Prep School Admissions Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Guidelines
Clayesmore is pleased to offer a range of scholarships to pupils entering the Prep School. These generally range between 5 and 20% and can be supplemented by additional an additions means-tested bursary. Parents who know that the full school fee will be too great a burden for them should apply for a bursary at the same time as applying for a scholarship.
For Academic Scholarships (for entry in years 5 – 7), candidates of all ages sit age-appropriate papers in English, Mathematics, Science, Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. Candidates may also offer to sit papers in an additional subject such as French if they wish.
Candidates for Music Scholarships (for entry in years 5-7) will be assessed as much on their potential as on their current instrumental or vocal standard. They should offer two instruments, one of which may be voice. Two contrasting pieces should be prepared on each instrument, and the examination will be conducted in much the same way as an Associated Board instrumental exam, though with a greater air of informality, we hope! We are looking for young people who are reasonably passionate about their musical activities who will flourish in the enhanced and musically rich environment at Clayesmore and who will be ready to make a strong musical contribution here. Music awards may include free tuition on up to two instruments.
Art Scholarship candidates (for entry in years 5 – 7) will be given various practical tests designed demonstrate all-round ability and commitment to artistic ability. They should bring with them a portfolio of previous unaided work for discussion at the time of the scholarship interview. We will be looking for work that displays evidence of learning and progression rather than highly polished artefacts and specimens.
Candidates for Sports Scholarships (for entry in years 5 – 7) should be of at least County level or above in one sport and have team experience in two of our major games. Successful candidates will be able to contribute widely to Clayesmore Prep’s sporting programme and represent school teams whenever required to do so. Applications for Sports Scholarships should be supported by references or recommendations from team coaches and current teachers. Sporting aptitude and fitness will be tested on scholarship day and all candidates will be required to undertake a variety of sports skills and tests as part of their appraisal – this will include swimming.
All-rounder Scholarships (for entry in years 3 – 7) are for boys and girls who demonstrate a breadth of ability that might not be fully represented in the narrower, more specialised scholarships already mentioned, and relies less on academic strength than a true academic scholarship. Musical prowess, artistic or dramatic ability, and enthusiasm for and skill in sports can compensate for the fact that an applicant might be a good, honest, mid-stream pupil rather than one from the top set. All-rounder applicants must offer themselves for assessment in two of Music, Art or Sport.
All Music, Art, Sports and All-rounder Scholarship applicants sit tests in English, Maths and Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning.
Clayesmore Senior School Academic, Music, Art and All-Rounder awards are open to Preparatory School candidates. Please contact the Registrar at the Senior School for further details.
Bursaries
A Bursary, subject to a means test, may be awarded to a pupil already at the School in cases where the circumstances of parents or relatives have materially altered. Bursaries are reviewed annually. Details can be obtained from the Head of Prep or from the Bursar.
Closed awards for children of servicemen. Unless in receipt of a School award or other assistance, sons and daughters of serving members of the Armed Forces normally qualify for a School Service Bursary.
Conditions
In all cases the Council of the School reserves the right to determine the number and value of the awards to be made.
Date of Examinations
These are usually held in the February of the year before September entry. Please contact the school office for details.
Application forms for all awards are available from:
Admissions Secretary, Clayesmore Prep School, Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8PH
Tel: 01747 813203