Criteria

Art Scholars at St Dunstan’s make a significant contribution to all aspects of artistic provision, and to do so effectively they must be able to demonstrate a passion for the subject. Candidates are expected to be self-reflective and to have a clear idea of how they can develop their own work; to be curious, visiting galleries and museums on a regular basis; and to have a broad range of artistic skills. Their dedication to the subject should be combined with a high level of creativity.

Supporting Evidence 

Each candidate will need to submit the following:

1. A digital portfolio of between 5-10 pieces of work in a variety of mediums e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, photography or video. Please ensure quality photographs and include the medium used in the file name. 
2. Up to two references from an art teacher or external tutor, highlighting the candidate’s commitment, aptitude and interest in art.
3. A personal statement, detailing why they wish to apply for an art scholarship. This statement should be no more than 300 words.

Assessment Day - Tuesday 27 January 2026

Candidates should bring a physical portfolio of their artwork. This needs to be clearly labelled with their full name.

All candidates will be assessed in two tasks:

1. Realistic, observational, tonal drawing.

•  Assessing technical graphite skills and understanding of proportions, textures and shading.

2.  A creative, personal response to a given artwork.

•   Assessing original and creative approaches to the reinterpretation of an artwork through colour and mixed media.

Criteria

At St Dunstan’s we hold a firm belief in the power of the ensemble, which is why an applicant’s ability to inspire others when working as part of a group is such a key part of the assessment process.  Clearly, individual performance skills are key indicators of potential, but this must be combined with the ability to think imaginatively and creatively, in order to create performances that are both unique and high quality. We believe in the value of a broad range of experiences, and invite applications from candidates with backgrounds in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to acting, directing and dance.

Supporting Evidence 

Each candidate will need to submit a personal statement, recounting a memorable experience with the world of theatre, before commenting on how this has contributed to their desire to apply for a scholarship. It should be no more than 300 words. Each candidate will also need to submit a short video consisting of a 2 minute piece performed by the candidate which can be a monologue, dance, or musical theatre performance. File size should not exceed 250MB and the file should be submitted in mp4 format. We also invite up to two references in support of each application.

Assessment Day - Wednesday 28 January 2026

Candidates will be invited to spend a day at the College in the company of current scholars and members of the Department. Students are not expected to prepare anything before the day but are encouraged to arrive in attire that is appropriate to the tasks highlighted below. Please note that break and lunch will also be provided for all candidates

Introductions and Ice Breakers

All candidates will meet in the morning for an ice-breaker session with the Drama department, with current Scholars and the department also being introduced.

Stage Acting

Each candidate will be provided with an unseen duologue from a published play text at the beginning of this session. They will attend an acting session where they will be given direction and acting notes on the piece. Following time given to rehearse, they will then be invited share their work with the group.

Devising

Each candidate will take part in a devising session based on an unseen stimulus that will be provided to them on the day. Candidates will work in groups to respond in a creative way to the stimulus they have been given and share their work with the group.

Musical Theatre

Each candidate will attend a musical theatre session, where they will be led through an unseen musical theatre number that they will perform in small groups. The focus is on characterisation and physicality as opposed to choreography.

Dance and Movement

Each candidate will attend a dance and movement session with a professional choreographer, in which they will be taught a choreographed number and then invited to share their work within small performance groups.

Q&A Session with Current Scholars

Candidates will partake in an open Q&A session with current scholars who will provide an insight into their experience of the College as well as providing clarity on any  questions that may arise.

Criteria

Music Scholars define the ethos of the Music Department by their high levels of enthusiasm, motivation, individual achievement and group collaboration. The audition process assesses these qualities and aims to discover the candidate’s musical potential and ambitions, as well as their current standard. Applicants are normally required to be at a level akin to at least Grade 4 in their main instrument, although scholarships can also be awarded based on a candidate’s potential. In addition to a fee remission, the scholarship also includes free tuition in the applicant’s principal instrument.

In addition to Music Scholarships, the Music Department also offers standalone Benson Exhibition Awards, providing students with free tuition in their principal instrument, equivalent to approximately £630.  Exhibitions may be offered based on potential in an instrument, and are awarded through the same audition process.

Supporting Evidence 

Each candidate will need to submit a personal statement, detailing why they wish to apply for a Music Scholarship. The personal statement should be no more than 300 words. Each candidate will also need to submit a video of a piece on their main instrument. Emphasis should be on a confident and assured performance and reflect the style of music the candidate enjoys playing. The video should be no more than 2-3 minutes and it is acceptable to present a small section of a longer piece. File size should not exceed 250MB and the file should be submitted in mp4 format. We would also welcome up to two references in support of their application.

Assessment Day -  Thursday 22 or Tuesday 27 January 2026

The audition process comprises:

• Performance of two pieces on their main instrument or voice, or on two different instruments if preferred. We provide a professional accompanist and a rehearsal on the day of the audition, although the candidate is permitted to arrange a private accompanist.
• A sight-reading exercise on the applicant’s main instrument.
• A series of aural tests. These include singing back a melody, identifying the notes of a chord, and clapping back rhythms.
• An informal interview, which will discuss their performances, ambitions as a scholar and their written application.
• An ensemble activity with some of our current Scholars and instrumentalists in the Senior School.

Criteria

Candidates are expected to be actively involved in competitive sport across a variety of disciplines, both at school and club level. We would particularly encourage applicants from a football, hockey or swimming background. Applications from students performing at a high level in other sports are welcomed and will be considered. As a guide, we would expect candidates to be competing at club level, in addition to representing their school. Details of current involvement will be reviewed as part of the initial assessment process.

Supporting Evidence 

Each candidate will need to submit a personal statement, detailing why they wish to apply for a Sport Scholarship. The statement should be no more than 300 words. We also welcome up to two references in support of their application.

Assessment Day - Thursday 29 or Friday 30 January 2026

All candidates will be assessed in:

• Fitness and multi-sport assessment: A series of fitness tests, challenges, and multi-sport games designed to assess students’ physical literacy, as well as their personal, social, and cognitive skills.
• Sport-specific assessment: Activities focused on technical proficiency and gameplay in our Core Sports. All candidates will take part in both a football session and a hockey session on the day, regardless of whether these are their main sports.

Criteria

The Art department looks for young artists who demonstrate a passion for the subject through developing their own work, regularly visiting galleries and museums and through having a range of artistic skills, combined with a high level of creativity. Diploma Scholars will be expected to champion our subject to other years groups by creating and leading weekly clubs with the full support of the department, for a minimum two terms each academic year through the Sixth Form.

Assessment Day

The assessment includes drawing tests and an interview with the Head of Art. The interview will focus on a portfolio of key pieces, the applicant’s future aspirations and what they hope to offer as a Diploma Scholar.

 

Criteria

Students should have been actively involved in productions throughout their time in education and be able to communicate a passion for the dramatic arts that extends beyond the classroom. There is no minimum requirement in terms of professional body or amateur group membership, but applicants should be able to demonstrate breadth of experience, whilst giving supporting examples of outstanding practice in their chosen field.  The field of study may include acting, dance, stage management, costume design, light and sound technician, production management, film or media studies. Drama Scholars will be expected to champion our subject, taking on ensemble leadership roles during productions across all three terms. They will also work alongside members of our department to share their passions with younger students by delivering clubs, for a minimum two terms each academic year.

Assessment Day

Students who specialise in acting should be prepared to perform a two-minute monologue from a published play of their choice. Dancers should perform a two-minute piece in a style of their choice. Applicants with other specialisms are invited to deliver a five-minute presentation outlining their experience in their field of expertise, with ideas on how this could have an impact on the subject at St Dunstan’s. All applicants will also participate in a short question and answer session, with questions derived from their performances/ presentations.

Criteria

Applicants are expected to have made an outstanding contribution to music at their current school, as well as outside it (e.g. being part of a choir or orchestra). We welcome applications from students having taken ABRSM or Trinity Board exams as well as Suzuki students. Applicants are required to be at a level akin to at least Grade 6 in their main instrument. On receipt of an award, students will become a lead practitioner of music encouraging other year groups via performance and taught music sessions. Diploma Scholars will be expected to take part in both Forder and out-of-hours performances.

Assessment Day

Applicants will perform two contrasting pieces on their chosen instrument(s) (candidates can offer solos on two instruments too). Applicants will then need to answer some sight reading and aural questions. All potential Diploma Scholars will also have a short interview with the Director of Music.

Criteria

Candidates should be able to evidence a track record of outstanding commitment and performance in their current settings. As a performer, we would expect applicants to be competing at county level or equivalent, depending on the sport they currently participate in. In addition to demonstrating full commitment to our competitive programmes across the Sixth Form, Sport Scholars will be expected to inspire the next generation of athletes by leading weekly clubs with the full support of the department, for a minimum of two terms each academic year.

Whilst we are able to take applications from performers across all disciplines, we offer elevated packages for applicants competing in our Core Sports; football, hockey, and swimming.

Assessment Day

Applicants will be invited to join us and our existing students to participate in afternoon sport. Sessions will include fitness and technical assessment along with an observed competitive performance. We will also contact those applying for scholarships in our Core Sports directly, with a view to seeing them compete in their current setting. All applicants will also have a short interview with the Director of Sport, focusing on current participation and future aspirations.

Criteria

The Design Engineering Department is looking for the next generation of engineers, and students with a real passion and aptitude for design engineering. Students will be able to communicate a passion for understanding how things work and an aptitude for finding modern and practical ways to solve real world problems. They are expected to be subject champions across all year groups and key stages. They will be required to develop and deliver weekly Forder activities to students in Michaelmas and Lent term, for the duration of the Diploma.

Assessment Day

Applicants are required to produce a portfolio responding to a brief that will be presented to the Head of Design Engineering during an interview. The interview will also be an opportunity for each applicant to share their future aspirations, and what they might contribute as a Diploma Scholar.