Scholarship & Bursaries
A Stowe Scholarship is to be treasured
Scholars will take the lead in many of the intellectual and extra-curricular activities of the whole School and it is here, and in the Houses, that they learn how to use and mix their special gifts with those of others. It is vital that the Scholarship process should encourage and reward attitudes to learning that will
set standards for others. We believe that Scholarships should not reward talent alone but should also take into account an individual’s independent potential and ability to maintain an eager, open-minded attitude to learning. It is important that Scholars should consistently achieve high standards during each
year.
For all Scholarship applications a full report from the candidate’s school will be requested.
Please note that although candidates may apply for more than one Scholarship, a candidate will only be awarded one Scholarship and the School will decide which is the most appropriate. It should also be noted that all Scholarships are tenable throughout the holder’s career at Stowe, subject only to the
Headmaster’s satisfaction with the holder’s industry, performance and behaviour.
What is available: Scholarships and Bursaries
A range of Scholarships and Exhibitions, up to the value of 25% of the School fees is awarded annually. These are offered to candidates entering at 13+ and 16+ who demonstrate outstanding potential in the relevant examinations. Scholarships may be supplemented by means tested bursaries, with a limited
number of fully funded places, where there is proven financial need. Other than in exceptional circumstances , 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.
Academic Scholarships
Stowe Scholars follow demanding programmes in the top sets in pursuit of the excellent examination results they will need to achieve their career ambitions. They are encouraged to go beyond the confines of the syllabus by individual departments as well as attending the Scholars’ clubs that stretch and
challenge them beyond the limits of the examined curriculum and without the bounds of the normal subject disciplines.
At 13+
These are available for pupils entering Stowe’s Third Form, at aged 13+, and are awarded to gifted children who will already be following the ISEB Common Academic Scholarship syllabus at their Preparatory School. Candidates are normally recommended by their Preparatory School Headmaster. Candidates at Independent schools who are not being prepared for the ISEB Scholarship syllabus may be entered for Stowe Scholarship examinations.
At 16+
Academic Scholarships are also available to pupils wishing to join the School in the Lower Sixth Form after GCSE. Competitive Entry Examinations are held in the November of the candidate’s GCSE year. Those wishing to be considered for Sixth Form Scholarships sit a Verbal Reasoning paper followed by two
subject papers, which should be related to their AS Level choices, and an interview. Successful Scholarship candidates would normally be expected to gain A*’s and A’s in all their subjects at GCSE.
Stephan Scholarships
These are awarded to academically bright day pupils who would not otherwise be able to come to Stowe. They are available at Third Form or Lower Sixth Form entry. 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 13+
Candidates seeking a Stephan Scholarship at 13+ would not be attending Preparatory Schools and so therefore would not have the opportunity to be prepared for the ISEB Academic Scholarships. Candidates sit Stowe’s own entry papers in Maths and English plus the Headmaster's Essay paper.
At 16+
Sixth Form candidates are assessed at the Entry Examination Day by competitive Entry Examinations held in the November of the candidates’ GCSE year. Candidates will sit two subject papers, which should be related to their AS Level choices, and a Verbal Reasoning paper, followed by an interview. Successful
Scholarship candidates would normally be expected to gain A*’s and A’s in all their subjects at GCSE.
Art Scholarships
Art Scholarships are available for pupils entering into the Third Form and Lower Sixth Form at Stowe, offered to candidates who submit evidence of outstanding ability and a strong interest in Art.
We look for evidence of the following qualities:
• Plenty of drawing from direct observation through a series of sustained studies
• A love of art and an awareness of a range of artists including some contemporary art
• Examples of sustained independent work within a theme
• A sense of flexible, open minded and creative approaches to learning
It should be noted that an Art Scholar will be expected to continue Art as a major examination subject up to GCSE and beyond. Should the pupil cease to study Art, then the Scholarship will be revoked.
At 13+
Third Form candidates will be required to sit an examination in Art in the course of one day. They should bring a portfolio of recent work. This portfolio should contain a broad selection of work in whichever field of Art the candidate has studied. Two-dimensional work need not be mounted. Photographs or slides of
three-dimensional work are preferred. In general, particular attention will be paid to good objective drawing. A good Pass standard for those sitting Common Entrance or taking Stowe’s own Entry Papers will also be expected.
At 16+
Candidates will be required to provide a portfolio of recent work for assessment. This should contain a broad selection of work in whichever field of Art has been studied. Two-dimensional work need not be mounted. Photographs or slides of three-dimensional work are preferred. Particular attention will be paid to good objective drawing. Candidates are also required to pass Stowe’s Entry Examinations, held in the November of their GCSE year, in two subject papers (related to their AS Level choices), a Verbal Reasoning paper and an interview.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholars play a vital part in the music at Stowe by playing with enthusiasm and delight, being members of instrumental and vocal ensembles and showing leadership to others in the School. Music Scholars are some of the busiest pupils in the School; they will be members of instrumental and vocal ensembles which means having to make time for practice and rehearsals, as well as doing their academic work, playing games and joining in with other activities.
A number of awards are on offer each year ranging from Exhibitions which provide free instrumental tuition on one or two instruments, to Major Music Scholarships, plus free instrumental tuition on two instruments. The value of an award very much depends on the standard of the candidate but can also vary according to the instrument that is offered.
In all cases the musical potential and enthusiasm of the candidate will be taken into consideration. Parents should obtain references from the candidate’s Headmaster, Director of Music and possibly their instrumental teachers.
The Music Department offers free consultation lessons with all full-time members of the Department, as we are keen that candidates should know who may be teaching them for five years, and that the candidate feels they could develop a good and productive relationship with the teacher concerned. So please do call to arrange a visit and a lesson.
At 13+
As an approximate guide a Major Music Scholar should be at a minimum of Grade Five standard on at least one instrument and preferably nearer Grade Six. We place great emphasis on a candidate’s ability to be an active member of the department, and also enthusiastic and dedicated. Clearly instruments
which are rare (Bassoon, Double-bass, viola, etc.) may attract a scholarship at a slightly lower level of attainment. A good Pass standard for those sitting Common Entrance or Stowe’s own Entry Papers will also be expected.
At 16+
As an approximate guide a Major Music Scholar should be the equivalent standard of Grade Six or above on one instrument and be of a good standard on a second instrument or voice. We place great emphasis on a candidate’s ability to be an active member of the department, and also enthusiastic and dedicated.
Clearly instruments which are rare (Bassoon, Double-bass, viola, etc.) may attract a scholarship at a slightly lower level of attainment.
Candidates must also pass Stowe’s Entry Examinations held in the November of their GCSE year. These will be two subject papers, which should be related to the candidate’s AS Level choices, a Verbal Reasoning paper and an interview.
Sports Scholarships
Scholarships may be awarded for exceptional 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.
At 13+
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. As a guide, candidates will usually be the top sportsmen or sportswomen in their schools. Assessment will take the form of a full day at Stowe. Candidates will sit Stowe’s own Entry Examinations
of Maths, English, followed by a fitness test and a sports assessment. A good Pass standard for those sitting Common Entrance will also be expected.
Candidates must also submit a portfolio for assessment. This should be more than just a C.V., it should also show clear evidence of their sporting achievements and two references from people who have coached them.
At 16+
Candidates must be playing at County or Divisional/Regional level in their chosen sport. Assessment will take the form of a full day at Stowe, sitting Entry Examinations followed by a fitness test and a sports assessment. The Entry Examinations are held in the November of the candidate’s GCSE year and will be
two subject papers, related to their AS Level choices, a Verbal Reasoning paper and an interview. Candidates must also submit a portfolio for assessment. This should be more than just a C.V., it should also show clear evidence of their sporting achievements and two references from people who have coached them.
Roxburgh Scholarships
The Roxburgh Scholarships are named in memory of Stowe's founding Headmaster, J F Roxburgh. These Scholarships are intended to enable any boy or girl of outstanding all-round ability and leadership potential to benefit from Stowe's unrivalled environment to develop fully his or her talents.
At 13+
In addition to strong academic potential, which will be demonstrated in Stowe’s Entry Examinations and by tests taken during the assessment day, it is expected that candidates will display a range of sporting, musical, artistic and/or drama abilities. These will be judged in practical sessions and by interview at Stowe, when they will also undertake a series of ‘command tasks’ or leadership challenges.
Entry Examinations will be Stowe’s own papers in Maths and English. A good Pass standard for those sitting Common Entrance will also be expected.
Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio – this should be more than just a C.V. It should include the candidate’s interests and achievements. Creativity and imagination should be shown in the presentation, and the inclusion of relevant photographs is also welcome. Nominations for this Scholarship will normally be made by the candidate's Headmaster or Headmistress, supported by a full school report.
At 16+
In addition to strong academic potential, which will be demonstrated in the Entry Examinations, it is expected that candidates will display a range of sporting, musical, artistic and/or drama abilities. These will be assessed during the interview at Stowe on the Entry Examination Day held in the November of the
candidate’s GCSE year. Entry Examinations will be two subject papers, which should be related to AS Level choices, and a Verbal Reasoning paper.
Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio – this should be more than just a C.V. It should include the candidate’s interests and achievements. Testimonials or references should be shown, and the inclusion of relevant photographs is also welcome.
Scholarship Examination & Assessment Dates 2010/2011
Academic
13+ ISEB Common Academic Scholarship 28 February - 2 March 2011
13+ Stephan Scholarship Examinations 28 February 2011
16+ Entry Examinations and Interview 13 November 2010
Art
13+ Portfolio Assessment & Practical Test 2 February 2011
16+ Entry Examinations, Portfolio, and Interview 13 November 2010
Music
13+ Assessment Test 24 January 2010
16+ Entry Examinations, Interview and Assessment Test 12 November 2010
Sport
13+ Entry Examinations and Assessment Day 30 - 31 January 2011
16+ Entry Examinations and Assessment Day 12 November 2010
Roxburgh
13+ Entry Examinations and Assessment Day 30 January - 1 February 2011
16+ Entry Examinations and Interview 13 November 2010
Please note:
• The closing date for Sixth Form (16+) Applications is Friday 8 October 2010
• The closing date for Third Form Applications (13+) is Friday 10 December 2010
• Interviews at Stowe and references from a candidate’s present school will be taken into account.
• The Registrar would be pleased to discuss any aspect of the Scholarship application process with parents. Please feel welcome to contact the Admissions Office.