Scholarships and Bursaries
St Dunstan's College is proud to offer various scholarships and bursaries for Senior School students at 11+ and 16+.
More details on these can be found below.
- Bursary Information
- 11+ Scholarship Awards
- 11+ Scholarship Criteria & Application Forms
- The Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship Awards
- The Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship Criteria & Application
Bursary Information
St Dunstan’s College aims to attract and keep, students based on their suitability. We do not want to exclude applicants on financial grounds. As a result, we are proud to offer a number of bursary and temporary financial assistance awards each year. Further details are given below.
Bursaries
A bursary provides long term financial support throughout the time your child attends the College.
What does it cover?
Bursary awards can cover up to 100% of school fees. For students who qualify for 100% bursaries other necessary expenses can also be covered such as school uniform, lunches and exam fees.
When do I apply?
When applying for a place at the College. The expectation is that parents/carers who do not apply for a bursary at the time that their child is being assessed, will not require financial support throughout the time their child attends the College, except in wholly unforeseen circumstances.
Bursary applications for the 2026/2027 academic year will open in September 2025.
How do I apply for a bursary?
Tick the relevant box on the online registration form. The Admissions team will forward a link to our on-line bursary assessment platform. You will be asked to provide details of your income, expenditure, assets and liabilities, along with supporting documentation such as bank statements and pay slips.
How do I qualify for a bursary?
Gross household income must be below £75k. Other criteria in relation to net assets held and number of dependents are also considered.
How are applications assessed?
The school uses an independent company (Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) to review and assess bursary applications. The process may involve a home visit. The final decision is made by our Financial Assistance Committee.
How long does the bursary last?
If your circumstances remain the same, the bursary will remain available for the whole time your child is at the school. However, it will be subject to an annual review and if your circumstances change the % bursary awarded may change.
Who is eligible to apply?
UK resident parents/carers whose child is applying for the Senior School at 11+ or 16+ entry. Bursaries are not awarded in the Junior School.
If I receive a bursary at another St Dunstan's Education Group school, will I automatically receive one if my child transitions to St Dunstan’s?
No, you should apply for a bursary at St Dunstan’s separately.
If I receive a bursary, do I still need to pay the deposit?
You will be asked to pay a portion of the deposit equating to the % bursary awarded e.g. if you have a 100% bursary you will not pay a deposit, if you receive a 50% bursary you will pay 50% of the deposit.
If I receive a bursary, do I still need to pay the registration fee?
At the time of application it will not be known whether or not a bursary will be awarded. Therefore, registration fees are payable by all applicants unless they are in receipt of the pupil premium.
Is the information I provide confidential?
Yes, the College will treat all information provided in line with our data protection policy which can be found on our website. It does not disclose the recipients of a reward to third parties, and we ask recipients to do likewise.
How are bursaries funded?
St Dunstan’s doesn’t have a charitable foundation behind it and relies on the generosity of our alumni and other donors. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please contact our development office on development@stdunstans.org.uk.
11+ Scholarship Awards
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 up to 35% of tuition fees for a single award or combination of awards.
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.
Co-Curricular Scholarships at 11+ (Year 7)
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. Whilst fee remission is a part of the scholarship offer, successful candidates will also be inducted onto carefully designed, progressive programmes that support each scholar to thrive. 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. All applications must be received by the published deadline to be considered.
| 11+ Scholarships | Maximum value per year | AOB |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | 35% fee remission for one award or multiple awards | By invitation only |
| Art | 35% fee remission for one award or multiple awards | |
| Drama | 35% fee remission for one award or multiple awards | Actors, technicians and dancers all welcome to apply |
| Music | 35% fee remission for one award or multiple awards | Benson Award is also available and provides free music tuition on main instrument |
| Sport | 35% fee remission for one award or multiple awards |
11+ Scholarship Criteria & Application Forms
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 up to 35% for a single award or combination of awards.
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.
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 Education Group pupils going into Year 7 at the Senior School, a recommendation is made from the Head of Junior School to the Head for potential scholarship candidates who should be assessed.
Co-Curricular
(Please note information correct as at 2 June 2025)
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 for a maximum of two Co-Curricular Scholarships and should read all the entry requirements carefully prior to submitting their application.
The deadline for submission of all 11+ Co-Curricular Scholarship applications is Monday 24 November 2025 (1600). Applications should be submitted with your online registration
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 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.
Application
Each candidate will need to submit the following:
- 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.
- Up to two references from an art teacher or external tutor, highlighting the candidate’s commitment, aptitude and interest in art.
- A personal statement, detailing why they wish to apply for an art scholarship. This statement should be no more than 300 words.
Assessment Day - Thursday 29 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.
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 and dance.
Application
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 monologue devised by the candidate on the theme of the College's 'Five Cs'. 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.
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.
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.
Application
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 - Tuesday 27 or Wednesday 28 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.
Sport
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.
Application
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:
- A series of fitness tests, challenges and multi-sport games, focusing on student's physical literacy, but also on personal, social and cognitive skills.
- Sport-specific assessment activities, focusing on technical proficiency and game play across our Core Sports. All candidates will participate in a football and a hockey session on the day, even if theses are not their core sport.
The Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship Awards
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 Head. The Head of Sixth form will write to current parents & students in October with further detail on the application process.
Any external student intending to enter the College at 16+ is invited to apply for a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship at point of application. Leadership qualities are an important part of being awarded a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship.
| Fields of the the Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship | Approximate value per year |
|---|---|
| Academic | 10% - 25% |
| Art & Design | 10% - 25% |
| Dramatic Arts | 10% - 25% |
| Music | 10% - 25% |
|
Sport (Football, Hockey & Swimming)** |
10% - 25% |
| Design Engineering | 10% - 25% |
* for clarity purposes, multiple scholarships can of course be held but are usually capped at a maximum of 35%
** Scholarships in other sports may be considered on a case by case basis
The Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship Criteria & Application
The College offers a Sixth Form Diploma Scholarship for recognition of excellence in academic, art and design, the dramatic arts, music, sport 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.
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.
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. 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.
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. All potential Diploma Scholars will also have a short interview with the Director of Music.
The Diploma Scholarship – Sport
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.
The Diploma Scholarship – Design Engineering
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 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.
