Scholarships are principally awarded to recognise academic potential but are also available to students who show exceptional talent as all-rounders or in a specific area.
A small number of scholarships may carry a reduction of up to 50% of the school fees in recognition of outstanding merit.
The scholarship will be retained throughout the student’s time in the School subject to satisfactory academic progress and good behaviour.
Academic Scholarships
All students who sit the Entrance Examinations will be considered for an academic scholarship. A separate scholarship application is not required.
Non- Academic Scholarships
Candidates wanting to be considered for Art, Design Technology & Engineering, Drama, Music and/or Sport scholarships, must complete a Whitgift Scholarship form for their specific area, and upload it when completing the online application form. A maximum of three non-academic scholarships can be applied for.
More information about the types of scholarships available are shown below.
All students who sit the Entrance Examinations will be considered for an academic scholarship. A separate application form is not required.
11+ entry only
Following the entrance examinations, selected 11+ candidates will be invited to the school for an Academic Assessment Day. Senior staff will assess both individual and colaborative work, and observe aptitude and attitude towards learning.
Renowned for its excellence, the Art Department provides a flourishing environment where the creativity and talents of all students are nurtured and developed. The facilities include four general purpose studios, print-making facilities, a sculpture studio, a computer suite, and a photography darkroom.
Candidates for an Art Scholarship should be able to display a personal involvement with expressive, responsive and design aspects of Art activity. An Art Scholarship form must be completed and uploaded during the application process.
Candidates will be asked to bring a portfolio of their work to Whitgift for a preliminary assessment on Saturday 13 November 2021 between 10 am and 12 noon. Candidates do not have to present the portfolio in person, and it will be reviewed and returned on the morning.
The portfolio should demonstrate both aptitude and interest in the visual arts and include work completed in school (including homework), as well as pieces done for pleasure. A testimonial from an art professional could also accompany this application.
Folder of Work Guidelines
The portfolio should contain at least 10 pieces of artwork, no smaller than A4 and no more than 20 pieces. The work included should be of the highest standard that the student can produce, so please be selective.
Drawings
Sketches, observational drawings, and carefully considered work produced over a lengthy period should be included. Students need to demonstrate good technical skills, including use of correct proportion and tonal shading to create form.
Styles and Techniques
Include work that shows a willingness to experiment and be inventive. For 3D work, please do not submit actual work, but photographs of it from two or more angles. Candidates should show an understanding of other artists' work, and it would be useful to have a few pieces of work that demonstrate how they have used an artist's work to inspire their own work
Workbooks or sketchbooks could provide evidence of
• Preparation for final pieces
• Personal interests
• Contextual work (study of the work of artists)
Awards and Competitions
• Evidence of entries to competitions and awards given
Assessment
Once academically assessed, selected candidates will be invited to join an online assessment on the morning of Saturday 16 January 2021. Candidates will complete two tasks, one 90 minute and one 60 minutes, with a break in-between. Parents will need to provide paper, pencils, coloured pencils, sharpeners and rubbers, in preparation for the assessment.
A final interview will be held online with the Head of Art, Ms Jo Johnson on Tuesday 19 or Thursday 21 January 2021, after school hours.
Scholarship candidates should submit a portfolio of their work, along with their applicationwhen applying, which demonstrates flair and technical ability in one or more resistant materials, along with a subtle understanding of the design process.
The initial portfolio should be in digital format and contain sketches, designs and photographs of work together with any other multimedia work. This should be either a PDF, a link to a web or video site. If selected to attend the assessment day, students are encouraged to bring in a digital or physical portfolio.
Designing:
Demonstrate the ability, through sketches and designs, to visualise ideas (e.g. from conceptual sketches to accurate finished drawings)
Demonstrate skills in computer graphics
Making:
Demonstrate creativity and inventiveness through a variety of means (e.g. by mechanical, structural or electronic components)
Produce accurate models by using either kits or your own construction skills
Quantity:
A maximum of 10 examples of work on A3 or A4 paper can be included in the portfolio
No more than three 3D pieces should be presented on assessment day
Do's and Don'ts
Please do not be afraid to put in unfinished work
Please do not put in work that has been done only at school
Please do not put in endless versions of the same item.
Assessment
Once academically assessed, selected candidates will have an online interview on Wednesday 20 January 2021, to discuss the work submitted.
Scholarship candidates will be required to present a portfolio of their achievements relating to drama, theatre, or performance, along with their applicationwhen applying.
The portfolio should include:
• Photographs of productions (in chronological order), demonstrating a variety of roles
• Any certificates achieved in theatrical qualifications (LAMDA, RADA, Guildhall, Trinity)
• A list of plays seen at the theatre (amateur or professional)
• A short, written assessment of a piece of live theatre, commenting on elements that were enjoyable
• Any other information relevant to Drama or performance.
Assessment
Once academically assessed, selected candidates will be asked to submit a self-tape video to admissions@whitgift.co.uk comprising of two 2 minute pieces each, shot from a single stationary camera by Friday 15 January 2021. One piece should be a classical piece from Shakespeare, or one of his contemporaries, and the other piece should be from a contemporary published play written after 1956. Shortlisted candidates would then be invited to Whitgift for an interview and a workshop based on their monologues on Saturday, 23 January 2021.
Scholarship candidates would be expected to be of a standard equivalent to at least Grade 3 (10+/11+), Grade 5 (12+/13+), Grade 6/7 (14+/15+) and Grade 8 (16+).
Instrumentalists and choristers/singers, if offering one instrument, must submit a recording of two contrasting pieces, both of which should be about two or three minutes in length. We do not require long pieces, rather shorter pieces in which the applicants can showcase their abilities. If applicants are offering two instruments, one piece for each instrument is requested. Recordings should be sent to crp@whitgift.co.uk by 5 December, if not included with the original application.
A Music CV must be submitted during the application process, and should include; testimonials detailing musical ability, current standard and suitability for a scholarship, from instrumental/ singing teacher(s), together with the following information:
List whether applying for a Music Scholarship and/or a Minster Choristership.
Principal Instrument*: Number of years tuition:
Date of last exam passed: Grade: Mark: Exam Board:
Second Instrument*: Number of years tuition:
Date of last exam passed: Grade: Mark: Exam Board:
Please list membership of any ensembles:
Please list any vocal or choral experience:
Please list other relevant information relating to the Music Scholarship Application:
* Singing is considered as an instrument
Assessment
Once academically assessed, selected instrumental and chorister/singing candidates will be invited into Whitgift for an evening audition between 18 – 21 January. Parents will be required to drop boys and park offsite for auditions.
Note: International applicants may have an online audition.
Scholarship candidates will need to submit a Sports CV, along with their applicationwhen applying. Candidates should have a significant strength, to national and county level, in one or more of the sports offered at Whitgift. In the case of certain sports, the selection to an Academy or national/regional elite training group may be seen as comparable. Selected candidates will be invited to Whitgift for sports testing.
The CV should include
Testimonials from relevant sports coaches
A list of teams your son has represented
A list of Representational honours
Any other relevant information, including times and distances
Assessment
Once academically assessed, selected candidates will be invited into Whitgift in small groups:
