At Abingdon, we offer a range of scholarships which supports our ethos of encouraging the very best academic achievement, as well recognising contribution at an exceptional level across our Other Half programme.

All scholarship and award holders must meet the appropriate academic entry criteria. Awards are reviewed annually, and are subject to satisfactory academic progress and behaviour. Scholarships are awarded to both internal and external candidates at 13+ and 16+ in the following areas:

In recognition of exceptional performance in the third year, academic scholarships may also be awarded to internal candidates at 14+. In addition, a number of academic and music awards are offered at 11+.

Scholarships and the 11+ academic awards entitle the holder to a nominal fee remission of £300 per annum. Music scholarships and awards also come with free tuition on one or two instruments. It is possible to apply for further financial assistance through a means-tested bursary which can be worth up to 100% of fees.

First Year (11+) Awards

Academic Awards

The Head makes a number of awards following exceptional performance in the entrance assessments. All candidates who attend our assessments are automatically considered for these awards which comprise:

  • John Roysse awards: for outstanding performance in the entrance tests and interviews.
  • Griffen Awards: for all-round performance across assessments.
  • Head’s Awards: in recognition of a particular strength or talent. (Please note, these do not come with a fee remission).

All first year awards are held for the two year duration of our Lower School. Thereafter, award holders, along with non-award holders, may be considered for a scholarship application at 13+ by the Teacher in Charge of Scholars.

Music Awards

Music awards are made following an audition and interview, in which the candidate’s general musicianship, as well as musical potential, is explored with the Director of Music. As a guide, candidates should play two instruments, and have reached grade 5-6 standard in at least one of them.

Candidates who are registered for a first year place will be invited to express their interest in applying for a music award in October of Year 6. Those candidates who have expressed an interest may first be invited to a friendly and informal pre-audition with the Director of Music, who will give further guidance about the process and advise on their suitability for application.

Third Year (13+) Scholarships

The full range of scholarships is available for Third Year applicants, with scholarship assessments taking place in the Spring of Year 8. Only students who have a confirmed offer of a place at the school may apply. Please see the relevant scholarship pages for details of the assessment process.

For students at a UK based Prep School, all applications are made via their Prep School. They will be able to advise on the suitability of a particular scholarship and the assessment process.

Students attending other types of schools, including from the maintained sector and from overseas, may apply directly. Please contact the Admissions office for further information and guidance.

For internal students, the Teacher in Charge of Scholars, along with Heads of Department and the Head of Lower School will propose suitable candidates to the Head for consideration. Internal candidates will then follow the same assessment process as external applicants.

Sixth Form (16+) Scholarships

The full range of scholarships is available for Sixth Form applicants. For internal students, the Teacher in Charge of Scholars, along with Heads of Department, will propose suitable candidates to the Head for consideration.

Academic Scholarships

All candidates who apply for a Sixth Form place will automatically be considered for scholarship entry based on their performance in the entrance assessments. There is no separate application process. Candidates who have performed exceptionally well may be invited back for a Scholarship interview. From this, a scholarship offer may be made.

All pupils already at Abingdon will automatically be considered for an academic scholarship by the Teacher in Charge of Scholars in conjunction with Heads of Department. In making the final decision, each pupil’s reports and academic record throughout Middle School are considered, as well as their final GCSE results. Those who become scholars on entry to the Sixth Form all have excellent GCSE grades, but that in itself will not win a scholarship, as so many Abingdonians achieve excellent results at GCSE every year.

Other Scholarships

An assessment process for candidates applying for Music and Sport scholarships takes place in the Michaelmas term of the Fifth Year (Year 11). For Art, Design & Technology and Drama scholarships, the assessments take place in February of Year 11. Please see the relevant scholarship pages for further details. All students must also meet the necessary academic requirements. Internal candidates will be proposed for a scholarship application by the Teacher in Charge of Scholars and the relevant Heads of Department.

Dates for September 2024 Entry

AcademicMusicSportArtDramaD&T
11+No application requiredPre-audition: 21 Nov 2023
Audition: 31 Jan 2024
----
13+w/c 26 Feb 2024Wed 31 Jan 2024Thu 1 Feb 2024Fri 2 Feb 2024Mon 5 Feb 2024Fri 2 Feb 2024
16+Interviews:
w/c 27 Nov 2023 and
w/c 19 Feb 2024
Thu 23 Nov 2023
(late Feb applicants considered)
Mon 6 Nov 2023Wed 21 Feb 2024Wed 21 Feb 2024Wed 21 Feb 2024