EXCELLENCE TAKES
MANY FORMS
Sixth Form Scholarships Information & Application
CONTENTS
Scholarships at Merchant Taylors' (what makes them different)
3
How to apply (overview and deadlines)
4
Academic Scholarships (Harrison Scholars)
5
Sports Scholarships
6
Music Scholarships
7
Art Scholarships
8
Performing Arts Scholarships
9
Terms & Conditions
10
Your achiements earn the scholarship. Your contribution defines it.
2
Scholarships at Merchant Taylors'
Scholarships are the highest awards offered by Merchant Taylors’ and are granted at the discretion of the School. They are designed to recognise pupils who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment in a particular area, academic, sport, music, art or performing arts, and who are ready to contribute actively to the wider life of the School. What makes scholarship at Merchant Taylors’ different? At Merchant Taylors’, scholarship is different because it is defined by contribution, not simply attainment. A Merchant Taylors’ scholar is expected to lead by example: to represent their field with humility and confidence, to invest time in others through mentoring and co-curricular life, and to strengthen the culture around them. We want our scholars to leave Sixth Form able to say, credibly and specifically, “This is what I built, this is who I helped, and this is the impact I had. The benefits of being a Merchant Taylors’ Scholar Alongside the responsibility, scholarship at Merchant Taylors’ brings genuine opportunity. Our scholars gain enhanced enrichment, leadership development and, crucially, access to a network of alumni and parents who are experts in their fields. That might mean mentoring, insight conversations, interview practice, portfolio support, introductions or work-shadowing that helps you test a pathway in the real world. In many cases, scholarship can also open the door to experiences and qualifications that extend beyond A Levels, whether that is coaching and leadership in sport, advanced performance opportunities in music and drama, or research and academic stretch that strengthens university and apprenticeship applications. At Merchant Taylors’, scholarship is not just recognition; it is a platform, to grow, to lead, and to create opportunities for others that leave a lasting legacy.
Legacy Contribution Every scholar completes a meaningful legacy contribution during Sixth Form. This is a small but lasting initiative, agreed with staff, that benefits others and strengthens your scholarship area, for example a clinic, mentoring strand, workshop series, event, resource, performance, exhibition, or outreach link. It is designed to be impactful and manageable. The expectations of a Merchant Taylors’ Scholar We look for pupils who demonstrate: Intellectual curiosity and an open-minded approach to learning Wider interest beyond the curriculum (or beyond the “lesson”) A positive attitude to Merchant Taylors’ and genuine engagement with School life A willingness to contribute to scholarship activities and opportunities Leadership and ambassadorial qualities A clear passion for their subject / sport / art / discipline Scholars are expected to: Lead by example and “set the tone” in Sixth Form Act as subject / discipline ambassadors Support younger pupils (mentoring, coaching, clubs, clinics, ensembles, teams) Contribute to Open Events and scholarship activity across the school Build a legacy contribution: a simple, lasting project or initiative that benefits others
3
Scholarships at Merchant Taylors'
Scholarships and bursaries (how they work together) Bursaries are means-tested fee support for families who need financial help; bursaries can be held alongside scholarships. If financial circumstances may affect Sixth Form entry, families are encouraged to contact the school in confidence for advice. Scholarships recognise exceptional promise and commitment; some awards carry fee remission and others are honorary.
Scholarship Application Form Link How to apply & Key Dates Applications for all Sixth Form scholarships are made via the online application form below. Please note that on completion of the form, letters/statements of application must be emailed to d.roberts@merchanttaylors.com. If applying for more than one subject, you will need to submit separate letters/statements for each subject. If you require any assistance, please contact the Admissions Team. Email: admissions@merchanttaylors.com or Telephone: 0151 949 9366 The deadline for external applications is Monday 16th February 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with shortlisting and assessments/auditions and interviews taking place as applications are received. Candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to apply early. Offers for both Scholarships and Bursaries will be confirmed within your official offer letter which will be emailed prior to the end of the Spring term.
4
Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships (Harrison Scholars)
What we expect from an Academic Scholar at Merchant Taylors’
For Sixth Form entry, Academic Scholarships (Harrison Scholars) are awarded to pupils who combine strong academic performance with genuine curiosity and who will contribute to the wider intellectual life of the school, for example through academic societies, clinics, enrichment, talks, mentoring or support for younger pupils.
Academic Scholars are expected to: Be ambitious, curious and intellectually outwardlooking Contribute to academic enrichment in their field (clubs, clinics, talks, events) Support younger pupils academically (peer mentoring, academic coaching, clinics) Build a small “legacy contribution” that strengthens academic life for those who follow
Selection Process Online application and letter of application Consideration of predicted grades and mock outcomes Shortlisting for interview Interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team Interview includes academic exploration/discussion, and a wider conversation about scholar expectations and contribution Offers made prior to the end of the Spring term.
5
Sport Scholarships
Sport Scholarships recognise pupils with significant ability and potential in their sport who will also contribute to the sporting life of the school as leaders and role models. Scholars are expected to dedicate themselves to the cocurricular sports programme and to help inspire participation across the school community. What we expect from a Sport Scholar at Merchant Taylors’ Sport Scholars are expected to: Lead by example in training, fixtures and conduct Encourage participation and commitment in school sport (including inter-house sport) Mentor and support younger pupils through coaching, officiating, leadership and example Contribute to sport at events and open mornings/evenings Build a legacy contribution (e.g., a coaching strand, a new club, a mentoring programme, a competition structure, or a community/outreach link)
6
Selection process Online application and letter of application Assessment day Fitness and athletic testing Sport-specific skills and decision-making Evidence of participation/achievement (school, club, county/region, national pathway where relevant) A short discussion about leadership, contribution and scholar expectations Following the assessment day, shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview Offers made prior to the end of the Spring term
5
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships recognise pupils with outstanding musical potential who will contribute meaningfully to the musical life of the school and act as ambassadors for music. Sixth Form Music Scholars gain leadership experience as senior members of ensembles and as role models to younger pupils. What we expect from a Music Scholar at Merchant Taylors’ Music Scholars are expected to: Participate fully in the co-curricular musical life of the school (ensembles, performances, events) Demonstrate commitment to practice and development Take leadership within ensembles (where appropriate) and support younger musicians Contribute to events and open mornings/evenings Build a legacy contribution (e.g., mentoring strand, ensemble leadership, composition/arranging project, performance series, outreach or a new club) Selection process Online application and letter of application Shortlisting Audition (February) Following auditions, shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview Offers made prior to the end of the Spring term Applicants do not have to study A Level Music but are expected to contribute significantly to music in school life.
8
7
Art Scholarships
Art Scholarships recognise pupils with strong creative potential who are motivated, curious and committed and who will enrich the creative life of the school through leadership, participation and example. What we expect from am Art Scholar at Merchant Taylors’ Art Scholars are expected to be creative leaders: confident, reflective and ambitious in how they develop their work. They should contribute to art in school through exhibitions, competitions, creative leadership and mentoring younger pupils. Art Scholars are expected to: Engage fully with departmental enrichment and creative opportunities Contribute to the artistic profile of the school (events, displays, exhibitions, competitions) Mentor younger pupils and help develop confidence and skill in others Build a legacy contribution (e.g., a curated exhibition strand, a skills workshop series, a collaborative project, outreach link, or younger-years mentoring programme) Selection process Online application and letter of application Portfolio submission (February) Interview in February Offers made towards the end of February Applicants are required to have A Level Art as one of their subject choices for Sixth Form.
8
9
Performimg Arts Scholarships
Performing Arts Scholarships recognise pupils with exceptional performance potential and those who will contribute significantly to the performing arts life of the school through leadership, participation and example.
What we expect from a Performing Arts Scholar at Merchant Taylors’ Performing Arts Scholars are expected to: Contribute actively to performances, productions and departmental life Show commitment to development (rehearsal discipline, preparation, improvement) Support younger pupils through mentoring, coaching, workshop leadership and example Contribute to open events and showcases Build a legacy contribution (e.g., workshop programme, production mentoring, technical/design strand, outreach performance, or a new performance initiative) Selection process Online application and letter of application Shortlisting Audition and interview (February) Offers made prior to the end of the Spring term Applicants do not have to study A Level Drama, but are expected to contribute significantly to the performing arts life of the school. .
9
Terms & Conditions of Scholarship Award The tenure of a scholarship is intended to be for the duration of a pupil’s Sixth Form education at Merchant Taylors’, provided that: Academic progress and general conduct remain strong The scholar continues to fulfil the expectations and obligations of scholarship, including contribution to school life, leadership, and engagement with scholarship activities. An annual review will consider contribution, attitude, conduct and the scholar’s developing “legacy” impact on others. Merchant Taylors’ reserves the right to withdraw a scholarship where there are significant concerns about progress, commitment, conduct, or where a pupil’s behaviour is inconsistent with the rolemodel expectations of a scholar.
10 11
We award scholarships in recognition of outstamding potential and achievement, and because we believe you will use that strength to make a difference to others. This is your legacy opportunity.
Merchant Taylors' Schools Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP Call: 0151 949 9366 www.merchanttaylors.com