Third Form Scholarship applications and assessments take place when children are in Year 8, (apart from Equestrian which takes place in the July of Year 7, on an individual basis).
Third Form candidates may apply for more than one Scholarship; however, candidates cannot be awarded both an Academic Scholarship and a Roxburgh Scholarship or a Sport and Golf Scholarship.
Whilst your child’s place at Stowe can be secured at any point from Year 6 onwards (and we recommend that you do this), Scholarship applications are made in Year 8.
Full details of all Third Form Scholarships can be found in our current brochure, however, a summary of each is shown below:
Click here to download the Third Form Scholarship Application Form
Equestrian
Selected candidates will be invited to individual assessments which take place in early July and involve attending Stowe’s Equestrian Centre with their own pony/horse.
Golf
Candidates will undertake a detailed assessment conducted by Stowe’s PGA Golf Professional on our 9-hole course. A Golf CV is also required.
Sport
Candidates must submit a sporting CV and references at the same time as the Scholarship Application Form and will be invited to Stowe to be assessed in their Stowe main sport(s).
Chess
Candidates will be asked to play a game live using tournament rules and a Chess clock as well as an interview with the Deputy Head (Academic). A Chess CV will also be required.
Academic
Candidates will sit papers in English, Maths & Science plus additional papers of their choice (Humanities, Classics or French or Spanish) and the Head’s Essay paper. Candidates will have an interview with the Head, Deputy Head (Academic) or Head of Lower School and take part in a Philosothon.
Music
As an approximate guide, a Music Scholar should be Grade 5 standard on at least one instrument. On the assessment day, candidates will be required to undertake an audition with a small panel of teachers from the Department as well as an interview with the Director of Music.
Art
During the assessment day, candidates will take part in a observational drawing exercise, as well as talking through their portfolio which they should bring with them on the day.
Drama
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of achievements prior to the assessment day. Performance of an audition piece of their choice, from memory of between two to four minutes and participation in a group workshop along with an interview with the Director of Drama will be expected on the assessment day.
Design
The assessment will be a timed design-based challenge along with a discussion with the Head of Design of their past design work which they should bring with them on the day.
Roxburgh
A two-day assessment programme including papers in English, Maths & Science, an interview with the Head, Deputy Head (Academic) or Head of Lower School and participation in Stowe’s Leadership Challenge. Candidates must be displaying excellence in at least one of the following: Art, Design, Drama, Music or Sport and will also undertake an assessment in their chosen area(s).
Scholarship
Application Deadline
Assessment Date
30 May 2025
Early July 2025 – arranged on an individual basis
12 September 2025
Thursday 2 October 2025
Monday 10 & Tuesday 11 November 2025
Wednesday 19 November 2025
07 November 2025
Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 January 2026
Monday 19 January 2026
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Thursday 29 & Friday 30 January 2026