A range of Scholarships and Exhibitions, up to the value of 25% of the School fees, is awarded annually. These are on offer to candidates entering Stowe at aged 13+ and 16+ who demonstrate outstanding potential in the relevant examinations. Scholarships may supplemented by means tested bursaries, with a limited number of fully funded places, where there is proven financial need.
Bursaries are only available to successful Scholarship candidates and are awarded to further supplement fees according to financial circumstances following an in-depth financial assessment.
For all Scholarship applications, assessment and interviews at Stowe along with references from a candidate's present school will be taken into account. A full school report will be requested on receipt of a scholarship application.
An outline of each of the Scholarships available is given here. However, the Registrar, Mr David Fletcher, would be pleased to discuss any aspect of the Scholarship application process with parents. Please feel welcome to contact the Admissions Office.
Academic Scholarships At 13+ Entry These are awarded on the strength of performance in the ISEB Common Academic Scholarship examinations. Candidates are normally recommended by their Prep School Headmaster.
At 13+ Entry - For day pupils: Stephan Scholarships Awarded to academically bright day pupils who would not otherwise be able to come to Stowe. Candidates would sit Stowe's own Entry Papers. As with all Scholarships further financial support may be available through means tested bursaries for outstanding candidates, where financial support is needed to enable them to attend Stowe.
At 16+ Entry - Academic Scholarships and Stephan Scholarships Competitive Entry Examinations are held in the November of the candidates' GCSE year. Candidates would sit a Verbal Reasoning paper and two subject papers and an interview. Successful Scholarship candidates would be expected to gain A*s and As in all their GCSE subjects. The Stephan Scholarships apply for day pupils only.
Art Scholarships At 13+ and 16+ Entry Awarded according to the quality of a portfolio of work. Third Form candidates (13+ entry) will also be required to sit an examination in Art in the course of one day at Stowe and will be expected to achieve a good Pass standard in the Common Entrance Examination or Stowe's own Entry Papers. Sixth Form candidates, in addition to their portfolio presentation, must pass their relevant Entry Day Examinations of two subject papers and a Verbal Reasoning paper. Evidence must be submitted of outstanding ability and a strong interest in Art.
Music Scholarships Music awards range from Exhibitions of free instrumental tuition on one or two instruments to major Scholarships of 25% remission of the appropriate School fee plus free instrumental tuition on two instruments.
At 13+ Entry To win a Major Scholarship, the candidate should be at least Grade Six standard on at least one instrument and preferably be near Grade Seven. A Minor Scholarship award may be given to someone around Grade Five standard. An Exhibitioner may be around Grade Four or Five standard. A good pass standard for those sitting Common Entrance or Stowe's own Entry Papers will also be expected.
At 16+ Entry For Major Scholarships candidates should be at least approaching Grade Eight Distinction on one instrument and be of an advanced standard on a second or voice. A candidate gaining a Minor Scholarship may be around Grade Seven standard. An Exhibitioner may be around Grade Six or Seven standard but offering only one instrument.
Sport Scholarships Sports Scholarships have been introduced for entry to Stowe from September 2007. These are offered to candidates showing outstanding potential in at least one of Stowe's key sports: hockey, lacrosse or tennis for girls and rugby, hockey or cricket for boys. Each application is reviewed individually on its merits and due consideration given to the contribution they would make to sport at Stowe. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of their sporting achievements and two references from people who have coached them. Assessment will take the form of a full day at Stowe, sitting Entry Papers, including a Verbal Reasoning test, followed by a fitness test and a sports assessment.
At 13+ Entry Candidates must be able to demonstrate significant potential for sporting achievements at a high level. Each boy or girl must offer one or two key sports they are considered to be specialist in.
At 16+ Entry Candidates must be playing at County or Divisional level in their chosen sport.
Roxburgh Scholarships Named in memory of Stowe's founding Headmaster, these are intended to enable any pupil of outstanding all-round ability to benefit from Stowe's unrivalled environment to fully develop their talents. Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio.
At 13+ Entry In addition to strong academic potential demonstrated in Stowe's own Entry Papers of Maths, English and the Headmaster's Essay paper, successful candidates will be judged on the strength of such qualities as leadership, sporting or creative ability.
At 16+ Entry In addition to strong academic potential, demonstrated in the Entry Day examinations, candidates will be expected to display a range of sporting, musical, artistic and/or creative talents. These will be assessed during interview on the Entry Day.
