Scholarships

Stevens Academic Scholarships are awarded to those who show academic ability and potential across a range of subjects, or for outstanding performance in a particular subject area.

ISEB Common Academic Scholarship Examinations for these Scholarships are held at the College over three days during the last week in February of the year of entry.

There will be a formal scholarship interview and candidates will be asked to write an application letter (min 300 words) on what academic scholarship means to them; what they would contribute to the academic life at Bradfield and how they have explored academia beyond the classroom.

Pupils will sit 60 or 90 minute papers in the following subjects:

The following subject papers are optional:

In addition to the written papers, all candidates will have short speaking assessments in Modern Languages. There will be a formal Scholarship interview.

To be eligible for a Dr Gray All Rounder Scholarship, the College expects candidates either to be in the Scholarship Stream at preparatory school or achieve a minimum average mark of 65% at Common Entrance. Those candidates not taking Common Entrance are expected to reach a comparable standard.

Those wishing to be considered for their all-round ability will be assessed academically and will sit papers in Mathematics and English. They will also be assessed in at least two disciplines that they wish to be considered such as Art, Music, Drama or Sport. Those offering Music as part of an all-round assessment should play at least one instrument or sing at Grade III standard or higher and have experience playing or singing in ensembles.

Candidates also have an interview with the Second Master about their wider interests.

The essential qualities looked for in prospective Art candidates and their work are an evident enthusiasm for their subject, self-motivation, evidence of sensitivity, sound observational skills and a developed imagination.

Candidates will submit a digital portfolio of their work.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for an Art scholarship?

Pupils that have a strong ability in formal aspects of the subject. Drawing, painting, making or Photography. Pupils who have built up a body of work, this does not need to be extensive but should show a range of strong work completed to date.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for an Art scholarship?

Art candidates will complete a number of practical tasks including an observational drawing test. All candidates will discuss their work with members of the art and photography departments. This is an opportunity for candidates to promote the work they have done, whether in school or outside of lessons, and showcase their genuine interest in the subject as well as their creative and lateral thinking and problem solving.

What are the rewards of winning an Art scholarship?

Pupils will join the scholarship group. These pupils are offered regular additional time and guidance with their work from a range of teachers. Where possible, pupils will be included in all special events – talks and workshops supplied by external providers throughout the academic year. Pupils will enjoy a cost-free journey through the College within the department. All appropriate materials and cost will be covered by the scholarship.

What are the commitments to the Art department if you are a scholar in that subject?

Pupils are required to study Art or Photography and be clear ambassadors for the subjects. Pupils would be expected to appropriately prioritise Art or Photography during their college life.

Candidates will submit a digital portfolio of their work and shortlisted candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Design scholarship?

A curious mind that is not satisfied with accepting the world around us at face value. Someone who is a creative problem solver, and the sort of person who has taken products apart just to see how they work. A candidate may have designed and built a product that they have then sold or is now successfully solving its intended purpose. Our design scholars must be willing to learn and excited to develop their own skills while not be afraid to share their passion and skills with others.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for a Design scholarship?

Design candidates will undertake a practical challenge. This will be an unseen task with a practical outcome of a problem solving nature. All candidates will discuss their work with the Director of Faculty and Heads of respective departments. This is an opportunity for candidates to promote the work they have done, whether in school or outside of lessons, and showcase their genuine interest in the subject.

What are the rewards of winning a Design scholarship?

Every scholar will be given the opportunity to set up or run their own activity with support of the Design team. Each successful scholar will also be given training to achieve accreditation in Adobe and Solid Edge software to enable them to be better prepared for the modern world of Design. There will also be coaching available for those scholars who wish to pursue engineering, to apply to the Arkwright engineering scholarship in Year 11.

What are the commitments to the Design department if you are a scholar in that subject?

We ask each our scholars to commit an hour a week into their busy timetables, to enable them to access the rewards on offer, to achieve accreditation or run the Design clubs to better themselves and their peers. We offer support until 6pm every day so should they wish to pursue their own projects in this time, this is also encouraged.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Drama scholarship?

Any pupil with a love of Drama and who wishes to pursue Drama at Bradfield is eligible for applying for the Drama scholarship.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for a Drama scholarship?

Those interested in applying for a Drama Scholarship will send in a self-tape performing a monologue from a published play. Shortlisted Candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon in February where they will participate in a workshop session and be interviewed by a member of the Drama team about their choice of monologue, their wider theatrical interests, and any live productions they have seen recently.

What are the rewards of winning a Drama scholarship?

Drama Scholars will receive weekly LAMDA lessons and yoga classes at no expense to the candidate. They will have theatre trips and workshops with other drama scholars, have regular scholar meetings and be mentored by a subject specialist during their time at Bradfield.

What are the commitments to the Drama department if you are a scholar in that subject?

All Drama Scholars act as subject ambassadors within the school. They must study Academic Drama to GCSE level. They must audition for all relevant performance opportunities.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Music Scholarship?

Applicants should be performing at, or working towards, Grade 6 standard in their principal instrument or voice. Those offering multiple instruments or voice should be of at least Grade 5 standard on their secondary instruments. Awards are available to candidates offering a single instrument  or voice, or multiple. Applications are warmly encouraged from pupils whose first (or only) study is voice, who have experience of singing in a choir, and who are committed to being part of the chapel’s choral tradition.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day?

Assessments for 13+ Music Scholarships are taken during the Lent Term, usually the last week of January, prior to the academic year of entry. During this assessment, you will be required to:

• Offer two contrasting pieces of at least ABRSM Grade VI standard (or equivalent) in your principal study.
• Preferably, offer a second instrument.
• Play at sight.
• Aural tests of Grade V-VI standard (including sight singing).
• Attend interviews with the Director of Music and a senior member of staff

What are the rewards of winning a Music Scholarship?

Music Scholars receive a tailored programme of support and enrichment.

• Single instrument or voice award holders receive up to 30 hours of free music tuition annually
• Multi instrument or voice award holders receive up to 60 hours, spread across a maximum of three disciplines

All scholars benefit from:

• Masterclasses and performance opportunities with professional musicians
• Regular access to a professional accompanist
• Free Alexander Technique sessions (fortnightly)
• Coaching in chamber music and large ensembles
• Support with auditions for Conservatoires, NYO, and competitive music festivals

What are the commitments to the Music Department as a Music Scholar?

Music Scholars are expected to be active and enthusiastic contributors to the musical life of the College.

This includes:

• Regular participation in major ensembles, concerts, and music events
• Acting as ambassadors for Music within Bradfield and beyond
• Taking part in an annual assessment to review progress and contribution

While there is no obligation to take Music A Level or IB, many scholars choose to do so.

For more information on our expectations of music scholars and the benefits of being a Music Award recipient, please see our Music Scholarships page.

Choral Scholarships are awarded to talented and committed singers who demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to the choral life of Bradfield College. Scholars will be members of the Chapel Choir and will participate fully in the Bradfield Choral Foundation programme.

Candidates should normally:

• have experience of regular choral singing, whether that be in a school or church choir, or another vocal ensemble;
• demonstrate a secure and confident singing voice, a good musical ear and an enthusiasm for choral singing;
• show developing music-reading and sight-singing skills;
• enjoy singing as part of an ensemble and demonstrate an ability to hold their own vocal line within a group;
• show enthusiasm for the breadth of opportunities and responsibilities associated with the Choral Foundation.

Previous experience as a cathedral, collegiate or church chorister is welcomed but is not a requirement.

ASSESSMENT

Candidates will be invited to a practical audition and informal discussion with the Director of Music. The assessment will normally include:

• performing a piece of the candidate’s choosing which demonstrates their vocal ability and musicianship;
• vocal exercises to explore range, tone and vocal potential;
• sight-singing;
• aural tests;
• singing their own harmony part within a short piece of prepared choral music, provided to candidates in advance;
• discussion of the candidate’s previous musical experience and their interest in the Choral Foundation.

Candidates are not expected to be finished singers. Particular consideration will be given to musical potential, responsiveness to coaching, vocal suitability, musicianship and enthusiasm for choral singing.

Successful candidates will be expected to participate fully in the rehearsals, services, concerts and other activities of the Bradfield Choral Foundation, alongside the wider musical and academic life of the College.

Those applying for a Sports Scholarship should submit a Sports Scholarship application form by 12 October of Year 8.

Following receipt of application forms, we will request a reference from the Director of Sport / Head of PE at the candidate’s current school, so please ensure that you have discussed their suitability prior to applying. Please note that we do not require a Sports CV to be submitted nor any wider references.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Sports Scholarship?

• Extremely talented sports individuals who have potential to reach regional, national and international level;
• Highly committed individuals who have significantly contributed, over an extended period of time, to the sporting life of their primary/prep school and/or sports club;
• Candidates are typically the top athletes in their school, exceptional A team players, and among the best performers in their year group across at least one, but ideally two or more, sports. If a candidate excels at a very high level in a single sport (for example, at academy, regional or international standard), we recognise that this may take precedence and could hinder their ability to perform at a similar level in additional sports;
• An individual admired by their peers as a sporting role model. They consistently demonstrate exceptional effort in training and competitions, exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, and show a willingness to accept feedback for personal development;
• Somebody who will be motivated to make the most of the College resources available to sport scholars.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day?

Following receipt of application forms, selected candidates will be invited to the Round 1 Assessment Day in November. Candidates who impress will then be invited to the final assessment day in February. Candidates will be assessed in their two main sports and will undertake generic fitness and skills screening tests.

Scholarships may be offered to candidates who excel in one or more of the major sports played at Bradfield or to those who demonstrate achievement and promise in the additional sports offered as part of the wider sporting programme at the College.

What are the rewards of winning a Sports Scholarship?

Sports Scholars receive regular and continual support during their time at Bradfield. This includes:

• Weekly strength and conditioning sessions with our accredited coaches, aiming to improve athleticism and reduce injury risk.
• Priority access to any additional one-to-one / small group coaching sessions that are offered in the sport(s) for which their scholarship has been awarded.
• Mentoring support including termly review and goal setting.
• End-Phase rehabilitation support following injury, delivered by our lead S&C coach, involving objective measurement and assessment to guide return-to-play.
• Monitoring of training loads to ensure the right amount, and the right variety of training activity to support developmental goals and reduce overtraining risks.
• Access to some training facilities outside of normal College times.
• An Enrichment programme aiming to develop a range of characteristics and tackling a range of sports-related topics.

What are the commitments to the Sports Department as a Sports Scholar?

Sports Scholars are expected to show a high level of commitment to all aspects of the sporting life of the College. We would expect scholars to participate in the appropriate College teams as a minimum requirement of the award. School matches and training sessions are an essential part of this commitment and we consider attitude to practice to be as important as performance in matches. Sports Scholars must support the College’s sporting ethos and promote it both within the Bradfield community and beyond its boundaries.

It is expected that all Sports Scholars act as role models to others in the College, and their behaviour both on and off the field of play should be of the highest standard. Each term the Scholar is monitored via a termly review. Elements reviewed include fitness, training, performance, contribution to School sport, athlete education progress and academic studies.

For those entering Bradfield in the Sixth Form, Academic Scholarship candidates are required to be predicted at least seven GCSEs at Grade 9.

In addition to the standard Sixth Form entrance exams candidates will sit a specialist paper in the academic subject of their choice. There will be a formal scholarship interview and candidates will be asked to write an application letter (min 300 words) on what academic scholarship means to them; what they would contribute to the academic life at Bradfield and how they have explored academia beyond the classroom.

To be eligible for an all-round award, the College expects Sixth Form candidates to be predicted a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade 9 and four Grade 8.

They will be assessed academically and will sit papers in Mathematics and English. In addition, candidates will be assessed in at least two disciplines that they wish to be considered in their application with practical exercises in Art, Music, Drama or Sport. We would expect candidates to offer a minimum of two of these disciplines to be considered for an all-rounder scholarship.

Candidates offering Music as part of an all-round assessment should play at least one instrument, or sing, at Grade III standard or higher and have experience playing or singing in ensembles at their previous school.

Candidates also have an interview with the Second Master about their wider interests.

The essential qualities looked for in prospective Art candidates and their work are an evident enthusiasm for their subject, self-motivation, evidence of sensitivity, sound observational skills and a developed imagination.

Candidates will submit a digital portfolio of their work.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for an Art scholarship?

Pupils that have a strong ability in formal aspects of the subject. Drawing, painting, making or Photography. Pupils who have built up a body of work, this does not need to be extensive but should show a range of strong work completed to date.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for an Art scholarship?

Art candidates will complete a number of practical tasks including an observational drawing test. All candidates will discuss their work with members of the art and photography departments. This is an opportunity for candidates to promote the work they have done, whether in school or outside of lessons, and showcase their genuine interest in the subject as well as their creative and lateral thinking and problem solving.

What are the rewards of winning an Art scholarship?

Pupils will join the scholarship group. These pupils are offered regular additional time and guidance with their work from a range of teachers. Where possible, pupils will be included in all special events – talks and workshops supplied by external providers throughout the academic year. Pupils will enjoy a cost-free journey through the College within the department. All appropriate materials and cost will be covered by the scholarship.

What are the commitments to the Art department if you are a scholar in that subject?

Pupils are required to study Art or Photography and be clear ambassadors for the subjects. Pupils would be expected to appropriately prioritise Art or Photography during their college life.

Candidates will submit a digital portfolio of their work and shortlisted candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Design scholarship?

A curious mind that is not satisfied with accepting the world around us at face value. Someone who is a creative problem solver, and the sort of person who has taken products apart just to see how they work. A candidate may have designed and built a product that they have then sold or is now successfully solving its intended purpose. Our design scholars must be willing to learn and excited to develop their own skills while not be afraid to share their passion and skills with others.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for a Design scholarship?

Design candidates will undertake a practical challenge. This will be an unseen task with a practical outcome of a problem solving nature. All candidates will discuss their work with the Director of Faculty and Heads of respective departments. This is an opportunity for candidates to promote the work they have done, whether in school or outside of lessons, and showcase their genuine interest in the subject.

What are the rewards of winning a Design scholarship?

Every scholar will be given the opportunity to set up or run their own activity with support of the Design team. Each successful scholar will also be given training to achieve accreditation in Adobe and Solid Edge software to enable them to be better prepared for the modern world of Design. There will also be coaching available for those scholars who wish to pursue engineering.

What are the commitments to the Design department if you are a scholar in that subject?

We ask each our scholars to commit an hour a week into their busy timetables, to enable them to access the rewards on offer, to achieve accreditation or run the Design clubs to better themselves and their peers. We offer support until 6pm every day so should they wish to pursue their own projects in this time, this is also encouraged.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Drama scholarship?

Any pupil with a love of Drama and who wishes to pursue Drama at Bradfield is eligible for applying for the Drama scholarship.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day for a Drama scholarship?

Those interested in applying for a Drama Scholarship will send in a self-tape performing a monologue from a published play. Shortlisted Candidates will be invited to Bradfield for the Assessment afternoon in November where they will participate in a workshop session and be interviewed by a member of the Drama team about their choice of monologue, their wider theatrical interests, and any live productions they have seen recently.

What are the rewards of winning a Drama scholarship?

Drama Scholars will receive weekly LAMDA lessons and yoga classes at no expense to the candidate. They will have theatre trips and workshops with other drama scholars, have regular scholar meetings and be mentored by a subject specialist during their time at Bradfield.

What are the commitments to the Drama department if you are a scholar in that subject?

All Drama Scholars act as subject ambassadors within the school. They must audition for all relevant performance opportunities.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Music Scholarship?

Applicants should be performing at, or working towards, Grade 8 standard in their principal instrument or voice. Those offering multiple instruments or voice should be of at least Grade 6 standard on their secondary instruments. Awards are available to candidates offering a single instrument or voice, or multiple.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day?

Candidates will be asked to prepare:

• Two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument/voice if offering a single instrument or voice.
• One piece per instrument/voice if offering more than one instrument or voice.

In addition, there will be:

• A sight-reading test
• Aural tests
• A music theory assessment
• An interview with the Director of Music and the Head of Academic Music

What are the rewards of winning a Music Scholarship?

Music Scholars receive a tailored programme of support and enrichment.

• Single instrument or voice award holders receive up to 30 hours of free music tuition annually
• Multi instruments or voice award holders receive up to 60 hours, spread across a maximum of three disciplines

All scholars benefit from:

• Masterclasses and performance opportunities with professional musicians
• Regular access to a professional accompanist
• Free Alexander Technique sessions (fortnightly)
• Coaching in chamber music and large ensembles
• Support with auditions for Conservatoires, NYO, and competitive music festivals

What are the commitments to the Music Department as a Music Scholar?

Music Scholars are expected to be active and enthusiastic contributors to the musical life of the College.

This includes:

• Regular participation in major ensembles, concerts, and music events
• Acting as ambassadors for Music within Bradfield and beyond
• Taking part in an annual assessment to review progress and contribution

While there is no obligation to take Music A Level or IB, many scholars choose to do so.

For more information on our expectations of music scholars and the benefits of being a Music Award recipient, please see our Music Scholarships page.

Choral Scholarships are awarded to talented and committed singers who demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to the choral life of Bradfield College. Scholars will be members of the Chapel Choir and will participate fully in the Bradfield Choral Foundation programme.

Candidates should normally:

• be experienced and confident choral singers with a secure vocal technique;
• have well-developed music-reading skills and be able to learn music independently;
• demonstrate confidence in sight-singing and aural work;
• enjoy ensemble singing and be able to hold a harmony line confidently and independently;
• demonstrate the musicianship, commitment and independence required to take a leading role within the Chapel Choir and wider Choral Foundation;
• show the potential to work towards opportunities beyond Bradfield, including university choral scholarships where appropriate.

ASSESSMENT

Candidates will be invited to a practical audition and informal discussion with the Director of Music. The assessment will normally include:

• performing a piece of the candidate’s choosing which demonstrates their vocal ability and musicianship;
• vocal exercises to explore range, tone and vocal potential;
• sight-singing;
• aural tests;
• singing their own harmony part within a short piece of prepared choral music, provided to candidates in advance;
• discussion of the candidate’s previous musical experience and their interest in the Choral Foundation.

Candidates are not expected to be finished singers. Particular consideration will be given to musical potential, responsiveness to coaching, vocal suitability, musicianship and enthusiasm for choral singing.

Successful candidates will be expected to participate fully in the rehearsals, services, concerts and other activities of the Bradfield Choral Foundation, alongside the wider musical and academic life of the College.

What makes a pupil eligible to apply for a Sports Scholarship?

• Extremely talented sports individuals who have potential to reach regional, national and international level;
• Highly committed individuals who have significantly contributed, over an extended period of time, to the sporting life of their school and/or sports club;
• Candidates are typically the top athletes in their school, exceptional A team players, and among the best performers in their year group across at least one, but ideally two or more, sports. If a candidate excels at a very high level in a single sport (for example, at academy, regional or international standard), we recognise that this may take precedence and could hinder their ability to perform at a similar level in additional sports;
• An individual admired by their peers as a sporting role model. They consistently demonstrate exceptional effort in training and competitions, exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, and show a willingness to accept feedback for personal development;
• Somebody who will be motivated to make the most of the College resources available to sport scholars.

What is the process on the scholarship assessment day?

Sixth Form Sports Scholarship applicants are assessed in the November prior to the year of entry, the week after the main Sixth Form Assessment Day. On the Assessment Day candidates will be watched in competitive play and will also participate in a short group task with some of the other candidates.

Scholarships may be offered to candidates who excel in one or more of the major sports played at Bradfield or to those who demonstrate achievement and promise in the additional sports offered as part of the wider sporting programme at the College.

What are the rewards of winning a Sports Scholarship?

Sports Scholars receive regular and continual support during their time at Bradfield. This includes:

• Weekly strength and conditioning sessions with our accredited coaches, aiming to improve athleticism and reduce injury risk.
• Priority access to any additional one-to-one / small group coaching sessions that are offered in the sport(s) for which their scholarship has been awarded.
• Mentoring support including termly review and goal setting.
• End-Phase rehabilitation support following injury, delivered by our lead S&C coach, involving objective measurement and assessment to guide return-to-play.
• Monitoring of training loads to ensure the right amount, and the right variety of training activity to support developmental goals and reduce overtraining risks.
• Access to some training facilities outside of normal College times.
• An Enrichment programme aiming to develop a range of characteristics and tackling a range of sports-related topics.

What are the commitments to the Sports Department as a Sports Scholar?

Sports Scholars are expected to show a high level of commitment to all aspects of the sporting life of the College. We would expect scholars to participate in the appropriate College teams as a minimum requirement of the award. School matches and training sessions are an essential part of this commitment and we consider attitude to practice to be as important as performance in matches. Sports Scholars must support the College’s sporting ethos and promote it both within the Bradfield community and beyond its boundaries.

It is expected that all Sports Scholars act as role models to others in the College, and their behaviour both on and off the field of play should be of the highest standard. Each term the Scholar is monitored via a termly review. Elements reviewed include fitness, training, performance, contribution to School sport, athlete education progress and academic studies.