Scholarship deadlines.

What deadlines are

A scholarship is an award made on merit — academic, musical, sporting or artistic — usually worth a modest percentage of the fees, frequently 5–20%, and carrying recognition and extra tuition alongside the money. It is assessed by examination, audition, trial or portfolio, and it is separate from a bursary, which is awarded on financial need.

Frequently asked questions

When are scholarship application deadlines?

Most fall between October and December for entry the following September, and they are commonly one to three weeks earlier than the same school's general registration deadline. Music scholarship deadlines are often the earliest of all, because auditions need scheduling before the academic assessment round.

Do I apply for a scholarship separately?

Almost always yes. Registering your child for a place does not enter them for an award. There is normally a separate scholarship form, often asking for a reference from a music teacher or coach, a recording, a portfolio or a list of achievements — and its own deadline.

What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?

A scholarship is awarded on merit and is usually worth a fixed, fairly small percentage of fees. A bursary is awarded on financial need, is means-tested against household income and assets, and can be worth up to 100% of fees. Many schools will top up a scholarship with a bursary where a family qualifies — and at some schools a scholarship is a prerequisite for applying for a bursary.

How much is a scholarship worth?

Typically 5–20% of fees, and at many schools the headline award is now a nominal honorific of around 5–10% with the real financial support delivered through means-tested bursaries. A few schools still offer awards above 50%, usually at 16+ or for exceptional musicians.

When do scholarship assessments take place?

Academic scholarship papers are usually sat in January or February, after the main entrance assessment. Music auditions, sports trials and art portfolio reviews often run earlier, from November. These are listed on our assessment dates page rather than here.