Scholarships and Bursaries

The College’s practice is to allocate its entire bursary funding available for the year. The College’s expectation is that parents who do not choose to apply for a bursary at the time that their child is being assessed, will not require financial support throughout the time that their child attends the College, except in wholly unforeseen circumstances.

To apply for a bursary at 11+, 13+ or 16+, applicants need to tick the relevant box on the online registration form for the Admissions team to forward a Bursary Form.  Forms returned incomplete, without supporting documentation, or after this deadline, will not be processed.

Bursaries are means-tested and to qualify for consideration for a bursary, the gross family income must be below £75,000 per annum. Each case is assessed on its own merits and awards are made accordingly. Please note the school uses an independent company, Bursary Administration Ltd (BAL), to review and assess bursary applications. Home visits are also conducted.

Bursaries are only offered to families who are resident in the UK. Please note that the offer of a place to a Bursary Applicant may be conditional upon a home visit.

The College respects the confidentiality of bursary awards made to families, therefore recipients are expected to do likewise.

Bursaries	Value per year	AOB
11+ , 13+ and 16+	Between 10% and 100%	Means-tested

All scholarships at St Dunstan’s come with a range of additional benefits for the recipients. One of those benefits is a fee remission worth either 10% (minor) or 25% (major) of tuition fees.

Academic Scholarships at 11+ (Year 7).

Academic scholarships recognise and reward academic excellence. It is not possible to apply for an academic scholarship. All potential academic scholars will be selected for interview on the basis of their performance in the entrance assessments.

All external candidates sitting the Senior School entrance assessments are automatically considered for an academic scholarship. Candidates who perform particularly well in the entrance assessments will be invited to attend a series of academic scholarship interviews.

Find out more about our Lower School Academic Scholarship Journey below.

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Co-curricular Scholarships at 11+ (Year 7) and 13+ (Year 9).

In order to encourage and develop potential in particular areas of College life, a number of co-curricular scholarships are available in the fields of art, drama, music and sport, at all official entry points. These scholarships are limited in number and value and will only be awarded to the very top performers identified through the assessment process. The criteria is not linked to academic ability and any applicant who passes the entrance assessment is eligible.

Applications should be made by selecting the relevant scholarships on the online registration form. Whilst applicants can apply for more than one co-curricular scholarship, we do not recommend applying for more than two.  Receipt will be acknowledged by e-mail, and then specific application forms can be completed detailing suitability. Any form received after the deadline will not be processed.

Scholarship 11+ and 13+	Value per year	AOB
Academic	10% or 25%	By invitation only
Art	10% or 25%
Drama	10% or 25%	Actors, technicians and dancers all welcome to apply
Music	10% or 25%	Benson Award is also available and provides free music tuition on main instrument
Sports	10% or 25%

 

St Dunstan’s College offers a number of scholarships at 11+ for excellence in Academic ability (by invitation only), Music, Drama, Art and Sport. Amongst the range of benefits for students who are scholars, there is also a tuition fee remission of either 10% (minor) or 25% (major).

Scholarships are held for the duration of a student’s time at the College, provided their conduct fulfils the expectations as stated in the Conditions of Award. Scholarships are reviewed every year by the Awards Committee.

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Academic

Academic Scholarships recognise and reward academic excellence. It is not possible to apply for an Academic Scholarship as all potential scholars will be selected for interview on the basis of their performance in the Entrance Assessments.

For St Dunstan’s College Junior School pupils going into Year 7 at the Senior School, a recommendation is made from the Head of Junior School to the Headmaster for potential scholarship candidates who should be assessed.

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Co-Curricular

The College offers four Co-Curricular Scholarships at 11+ for recognition of performance and potential in Art, Drama, Music or Sport. Candidates are recommended to apply only for a maximum of two Co-Curricular Scholarships and should read all the entry requirements carefully prior to applying.

The deadline for submission of all 11+ Co-Curricular Scholarship applications is Friday 25 November 2022 (1600)

The Co-Curricular process is subject to annual review. The programme will be finalised and updated here by 1 December 2022.

Art

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 an infectious passion for the subject. Applicants 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 passion for the subject should be combined with a high level of creativity.

Application

Each applicant will need to submit the following:

1. A digital portfolio of 5 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.

Assessment Day - Friday 20 or Saturday 21 January 2023

All applicants will be assessed in three tasks:

1. Realistic, observational, tonal drawing.

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

2.  Written task with one-on-one interview critically analysing the concepts and visual language of an artwork(s).

•   We are not looking for facts, but rather the ability to critically analyse and interpret the meaning and intentions of the artists’ work. The applicant should be able to discuss why certain colours, imagery, composition and other artistic techniques were used.  Responses should demonstrate the ability to use expert language.

3.  Creative, personal response to the artwork critically analysed.

•   Examining the ability to make creative and appropriate choices and realise a personal, technically proficient response with connections to the artist’s work.

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Drama

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, dance and costume design.

Application

Each applicant 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. We also invite up to two references in support of each application.

Assessment Day - Friday 27 January 2023

Applicants will work in groups of 10 for one hour with the support of two current drama scholars.  The assessment process will start with social games and ice breaker activities that will highlight interpersonal skills and the way that applicants work under pressure as part of a group.

• A response to an unseen stimulus, using a performance medium of their choice.
• An opportunity to constructively analyse and evaluate the work of others, before then re-directing the piece
• A group discussion task that will invite self-reflection and abstract thought, using the work that has been shared as a stimulus.

 

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Music

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.

The Music Department offers standalone Benson exhibition awards, providing students with free tuition in their principal instrument, equivalent to £630.  Exhibitions may be offered based on potential in an instrument, and are awarded through the same audition process.

Application

Each applicant 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. We would also welcome up to two references in support of their application.

Assessment Day -  Friday 20 or Saturday 21 January 2023

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.

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Sport

Candidates are expected to be actively involved in competitive sport across a variety of disciplines both at school and club level. We do expect scholars to be able to represent the College across at least two of our Core Sports, which include swimming, netball, hockey, football, cricket and rugby. Applications from students performing at a high level in other sports are welcomed and will be considered. As a guide, we would expect applicants to be competing at club/county level or equivalent, in addition to representing their school, depending on the sport they currently participate in.

Application

Each applicant 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 26 or Friday 27 January 2023

All applicants will be assessed in three tasks:

•  A series of challenges and multi-sport games, focusing on student’s physical literacy, but also on personal, social and cognitive skills.
• A number of sport-specific activities, with a focus on our core sports (netball, hockey, rugby, football, cricket and swimming). Whilst competence in these individual sports is important, it will not form the basis of the assessment
• An informal interview with a member of the department, to further discuss their application and desire to become a Sport scholar at the College.

In order to encourage and nurture talent in particular areas of College life, we offer a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship that allows students to specialise in the fields of Academics, Art & Design, the Dramatic Arts, Music, Sport, and Design Engineering. The Diploma Scholarship is intended to recognise the full range of educational talent in the College, alongside the ability of award holders to inspire other students.

Candidates can apply for these awards in October of Year 11.  External applicants for the Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship should apply through the online registration process, whereas internal applicants in the College will apply through application to the Headmaster. The Head of Sixth form will write to current parents & students in October to explain how this is to be done.

Any external student intending to entering the College at 16+ is invited to apply for a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship at point of application, and they may present themselves in their particular field of expertise which may be more than one. Leadership qualities are an important part of being awarded a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship . 

 

Fields of the the Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship	Value* per year
Academic	10%
Art & Design	10%
Dramatic Arts	10%
Music	10%
Sport	10%
Design Engineering	10%

* for clarity purposes, multiple scholarships can of course be held but are capped at a maximum of 35% for two or more scholarships

 

The College offers a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship for recognition of excellence in Academic, Art& Design, the Dramatic Arts, Music, Sports and Design Engineering.

The Diploma Scholarship -  Academic

Candidates who perform particularly well in the entrance assessments will be invited to attend a scholarship interview. At this point, the Head of Sixth Form will ask the external candidate to prepare an academic presentation on a specific topic which will then be presented in person by the candidate.

If you are interested in this field of the Diploma, please tick the relevant box on our application form.

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The Diploma Scholarship – Art & Design

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.

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The Diploma Scholarship – the Dramatic Arts

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. Diploma Scholars will be expected to champion our subject to other years groups in weekly clubs and termly performances with the full support of the department, for a minimum two terms each academic year through the Sixth Form.

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.

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The Diploma Scholarship – Music

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 in addition. All potential Diploma Scholars will also have a short interview with the Director of Music.

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The Diploma Scholarship – Sports

Criteria

Candidates should be champions for sport & physical activity in their current school, having demonstrated high levels of commitment and performance in a variety of areas. 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, Diploma Scholars will be expected to create and lead weekly clubs with the full support of the department, for a minimum of two terms each academic year.

Assessment Day

Applicants will be invited to join us and our existing students to participate in afternoon sport. We will also try to see as many applicants as possible performing in their chosen sport in their current setting. All applicants will also have a short interview with the Director of Sport, focusing on current participation, future aspiration and what they hope to offer as a Diploma Scholar.

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The Diploma Scholarship – Design Engineering

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 fascinated by how things work and 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.