11+ Academic Scholarships

At Stowe, we have always believed in the transformative power of education, the importance of intellectual curiosity, inquisitiveness, ambition, and a love of learning.

The 11+ Academic Scholarship embodies these values, offering a unique opportunity for pupils who demonstrate exceptional academic potential to flourish.

Who is the Scholarship for?

We are looking for those who combine academic excellence with a genuine commitment to the Stowe ethos and a desire to make the most of all that our schools have to offer.

Application for the Scholarship will be made in Year 6, whether your child is already part of our family at Ashfold, Swanbourne House, or Winchester House, or they are in another school.

Candidates will be awarded the Scholarship for Years 7 and 8 in one of our Prep Schools with the intention of progressing to Stowe at Year 9. The pupil will follow the Academic Scholarship pathway at the Prep School and afterwards at Stowe.

What does the Scholarship offer?

Successful candidates will receive a fee remission of 5%, with the possibility of a means-tested bursary of up to 100% of the school fees.

The award is designed to support pupils from Year 7 to Year 13, subject to the Stowe Conditions of Award Policy.

Scholarship holders will also receive an unconditional offer of a place at Stowe for Year 9.

How are candidates assessed?

Applicants will be invited to an Assessment Day in early February of Year 6 at Stowe.

Their academic ability will be evaluated by: CAT4 and/or UKiset scores (we are looking for children whose mean is 130 and above in these standardised cognitive assessments that evaluate a pupil’s learning potential and underlying reasoning abilities); a Head’s Essay Paper set by Stowe; school reports; and an interview with the Deputy Head Academic at Stowe.

We will also be looking for a clear intention, shared by both parents and pupil, for the candidate to continue their educational journey with us through to the Sixth Form at Stowe.

A Pathway to Excellence

The Scholarship is open to those within our own Prep Schools and externally, ensuring that the opportunity reaches all those who might benefit. Please note that the number of scholarships is limited, but there will be a further opportunity to apply for an Academic Scholarship at 13+ Entry.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Application and the successful awarding of an 11+ Academic Scholarship at Stowe does not prevent the candidate from applying for other Stowe 13+ Scholarships. There is a wide range of Scholarships available at 13+, details can be found at www.stowe.co.uk.

11+ Key Dates (2026 Entry)

Application deadline:

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Assessment Day:

Early February 2026

Decisions made by:

Saturday 21 February 2026

Offers made:

Tuesday 24 February 2026

Acceptance required by:

Saturday 7 March 2026

Click here to download the 11+ Academic Scholarship Application Form

Head's Essay Papers - Sample papers are available here: