Scholarships

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.

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.

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.