Exonian Scholarships Pupil and parent guide for 2022 entry Pupil and Parent Guide to Scholarships 2022 1
Contents Introduction 3 Our Aims 4 Academic Scholarships 5 Art Scholarships 6 Drama Scholarships 7 Music Scholarships 8 Sports Scholarships 9 Bursaries 10 Frequently Asked Questions 12 Important Dates 13 How to Apply 14
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Welcome An Exeter School education is an excellent education in all respects, and we are very proud of our pupils’ accomplishments in so many aspects of school life. Of course, academically they thrive in the classroom, but an Exonian education is about far more than academic study. Our enrichment programme covers the arts, sports, outdoor adventurous activities, moral and spiritual aspects and leadership and development opportunities, and is something from which every girl and boy can benefit. If your child is exceptionally gifted in sports or the arts, then Exeter School might be just the place for them to develop and enhance these talents and skills, and with it, their confidence, and readiness for life beyond school. To recognise pupils with these talents, scholarships are available for pupils with particular skills in the arts and sport, as well as for academic excellence. Please read the information contained in this booklet and we look forward to meeting you very soon.
Louise Simpson Head
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About our Scholarships Exeter School offers a range of scholarship opportunities to pupils who are talented in their chosen discipline. Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ for pupils who show excellence in art, drama, music, and sport. Academic scholarships for pupils new to Exeter School are awarded based on the results of the entrance assessments sat in January of the year of entry. Being a scholar at Exeter School will give you: • An elite programme that will further develop your talents and skills. • Recognition for your achievements. • Appreciation of your exceptional potential.
Our Aims • To support and develop the academic, personal, and physical potential of each pupil in the school. • To uphold the highest standards of academic teaching and pastoral care within the school. • To sustain and develop the richness and variety of the school’s extra-curricular provision. • To promote highest standards for the conduct of pupils within a friendly, tolerant, and safe environment to encourage pupils to contribute to our wider community, and the world beyond school.
• The status of being a scholar within the school. • Enhancement of your UCAS application and curriculum vitae. • Opportunities to influence school life. • Prospect for being a leader of the school and a great role model. Scholarships do not have an accompanying fee concession but are an honorary award and the scholar is recognised for their achievements. Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the child’s time at Exeter School in the senior school or sixth form, subject to annual monitoring. Parents can apply to have a scholarship supported by a bursary, subject to a means test. Bursaries take the form of a fee reduction (up to 100% in exceptional circumstances) to a level dependent on the parents’ financial situation.
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Being an academic scholar at Exeter School is a real accolade and many go on to achieve great things as Exonians beyond school. Academic scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+ are open to external candidates.
Academic Scholarships 11+, 13+, 16+
All registered candidates for the 11+ and 13+ examinations and 16+ entrance process are automatically considered for an academic scholarship or exhibition based on their performance in the examinations and interviews. Academic scholars are expected to be committed to their academic life at Exeter School. As well as working hard within the curriculum, they will also be active members of our academic enrichment programmes and thrive on the joy of learning.
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Art Scholarships 11+, 13+, 16+ Art scholarships are open to pupils from any school, including Exeter Junior School and Exeter School. Art scholars should demonstrate their talent and passion for the subject through creativity, imagination, and skills. We expect holders of art scholarships to make a significant extracurricular commitment to their artwork. Art scholars will play an active part in the art department and be a creative and positive influence on their fellow pupils. They will study art to GCSE level, and it is hoped they will continue with A Level art in the sixth form. If entering Exeter School at sixth form, scholars are expected to take the subject at A Level. In addition, art scholars should be fully committed to their academic studies and uphold the values of Exeter School.
The scholarship programme is likely to include: • RAMM annual membership. • RAMM digital creative workshops. • R AMM Bronze Art Awards for pupils in Third Form to Upper Fifth. • Scholars’ trips to specialist facilities such as Exeter University sculpture park, RAMM, Exeter Phoenix and talks from artists. • Life drawing, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics classes and workshops. • Portfolio and interview top tips sessions run by Plymouth College of Art and Design. • Mentoring and careers advice (one to one and small group) for scholars interested in a career in the arts and architecture. • Specialist art materials appropriate for each age group for scholars to use at home. • Annual exhibition and art show to celebrate our scholars’ work.
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Candidates who wish to be considered for a scholarship will initially be asked to submit a portfolio of their recent work for assessment by the Head of Art. The portfolio should include at least three pieces and reflect the breadth and depth of their personal interest and may include paintings, prints, drawings, and mixed media work. Portfolios will be returned. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a scholarship interview and to undertake a practical task. We also require a letter of application outlining why you should be an Exeter School scholar and there will be a short interview with the Head. A satisfactory performance in the academic entrance assessments is a condition of an art scholarship.
The scholarship programme includes: • Masterclasses with visiting practitioners and theatre makers such as Rhum and Clay, Complicité and stage combat workshops. • Work experience opportunities. • Drama beyond school – talks, experiences and mentoring from the Exeter University drama department which is one of the best in the country. • Access to speech and drama tuition including LAMDA examinations. • Access to the National Youth Theatre audition day. • Access to external youth theatre groups. In assessing candidates for drama scholarships, we are looking for potential as much as actual achievement. Successful candidates are expected to make a special contribution to school life through their drama, including taking part in school productions as well as taking full advantage of the opportunities on offer
to develop their skills. They will study drama to GCSE level, and it is hoped they will continue with A Level drama in the sixth form. If entering Exeter School at sixth form, scholars are expected to take the subject at A Level. In addition, drama scholars should be fully committed to their academic studies and uphold the values of Exeter School. Selection is by audition speeches, interview and a workshop. All candidates will be expected to talk about a theatrical production they have seen in the last year and acting candidates should prepare a short piece to perform, of approximately two minutes’ duration, from a play of their own choice. Design candidates should produce a logbook including sketches of set, costumes, or lighting from a play of their own choice. We also require a letter of application outlining why you should be an Exeter School scholar and there will be a short interview with the Head. A satisfactory performance in the academic entrance assessments is a condition of a drama scholarship.
Drama Scholarships 11+, 13+, 16+
Drama scholarships are open to pupils from any school, including Exeter Junior School and Exeter School. Holders of the scholarship will participate fully in the co-curricular theatre programme and be excellent ambassadors for the drama department. Scholars will be involved in all major productions during their time at the school. This involvement may be as a performer, director, technician, or stage manager, and may include duties such as staffing front of house and working backstage. In any of these roles, holders of a drama scholarship will demonstrate reliability, commitment, teamwork, and a high level of skill.
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Music Scholarships 11+, 13+, 16+
Music scholarships are open to pupils from any school, including Exeter Junior School and Exeter School. Music at Exeter School has an outstanding reputation and offers specialist classrooms, 18 practice rooms, and a concert hall. There is a rich annual programme of contemporary and classical concerts, at school and throughout the region, enabling pupils of all ages to experience the thrill of live performance of both established works and their own compositions. Class teaching, instrumental teaching, ensembles, and groups are tailor-made to pupils’ interests and nearly 500 music lessons are taken by pupils each week, taught by 27 visiting teachers. Music scholars form the core of most ensembles and have a very important role within the department. They demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for music. They might be instrumentalists, vocalists, or both. Most importantly, they are prepared to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the musical life of the school through participation in concerts, ensembles, masterclasses and more. They will study music to GCSE level, and it is hoped they will continue with A Level music in the sixth form. In addition, music scholars should be fully committed to their academic studies and uphold the values of Exeter School.
The scholarship programme includes: •M asterclasses for all our music scholars. •A nnual scholars’ concert. •T uition in music theory, sight reading and aural. •W eekly scholars ensembles. •M entoring for all music scholars. As a guide, applicants to Year 7 might have a grade 2 or 3 on one instrument, to Year 9, grade 4 or 5 and to Year 12, a grade 7. However we prefer to hear from enthusiastic pupils who have potential, play musically and come highly recommended. The scholarship audition will require applicants to: •P lay or sing two pieces of their own choice on their principal instrument or voice •P lay and/or sing at sight •T ake aural tests at a standard to match the pupil’s experience Supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in music, in the form of references, should be submitted with your application. We also require a letter of application outlining why you should be an Exeter School scholar and there will be a short interview with the Head. A satisfactory performance in the academic entrance assessments is a condition of a music scholarship.
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Sports Scholarships 11+, 13+, 16+ Sport scholarships are open to pupils from any school, including Exeter Junior School and Exeter School. Exeter School has an enviable reputation for sport locally, in Devon, and on the national stage. A broad range of sports are offered across the whole school with regular success in inter school and national competitions. In addition, sports tours are offered each year for pupils in Middle Fifth upwards. Sports scholars are expected to not only show outstanding ability and potential for improvement but also to be outstanding ambassadors for their sport and role models for the school. In addition, sports scholars should be fully committed to their academic studies and uphold the values of Exeter School.
Applicants should be outstanding at first team level at their current school or club ideally in at least one of the schools’ major sports which are: • Rugby • Football • Hockey • Swimming • Cricket • Tennis • Netball • Squash Ability in other sports will also be considered. The scholarship programme includes: • Player education through an annual series of guest speakers and webinars focusing on player development, performance, welfare, sports psychology, and nutrition. • Parent education – talks and webinars
that focus on supporting parents to navigate their children through their sporting journey. • Physiotherapy support. • Athletic development support. • Scholars’ trips to experience elite sports clubs and specialist sports universities such as Bath and Loughborough. • Personal mentor for each scholar. Selection will be made through assessment in various fitness tests as well as performance in the selected sports. Supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in sport, in the form of references, should be submitted with your application. We also require a letter of application outlining why you should be an Exeter School scholar and there will be a short interview with the Head. A satisfactory performance in the academic entrance assessments is a condition of a sports scholarship.
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Bursaries Exeter School believes no child who deserves a place should be barred from attending because of an inbility to pay the fees. We want to do more to break down social barriers and provide a nurturing and learning environment for children, regardless of their financial situation, and we want to continue to do this for as long as is necessary. We recognise that many of our parents must make personal sacrifices to secure their children’s education. Fees are set at levels which represent excellent value for money, particularly in light of the opportunities offered by the school. Families are encouraged to apply for both a scholarship and a bursary if they require financial assistance to enable their child to take advantage of the opportunities a scholarship to Exeter School can give.
Bursaries are means-tested awards based on parental circumstances and are awarded on an annual basis. They are available to internal and external candidates who meet the school’s academic entry requirement and whose parents could not afford to send their child to Exeter School without financial assistance. Bursary applications must be supported by a full, written, verified statement of financial circumstances. Parents who wish their children to be considered for a bursary should make an application by completing the application form available from the Director of Admissions and Marketing once they have confirmed their child is a candidate for the coming year, the child has been registered, and the registration fee paid. All applications for support for the year 2022/23 must be received by 7 January 2022. The assessment process will include a home visit by an agent employed by the school. As a guide, gross parental income will need to be below £60,000 per annum to be considered for a bursary.
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Free Places As part of its bursary programme, we offer up to nine free places in the senior school and sixth form because of donations and legacies from former pupils, and grants from a local charity: • The Foundation Bursaries, funded from alumni legacies and gifts, will offer free places for up to three pupils entering the school at 11+ (Year 7). • The St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation grant will offer up to three full bursaries for sixth form study. • The George Williams Bursaries will offer up to two free places to study the sciences in the sixth form. • The Bob Griffin Bursary will provide financial support for pupils to study modern foreign languages in the sixth form. The generosity of our alumni and others with connections to the school is central to our being able to provide the large amount of support we can give to bright children from families in modest circumstances; families who would otherwise be unable to take advantage of our splendid facilities and first-class education.
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Frequently Asked Questions How do pupils apply for a scholarship? Pupils and their parents should complete the application form which can be obtained from the admissions office by emailing admissions@exeterschool.org. uk. Prospective scholars should also write a letter of application and return with the application form by Friday 7 January 2022. External candidates will also need to register with Exeter School and provide a copy of their current school report. Can international pupils apply for a scholarship? We encourage and welcome scholarship applications from international pupils. Special arrangements are made if the pupil is unable to attend the assessments due to travel issues. What is a letter of application? The letter of application is a letter written by the pupil and addressed to Exeter School Head, Ms Simpson. The letter explains why the pupil would merit the title of scholar and how as a scholar they would make a difference to the Exeter School community.
What is the financial value of the scholarship? Scholarships at Exeter School do not give any fee remission. The value is in the broad range of opportunities that being an Exeter School scholar offers a young person. Potential scholars who require financial assistance with school fees are strongly encouraged to apply for a bursary. If I am unsuccessful in gaining a scholarship can I still apply for a bursary? Yes, the two schemes operate independently from each other. Can you give me an indication of when I am likely to receive the results for the scholarships? The results are emailed to you, usually within a week after the end of the scholarship assessments have taken place from 31 January 2022. Do previous awards continue into sixth form? Scholarships are reviewed annually but usually are held for the duration of a pupil’s time in the senior school, provided his or her conduct is satisfactory and his or her level of work and commitment is in line with the expectations of a scholar.
Phoebe joined the school in the Third Form on a full school bursary. Leaving in 2019 she is currently at York University completing a degree in business management. “I joined the school from a tiny village primary school, it was a big change, but the support of teachers and peers helped grow my confidence and communication skills.”
EXONIAN EXPERIENCE
Phoebe Solway (2012-2019)
Phoebe enjoyed drama and music as well as taking part in CCF, learning leadership skills through working with younger cadets. She liked to perform and loved the opportunity to sing in Exeter Cathedral. “The school gave me the confidence to perform, to put myself forward.”
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Can a pupil apply for more than one scholarship? At Exeter School pupils can only apply for one scholarship. Do I apply for an academic scholarship? No, all pupils who sit the 11+ and 13+ entrance assessments are automatically entered for an academic scholarship and exhibition. Academic scholarships and exhibitions are also awarded to pupils entering the senior school from the junior school. Do I need to take the subject at GCSE/A Level if I apply for a scholarship? Ideally, yes. To qualify for a drama scholarship for example, we would expect you to take drama GCSE and/or A Level. If you would like to discuss why this might not be possible, please contact the Director of Admissions and Marketing for guidance. The exception to this is those wishing to apply for a sports scholarship. I am already an Exeter School pupil, can I apply? Yes, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
A bursary place has made an incredible difference to Phoebe’s life and outlook. “I love to learn, to push myself and work hard; I know this is something Exeter School instilled in me – a strong work ethic and drive to achieve. The school really shaped me as a person. I owe so much to the school; without this bursary I would not be who I am now. “This is a vital programme to help those who otherwise would not be able to go to Exeter School, I hope it continues to grow and grow.”
Important Dates Saturday 20 November 2021 Saturday 27 November 2021 Friday 3 December 2021 Sunday 5 December Tuesday 14 December 2021 Friday 7 January 2022 Friday 7 January 2022 Week commencing 31 January 2022
11+ and 13+ sport taster day, 9–11am. 16+, individual meetings with the Director of Sport upon request Sixth Form interviews Open morning Music, art and drama taster day, 2.30–4.45pm Closing date for September 2022 registrations Closing date for September 2022 scholarship applications Closing date for bursary applications Scholarship assessments Pupil and Parent Guide to Scholarships 2022 13
How to apply Scholarship assessment takes place in the academic year before a pupil joins Exeter School. Scholarships should be applied for using the application form accompanied by supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in your chosen discipline, in the form of references. These references written by your school, coach, or music/ drama teacher, should be submitted with your application. We also require a personal statement outlining why you should be an Exeter School scholar and there will be a short interview with the Head. Before being assessed for a scholarship, parents should register their child at www. exeterschool.org.uk/admissions. Once the registration is received, a reference from the pupils’ current school will be requested.
Scholarship application forms are available from the admissions team: admissions@exterschool.org.uk 01392 307080 The closing date for scholarship entry in 2022 is Friday 7 January 2022. Supporting evidence, including any references requested, should be included with the completed scholarship application. Competed applications should be sent to: Director of Admissions and Marketing Exeter School Victoria Park Road Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS Or by email to admissions@exeterschool.org.uk Please contact the admissions team if you have any questions: 01392 307080 or admissions@exeterschool.org.uk The Head has the right to withdraw a scholarship at any time if behaviour, commitment, and academic progress are not being maintained.
Yasmin was on a sixth form bursary through our partnership with St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation.
EXONIAN EXPERIENCE
Yasmin Western (2017-2019)
Yasmin loves to challenge herself, try new things and do something different. Exeter School provided that opportunity time and again from flying planes with the CCF to speaking in MUN competitions and even trying her hand at new sports. “I never like to close myself off to opportunities. Getting the bursary to Exeter School made me want to make the most of every opportunity given to me and there were so many. Inside and outside of the classroom there were experiences and academic enrichment I would never have got anywhere else.” Now at Bath University studying politics and international relations, initially the thought of going to university was alien to Yasmin. “I had not even considered applying to university before coming to the school, no one in my family had been before and it felt like it wasn’t for me. But the support and encouragement I
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received built my confidence; teachers showed me I could do it. “Coming to Exeter School is one of the most important parts of my life, it has set me on this trajectory, and I know I would not be on the same path without the school. I was daunted at the thought of starting here, but that soon went, you are treated with respect and with no special treatment – we are all here for the same reason.” As well as completing her degree, Yasmin is currently a trustee board member for Exeter City Football Club, the youngest female board member they have ever had. “Exeter School gave me the confidence to take on a role like this, I love it and am learning so much.” Yasmin is currently applying for internships with Formula 1 companies as part of a sandwich year with her university before she will complete her degree.
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Victoria Park Road Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS 01392 307080 www.exeterschool.org.uk @ExeterSchoolUK 16 Pupil and Parent Guide to Scholarships 2022