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Scholarships & Bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and the Sixth Form.

 


 

The deadline to submit a scholarship application is October for Year 7 and December for Year 9. Please contact registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk for more information.

 


 

The value of a scholarship award is between 7.5% and 12.5% reduction in fees and entry onto a subject specific scholarship programme. The following scholarships are available at all three entry levels:

Academic
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Academic scholarships attract a 12.5% fee remission.

 

Academic Scholarships – Year 7 and Year 9

Academic scholarships are available for pupils who show a particular aptitude and strength in all academic subjects.

 

In Year 7 and Year 9, pupils are identified for an academic scholarship based on performance in their Entrance Assessments, school references and interviews.

 

There is no application process. Top performing pupils will be offered Academic Scholarships following their entrance exams.

 

Academic Scholarships – Year 12

The School will identify internal and external pupils for Academic scholarship during Year 11. This will be based on predicted outcomes at GCSE. For pupils to be considered, they will be predicted 7/8/9 grades in six or more of their GCSE subjects. External pupils coming into Year 12 will have predicted grades from their existing schools which reflect this standard.

 

What are the expectations of an Academic scholar?

Actively participate in extra-curricular and enrichment activities organised by the English, Mathematics, or Science departments.

 

Be independent learners who act as role models to their peers; achieving excellent progress and effort scores throughout the year.

 

Undertake the Extended Project Qualification (Sixth Form).

 

Showcase their work at the annual Festival of Scholars event. This involves producing a project for display and being prepared to speak to a wider audience about their interests and achievements.

 

Support and represent the academic subjects at Open Mornings and other School events.

Performing Arts
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Pupils awarded a scholarship in Performing Arts need to demonstrate an aptitude in at least one of Drama, Music or Dance. Performing Arts scholarships attract a 7.5% fee remission if awarded in one discipline; 10% if awarded in two; 12.5% if awarded in all three.


 

Drama scholarships

 

Who can apply?

Drama scholarships are available for pupils who show a particular aptitude for and strength in acting and performing.

 

Assessment

Drama scholars are assessed on their ability in five areas of performance:

 

– Confidence

– Co-operation

– Characterisation

– Communication

– Co-ordination

 

The assessment will run as a Drama workshop, enabling candidates to demonstrate their acting ability with a focus on naturalism and physical theatre. Pupils will need to improvise, create a sustained character and command the space in order to meet the assessment criteria. Pupils will showcase their work throughout the assessment and a portfolio outlining their experience including photographs of performances in preferable.

 

What are the expectations of a Drama scholar?
Actively participate in extra-curricular and enrichment activities organised by the Performing Arts department, including productions and termly performing arts events.

 

Act as role models to their peers; achieving excellent progress and effort scores throughout the year in Drama.

 

Undertake LAMDA examinations.

 

Showcase their work at the annual Festival of Scholars event. This involves producing a monologue or duologue as part of their LAMDA examination.

 

Support and represent the Drama department at Open Days and other School events and clubs.

 

If invited to perform in a GCSE pupil’s group choreography piece, commit to regular rehearsals in preparation for assessment.


 

Music scholarships

 

Who can apply?

There is no specific grade or level that the pupils should play to or have achieved in order to be eligible for a Music scholarship. However, the pupil will demonstrate exceptional potential in music, including their confidence in performance and in their understanding of composition. To be considered for a Music scholarship, applicants must be taking music lessons outside of the school curriculum and completing regular practice. They should be taking or preparing to take external music examinations.

 

Assessment

Year 7 – Pupils will be invited in to School to perform a piece of their choice and discuss their interest in music.

Year 9 – For current pupils, teachers will recommend pupils to be considered for Music scholarship in Year 9 in the spring term of Year 8. External pupils should apply at the same time as registering for a Year 9 place. Pupils will be invited to attend an interview at which they will be asked to perform a piece of their choice. In order to be recommended, pupils will have to demonstrate their commitment to music through participation in school concerts and performances to this point.

Year 12 – For current pupils, they will need a recommendation from a teacher to be considered for Music scholarship in the Sixth Form. External pupils should apply at the same time as registering for a Year 12 place. Pupils will need to have demonstrated a commitment to music in school throughout their school career and have continued to pursue their musical development through the completion of external music examinations. Pupils will be invited to attend an interview at which they will be asked to perform a piece of their choice.

 

What are the expectations of a Music scholar?
Actively participate in extra-curricular and enrichment activities organised by the Music department.

 

Be independent learners who act as role models to their peers; achieving excellent progress and effort scores throughout the year in music.

 

Showcase their work at the annual Festival of Scholars event. This involves performing and being prepared to speak to a wider audience about their interests and achievements.

 

Support and represent the Music department at Open Mornings and other School events.


 

Dance scholarships

 

Who can apply?
Pupils who are proficient in dance performance and have a flexible approach to different dance styles, including contemporary dance. It is recommended that pupils should have some dance experience with a dancing school or dance group.

 

Assessment
Pupils will be assessed on performance and choreography through taking part in a dance lesson where they will be taught a warm-up leading to a technical dance phrase, then work in small groups creating movement based on a given stimulus. There will also be an opportunity to evaluate their own and each other’s creative work. It is useful for pupils to compile a portfolio of information demonstrating any shows, performances and/or festivals in which they have performed. This might include pictures, programmes, awards or certificates and a reference from their dance teacher.

 

What are the expectations of a Dance scholar?
Be an ambassador for dance at Bethany School.

 

Perform a dance at the annual Festival of Scholars event.

 

Perform in the school musical productions and  concerts in a dance capacity, showing commitment  and flair.

 

Attend scheduled rehearsals and attend extra-curricular dance clubs.

 

Senior scholars should use their experience to lead activities in dance rehearsals and clubs.

 

If invited to perform in a GCSE pupil’s group choreography piece, commit to regular rehearsals in preparation for assessment.

 

Support and represent the Dance department at Open Mornings and other School events.

Creative Arts
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Pupils awarded a scholarship in Creative Arts need to demonstrate an aptitude in at least one of Art & Design and Design & Technology. Creative Arts scholarships attract a 7.5% fee remission if awarded in one discipline and 10% if awarded in two.


 

Art & Design scholarships

 

Who can apply?
Art scholarships are available for pupils who show a particular aptitude for and strength in Art & Design subjects.

 

Assessment

Year 7 and 9 – Pupils will be required to complete a one and a half hour drawing assessment and references will be requested from the pupil’s current Art teacher. Pupils should also present a portfolio of recent art work.

Year 12 – There is no formal assessment test. Pupils should present a portfolio of recent art.

 

Portfolio

The criteria will be a portfolio of work relating to a chosen specialism and a university style interview where pupils will be asked to discuss their work. The portfolio should show a high level of experimentation, development of ideas and be of an exceptional standard.

 

What are the expectations of an Art & Design scholar?

Actively participate in extra-curricular, cross-curricular and enrichment activities organised by the Art and Design department.

 

Be independent learners who act as role models to their peers; achieving excellent progress and effort scores throughout the year, and be willing to go the extra mile in class.

 

Have independent interests in Art and Design

 

Be willing to assist in leading discussions in class settings in order to enthuse peers.

 

Showcase their work at the annual Festival of Scholars event. This involves producing a project for display and being prepared to speak to a wider audience about their interests and achievements.

 

Support and represent the Art and Design department at Open Mornings and other School events.


 

Design & Technology scholarships

 

Who can apply?

Design & Technology scholarships are available for pupils who show a particular aptitude for and strength in designing, manufacture and the theoretical aspects of the subject.

 

On the scholarship day, pupils will be shown around the workshop and they will have time to familiarise themselves with the tools, machines and equipment available for the scholarship test.

 

Pupils will be assessed on the quality and content of design work, and their enthusiasm and innovation while producing their practical work. They may use tools, machines and equipment they have had prior training with. The assessor may intervene on safety issues. Excellent performance on the day is essential if a scholarship is to be awarded.

 

Assessment

Year 7 – Pupils should bring with them anything that shows design and/or practical application. A portfolio might include past and current school work, photographs and design work of objects made, information and evidence of hobbies that involve designing or making work they have designed and produced.

Year 9 – Pupils sit a one hour design paper followed by a two hour practical exercise. References will be requested from the pupil’s current Design & Technology teacher and pupils should bring with them a portfolio of Design & Technology work and any practical work produced in Years 7 and 8 as well as evidence of extra-curricular and home projects.

Year 12 – Pupils sit a one hour design paper followed by a two hour practical exercise. References will be requested from the pupil’s current Design & Technology teacher and pupils should bring with them a portfolio of their GCSE Design & Technology work and practical work if possible. Pupils should be expecting to achieve 7/8/9 grades at GCSE level and be motivated and confident in a range of practical skills, media and materials. Portfolio work will be expected to contain evidence of creative endeavours outside of GCSE coursework.

 

What are the expectations of a Design & Technology scholar?

Once a scholarship has been awarded there is an expectation that scholars will participate proactively, be able to work independently and act as role models in their normal Design & Technology classes. Scholars in Years 10 and 11 should be taking the subject at GCSE level. Scholars in Year 12 and 13 are expected to support younger pupils with their Design & Technology projects and should be taking the subject at A Level. All scholars should expect to help promote the subject during the School Open Morning and at School events.

Sport
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Pupils awarded a scholarship in Sport need to show a particular aptitude and strength in sporting disciplines. A sports scholar must be a strong performer with inherent athleticism and potential across a range of activities. Sport scholarships attract a 7.5% fee remission.

 

Who can apply?

Sports scholarships are available for pupils who show a particular aptitude and strength in sporting disciplines. Any scholar must be a strong performer with inherent athleticism and potential across a range of activities. They must illustrate fitness characteristics that positively affect their performance in the sporting arena and also demonstrate a good understanding of the activity. Pupils are expected to play all sports and have the ability to excel in target sports.

It is expected that an applicant is playing competitive sports to “A” team standard in strength areas at School and pursuing their sporting development outside School at club level where possible.

 

Assessment

Pupils can be awarded a Sports scholarship in Year 7,Year 9 and Year 12.

 

Two scholarship assessment days take place during the academic year. Year 7 prospective scholars are tested in November and Year 9 prospective scholars are tested in February. Year 11 applicants are considered from the view point of their sporting record at Bethany. Existing pupils are assessed throughout the year and recommendations made to the Headmaster in line with scholarship entrants.

 

A written report compiled by the Director of Sport and Head of Girls’ Sport is posted to the Headmaster with recommendations. The Headmaster considers the report and offers as he sees fit.

 

What are the expectations of a Sports scholar?

Scholars are required to attend all sports practices and assist with coaching junior team training when in their senior years. Scholars must also actively assist with coaching sessions at feeder primary schools.

 

Scholars must take responsibility for developing their personal fitness to enhance overall sports performance by attending fitness training sessions in the extra-curricular programme.

 

Scholars are responsible for developing their representation profile throughout the years and creating an interactive presentation for the Festival of Scholars evening in the spring term.

 

Scholars must be active members of their Competitive House team, leading by example and participating in all sporting Competitive House tournaments.

 

They will be required to conduct themselves as an ambassador for School sport and fulfil scholarship requirements. Scholars are also expected to follow an interest in sport through their senior years by opting for GCSE Physical Education and considering A level Physical Education in the Sixth Form.

Pupils can only be awarded one scholarship. There may be occasions when pupils on bursaries are also awarded scholarships, but the combined total will not exceed 50%.

 

Pupils who are not awarded scholarships but who are identified as having the potential to be scholars will be encouraged to participate in our High Flyers programme. This gives pupils access to elements of the relevant scholarship programme. There is no fee remission attached to the High Flyers programme. It is envisaged that participation in a High Flyers programme will become a necessary prerequisite for any internal candidates wishing to be considered for a scholarship.

Apply for a scholarship
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Please use the form below to apply for a scholarship at Bethany School. Please submit a separate form for each scholarship place you are applying for.

 


Bursaries

 


 

Pupils new to the School must make an application for a bursary at the time of application to the School. For existing parents whose financial circumstances change during the time their child is at School, individual representations can be made directly to the Headmaster and Bursar. Priority consideration is given to those pupils who are in the final year of a GCSE or A level courses, i.e. in Years 11 and 13. The vast majority of all bursarial awards are 50% or less for current pupils, and 30% or less for new pupils.

 

The Governing Body has ultimate responsibility for the awarding of all awards and will, as a matter of routine, delegate detailed analysis of bursarial applications to an external agency who will liaise directly with parents in the first instance. The award of all bursaries is also based on the extent to which the School considers that the individual pupil can contribute most to and gain most from the educational experience at Bethany. These are normally means-tested every year (on income and capital), to ensure the School is scrupulous about fairness. For more details please contact the Registrar or the Bursary.

Frequently Asked Questions

 


 

Are any other forms of financial assistance available?
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Bethany offers a 10% remission of fees to children of members of the Armed Forces, to children of the clergy, and to siblings of existing Bethany pupil.

Exactly what fees does the scholarship discount refer to?
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The discount applies to the basic day or boarding fee.

Are there any conditions in the awarding of scholarships?
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Our expectation is that scholarships awarded to pupils will be for the whole time they are at Bethany. The School does, however, reserve the right to examine the progress of each scholar on an annual basis and reserves the right to withdraw a scholarship if expectations are not being met.

 

The progress of scholars is carefully monitored and tracked by individual Heads of Subject. They will liaise with parents as to the progress of their child on the scholarship programmes.

 

Bethany requires its scholars to make a positive contribution to the life of the School, participating fully in the scholarship area and acting as good ambassadors.

 

Pupils with a scholarship award in a specific subject will be expected to select the scholarship subject at GCSE and A level as relevant. Bethany may not make an award in a particular area if there are no candidates of sufficient merit.

How are scholarship awards assessed?
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The assessment procedure varies slightly for Year 7, Year 9 and the Sixth Form and between different scholarship areas. Assessments for Year 7 scholarships take place in November each year for entry in September of the following year; Year 9 assessments take place in January for entry in September, while assessments for Sixth Form entry take place by appointment, with internal scholarship offers being made late in the autumn term or start of the spring term in Year 11.

What is the maximum amount awarded?
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Pupils can only be awarded one scholarship. There may be occasions when pupils on bursaries are also awarded scholarships, but the combined total will not exceed 50%.