Private school scholarships guide

Last reviewed: 4 November 2026

A scholarship is an award a school gives for talent or achievement. This guide explains what scholarships are worth at UK independent schools, how schools choose, when to apply and how a scholarship differs from a bursary. To see what each school offers, use Find scholarships.

What a scholarship is

A scholarship rewards merit. Your child earns it by doing well in an exam, an audition, a trial or a portfolio review, and your family's income does not usually come into it.

Most independent schools offer scholarships at their main entry points, usually 11+, 13+ and 16+. Some also offer them at 7+ or 8+. Each school sets its own rules, so an award with the same name can mean very different things at two schools.

A scholarship is also a form of recognition. Schools use it to mark out pupils they expect to lead in that area, and they often expect something back, such as playing in the orchestra or representing the school in a team.

What they are worth

Many parents expect a scholarship to cover a large part of the fees. Usually it does not.

Most scholarships with a published value cover a modest share of fees, and some are mostly honorary, with a small sum or none at all. Our scholarships page shows the typical published value for each type. Many schools do not publish a figure, so ask.

There are three things to check about the value:

• Is the percentage fixed or "up to"? "Up to 25%" tells you the ceiling, not what most holders receive.
• What does the percentage apply to? Ask whether it applies to tuition only, and whether boarding is included.
• Are there other benefits? Music awards often include free instrumental lessons, which can be worth more than the fee reduction.

If you need a large reduction in fees, look at bursaries as well. Awards that reach full fees are usually means-tested.

The main types

Academic. The most common kind. Usually decided from the entrance exam, sometimes with extra papers, and an interview.

Music. Decided by audition. Most schools state the standard they expect, often as a grade, and many ask for two instruments or an instrument and voice.

Sport. Decided by a practical trial and your child's record at club, county or national level.

Art. Decided by a portfolio, often with a timed practical task and a conversation about the work.

Drama. Decided by prepared speeches, often with a workshop and an interview.

All-rounder. For a child with real strength in several areas. Decided from academic results, references and an interview.

Some schools also offer design and technology and computing awards, as well as named awards for particular subjects or for pupils from particular places.

Scholarships by entry point

Each entry point works a little differently, so check when your child would be assessed.

7+, joining in Year 3. Fewer schools make awards this young. Ask how long the award lasts, because some schools review it when a pupil moves up.

11+, joining in Year 7. Many schools decide academic awards from the 11+ exam, sometimes with an extra paper or interview.

13+, joining in Year 9. Many schools set their own scholarship papers, often during Year 8.

16+, joining sixth form. Deadlines often fall in the autumn of Year 11, and many awards are open to current pupils as well as those joining.

How schools choose

Panels are not only looking for the best current performance. Most are also judging potential and how much your child will give to the school over several years.

A panel will usually consider:

• Standard for age. How your child compares with others applying at the same point.
• Potential. Whether they are still improving, and how they respond to teaching on the day.
• Commitment. Whether they do this because they want to, week after week.
• What they will add. Whether they will join in and lift others in that area of school life.

A child who is obviously drilled but cannot talk about their work tends to do less well than one who is enthusiastic and curious. Interviews and auditions are often designed to tell the two apart.

Most schools also expect a scholar to meet the normal academic standard for entry, so a specialist award rarely replaces the entrance exam.

When to apply

Scholarship deadlines come early. Most fall between October and December for entry the following September, and they are often a few weeks before registration for the place closes. Music awards usually close first.

Work back from the deadline:

• Year before entry, by spring. Shortlist schools and read each one's scholarship terms.
• Summer before. Prepare portfolios, pieces or speeches, and speak to teachers and coaches about references.
• Autumn. Submit applications. Check scholarship deadlines for each school.
• Winter and spring. Attend auditions, trials and exams. Awards are usually offered with, or soon after, the offer of a place.

13+ entry often runs on a longer timetable, with assessment well before Year 9, so check early if that is your entry point.

How to apply

Registering for a place almost never enters your child for an award. Treat it as a separate application.

1. Read the terms. Check who can apply, what the award is worth and what is expected of a scholar.
2. Check the standard. If a school wants a particular grade or level, make sure your child is there or nearly there.
3. Be selective. Scholarship assessments take preparation, and an extra audition or trial adds pressure. Focus on the schools and awards that suit your child.
4. Line up references early. Teachers and coaches are busy in the autumn term.
5. Keep a record. Note deadlines, what you have sent and the date of each assessment. Tracking your schools can remind you before each date.

Scholarships and bursaries

A scholarship depends on merit. A bursary depends on household income and assets, and can reach full fees at some schools.

The two are separate, and many families hold both. If your child wins a small scholarship and you need more help, ask whether the school can add a bursary. Some schools also let a family keep the title of scholar while giving up the money, so that it can go to a family in greater need.

Questions to ask

Ask the admissions team:

• How many of these awards did you make last year, and what were they worth?
• Is the value fixed, or does it depend on the panel's decision?
• Can it be combined with another scholarship or a bursary?
• What do you expect of a scholar each year?
• Does the award rise with fees, and how is it reviewed?
• Can it be withdrawn, and in what circumstances?
• What standard did recent holders reach at this age?