will be invited to a review meeting to discuss progress and future goals as they begin and complete each section of the school: Lower School (Years 7 and 8); Middle School (Years 9-11) and the Sixth Form.
Whilst some of our scholarships attract a modest monetary award, the majority are awarded in recognition of the prestige that they bring. Our scholars are held in high esteem within the school and are recognised by a number of schemes within the school, primarily the Challenge & Extension Programme, which
- Offers our gifted and talented students extended and differentiated work in lessons to ensure that they reach their full potential
- Runs an exciting programme of co-curricular events throughout the year, including termly scholars’ breakfasts, guest speakers and workshops as well as departmental activities and trips, that are additional to the curriculum
- Provides a mentor scheme for Academic Scholars, whereby a chosen member of staff meets regularly with their mentee to extend their learning outside of the curriculum in a variety of different ways. For Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport Scholars there are regular opportunities to work with the appropriate Head of Department alongside other scholars in their discipline
- Academic Scholars will be encouraged to read widely beyond the curriculum and the school will provide them with a subscription to a publication of their choice to support them in this.
Scholarships awarded in Year 7 and Year 9 are tenable until the end of Year 11, when students may apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship. All awards are subject to a satisfactory annual review.
The number of individual scholarships awarded each year depends solely on the calibre of the candidates. There is no limit to the number of scholarships the school awards; St Gabriel’s looks for a level of excellence in order to award a Scholarship.
Year 7 & Year 9 Scholarships – How to Apply
All candidates who would like to be considered for an award must be a current pupil or be registered to join the school and have completed the Scholarship Application Form. Applicants for awards in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport may apply for one or more award.
11+ & 13+ Academic
Requirements for Entry
There is no need to make an application for an 11+ academic award. Pupils who have performed particularly well in the entrance examinations and current pupils who are now considered to be working towards scholarship level will be invited by the Principal to attend the Academic Scholarship Day.
At 13+, candidates should apply for an academic scholarship. Whilst applications are open to all, academic scholarships are awarded to pupils who possess academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and excel across a broad range of subjects.
Scholarship Day
At 11+, candidates attend masterclasses in English, Maths and Science and are interviewed by the Principal and Head of Lower School.
At 13+, candidates sit a general paper and are interviewed by the Principal and Head of Upper School.
11+ & 13+ Art
Requirements for Entry
- Candidates must submit an electronic portfolio, which should demonstrate work in a variety of different mediums and show evidence of the use of other artists’ work to influence their own.
- The panel is looking for evidence of the candidate’s enjoyment, passion and enthusiasm for art and their potential for progress.
Scholarship Day
- Candidates attend an interview with the Principal and Head of Art
- Candidates complete a practical task that involves an observational study and a short written task, where they will be asked to analyse an artwork.
11+ & 13+ Dance
Requirements for Entry
Candidates should have a good level of knowledge and understanding of dance as a whole as well as:
- A minimum of two years dance experience in a group outside of school
- Experience in ballet, tap, modern or contemporary dance preferred, but not essential
- Syllabus or grade examinations preferred, but not essential
- A written report on the candidate’s suitability for scholarship from their dance teacher
- Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for dance are paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for the role
Scholarship Day
Candidates attend an audition, which will include:
- The participation in a short class in which the candidate will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability and creative skills
- The performance of a prepared one minute solo, choreographed by the candidate in their own chosen style
- An interview with the Principal and Head of Dance.
11+ & 13+ Drama
Requirements for Entry
Candidates should have a good level of knowledge and understanding of drama, as a whole, as well as:
- Drama experience in a group outside of school
- A written report on their suitability for a scholarship from their drama teacher
- Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for drama are paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for the role.
Scholarship Day
Candidates attend an audition, which will include:
- Participation in a short class in which the candidates will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability, creative skills, as well as their enthusiasm for and understanding of theatre
- The performance of a prepared monologue, maximum 2 minutes in length
- An interview with the Principal and Head of Drama.
11+ & 13+ Music
Requirements for Entry
- Candidates are required to have reached a minimum standard of Associated Board (or equivalent) grading as follows:
| First instrument: | 11+ Grade IV 13+ Grade V |
| Second instrument: | 11+ & 13+ no minimum requirement but must demonstrate strong potential |
- Enjoyment and enthusiasm for making music and the potential for progress are strong considerations of the panel, as is commitment to music-making activities in school
- A written report from the candidate’s music teacher for their principal instrument
- A reference from the candidate’s current Head of Music
- Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for music are paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for a scholarship.
Scholarship Day
Candidates attend a 30 minute audition, which will include
- The performance of two pieces on the candidate’s first instrument (or voice). Piano accompaniment can be provided and copies of music will be requested prior to the audition
- The performance of one piece on the candidate’s second choice instrument (or voice). If a candidate plays more than two instruments, they may perform a further piece on another instrument, if they wish
- Aural tests appropriate to the candidate’s standard
- A short interview conducted by the Principal and the Director of Music
11+ & 13+ Sport
Sport Scholarship Tiers
| Criteria 01 | Criteria 02 | Criteria 03 |
|---|---|---|
|
The pupil competes to A team standard in at least two of St Gabriel’s major sports and achieves above average on their fitness profile. |
The pupil competes at the highest level of club sport or to a regional/county standard in a given sport and achieves above average on their fitness profile. |
The pupil is competing to at least National standard in a given sport and achieves above average on their fitness profile. |
|
Sport Performance Workshops |
Sport Performance Workshops |
Sport Performance Workshops |
| Weekly Strength & Conditioning |
Weekly Strength & Conditioning |
Weekly Strength & Conditioning |
|
Physical Profiling |
Physical Profiling |
Physical Profiling |
Requirements for Entry
- Criteria 02 and Criteria 03 Sport Scholarship applicants should compete at the highest level of club sport or train and compete regularly in a sport as a county, regional, national or international athlete
- Criteria 01 Sport Scholarship applicants should compete to A team standard in at least two of St Gabriel’s competitive sports.
Scholarship Day
Candidates successful in their application will be invited to an assessment day, where they will
- Complete a fitness profile
- Take part in a team sport and the candidate’s individual sport (where possible)
- Have an interview with the Principal and Director of Sport
Sixth Form Scholarships – How to Apply
All candidates who would like to be considered for an award must be a current pupil or be registered to join the school. Applicants for awards in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport may apply for one or more award. All applications should be emailed to Mrs Jane Benney, Director of Admissions & Marketing at admissions@stgabriels.co.uk.
16+ Academic
Sixth Form Major Academic Scholarships carry a fixed monetary value of £500.00; Minor Academic Scholarships £200.00.
Requirements for Entry
- Both internal and external candidates should apply for Academic Scholarships in the November prior to their year of entry to the Sixth Form.
Scholarship Day
- The scholarship papers will involve tasks designed to assess thinking skills and intellectual curiosity
- Candidates will have an interview with the Principal and the Head of Sixth Form.
16+ Art, Performing Arts (Dance, Drama & Music) & Sport
Sixth Form Art, Performing Arts and Sport Scholarships carry a fixed monetary value of £200.00.
Requirements for Entry
- Both internal and external candidates should apply for Art, Performing Arts and Sport scholarships in the November prior to their year of entry to the Sixth Form
- Scholarship auditions and assessments take place during the Spring Term.
Scholarship Day
Art
- Candidates are asked to present a portfolio
- All candidates will undertake a short interview with the Principal and Head of Art.
Dance
- Applicants are invited to attend a practical assessment and interview with the Principal and Head of Dance
- We will be looking for evidence of considerable technical ability in at least one dance style (performance), a demonstration of aptitude and the ability to learn set technical phrases in other genres, as well as responding to a stimulus (choreography & appreciation)
- Candidates will be asked to bring evidence of recent successes and achievements to support their applications.
Drama
- Students are invited to attend an audition, where they will take part in an improvisation workshop and perform a prepared monologue
- All candidates will undertake a short interview with the Principal and Head of Drama.
Music
- Scholarship applicants will be invited to attend a practical assessment and interview with the Principal and Director of Music.
- Candidates are asked to prepare performances on their first instrument and one piece on their second.
Sport
- Candidates will be invited to take part in a range of assessment activities including an interview with the Principal and Director of Sport
- Scholarship applicants will be playing high level club sport or competing at regional, county, national or international level in one or more sport.