Year 7 Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
September 2026 Entry
Year 7 Scholarships
Any family considering Pipers, as well as students moving up from the Prep Department, may apply for a Scholarship for entry into the Senior School in one of the following areas: Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music (Instrumental or Vocal) or Sport (Team Sports or Elite Performance).
A Year 7 Scholarship:
• is awarded to a child in recognition of their achievement and potential in a given area and will be assessed in a dedicated session in addition to the Entrance Assessments, interview and reference from their current school
• is highly prized and scholars’ names are published on the honour’s board
• is awarded irrespective of financial means
• comes with fee remission normally expressed as an annual percentage and usually represents 10-20% of the School fees, although it can be more for an exceptional scholar, up to a maximum of 50% of School fees
• can be supported by a concurrent means-tested bursary award (see page 10)
• is normally granted for as long as the student remains at the School provided they continue to demonstrate strong performance in the subject area for which the award was granted is awarded with the expectation that Scholars will remain at Pipers through to the Upper Sixth
The Scholarship Application Process
Students wishing to apply for one of our Scholarship Awards will need to indicate this on the Year 7 Application Form, which will be sent to all registered families from mid-September.
Each Scholarship area has a distinct set of requirements and assessment components but successful scholars will all be expected to have a positive entrance interview and excellent school reference.
Specific assessment information and details of any pre-assessment preparations will be sent to all Scholar applicants before the end of October.
The assessment sessions for all scholarships will take place on Wednesday 3 December and outcomes will be communicated at the same time as the general Year 7 entry outcome letters sent in February half-term.
Academic Scholarship
What makes an Academic Scholar?
An Academic Scholar will not only achieve the highest scores in one or more of our Entrance Assessments, but they will also be achieving above age-related expectations in most of their school subjects. They should also be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
• an intellectual curiosity about the world
• a strong motivation to attain highly and a conscientious approach to their studies
• the ability to problem-solve
• the ability to think creatively
• an imaginative flair
What does it mean to be an Academic Scholar?
Being an Academic Scholar means being a curious and reflective student who enjoys challenge and tackles tasks with imagination and original problem-solving ideas. In the early years of Senior School, it means demonstrating a passion for learning across all subjects; from Year 9 and beyond, this passion will naturally develop into more refined areas as students select their GCSE and A Level choices.
We would expect an Academic Scholar to seek out extended learning opportunities and engage with super-curricular activities and trips.
Academic Scholars will be members of our ‘Surgent’ group and meet to discuss extension ideas with students from other year groups.
What does the Academic Scholarship assessment entail?
In addition to the Entrance Assessment scores and interview feedback, all Academic Scholarship applicants will take part in a library-based activity and accompanying written assessment and work as a group in a creative problemsolving session. Full details will be sent to applicants before the end of October.
Art Scholarship
What makes an Art Scholar?
A student applying for an Art Scholarship should be able to demonstrate:
• excellent drawing skills
• a passion for the subject
• imagination and creativity
• the ability to use a range of materials and techniques
• the ability to discuss artists they are interested in and the galleries they have visited
What does it mean to be an Art Scholar?
It is expected that an Art Scholar will play an active role in contributing to, and promoting, the achievements and successes of the Art Department. This could involve attending enrichment Art clubs, participating in Art or Photography competitions and working as a subject leader.
An Art Scholar can expect to participate in teacher-led specialist Art and Photography enrichment activities and externally organised artist workshops. They will also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in running Art-related enrichment activities across the School.
What does the Art Scholarship assessment entail?
A month in advance of the assessment session, all Art Scholarship applicants will be given a theme around which to create a portfolio of works (in any media/s). They will be asked to share and discuss their work, alongside their general artwork portfolio, with the Head of Art during a short interview.
The Art Scholarship assessment will also entail a practical timed drawing task.
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Dance Scholarship
What makes a Dance Scholar?
A student applying for a Dance Scholarship should demonstrate:
• a strong foundation in technique and the ability to adapt to different dance styles.
• the ability to demonstrate artistic expression by telling a story and conveying meaning through dance.
• performance experience in competitions, showcases or productions.
• a commitment to being involved in dance leadership opportunities and activities.
What does it mean to be a Dance Scholar?
Being a Dance Scholar at Pipers means embodying both performance and academic excellence in Dance. It reflects a dancer who not only performs at a high technical and expressive level but also engages in choreography and leadership. Dance scholars are role models who show dedication, discipline, and a passion for contributing to the dance community at Pipers.
A Dance Scholar can expect to join the Senior Dance Company, our audition only dance group who train once a week in an afterschool club and participate in competitions outside of school. With the role also comes the opportunity to assist with dance activities and as the Dance Scholar progresses higher up the school there is the opportunity to lead dance activities. Dance Scholars can also expect to participate in dance workshops led by external industry professionals.
What does the Dance Scholarship assessment entail?
Ahead of the Dance Scholarship assessment, applicants will be required to prepare and practise a short solo dance (any genre/style). Full details will be shared with applicants before the end of October. The assessment will then consist of the following:
• The performance of a short solo dance piece (any genre/style)
• Participation in a dance class, involving a warm-up and learning a short piece of choreography
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Drama Scholarship
What makes a Drama Scholar?
A student applying for a Drama Scholarship should demonstrate:
• natural acting ability and a passion for Drama
• imagination, enthusiasm and creativity
• confidence to perform alone and to contribute positively in a group
• knowledge and interest in theatre, including productions seen or participated in
What does it mean to be a Drama Scholar?
Being a Drama Scholar means being a positive role model for Drama, by participating in class activities with enthusiasm, co-operation and inclusivity, and being an effective ambassador for the department. It is also expected that a scholar will audition for at least one school production each year and will take part as an engaged and enthusiastic cast member.
As a Drama Scholar, students can expect to be cast in at least one whole school production each year and, as ambassadors, they will have opportunities to assist the Heads of Drama in the direction of performance pieces for younger students.
What does the Drama Scholarship assessment entail?
Ahead of the Drama Scholarship assessment, applicants will be required to prepare and practise a monologue from a scripted piece (detailed information will be shared after application) and submit a one-page Drama CV.
The assessment will then consist of the following:
• The performance of a scripted monologue piece (and discussion about the character and play)
• Participation in workshop activities during the assessment session
• An interview with the Director of Drama
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Music Scholarship (Instrumental or Vocal)
What makes a Music Scholar?
A student applying for a Music Scholarship should:
• be at least at Grade 3 in their instrument (for Instrumental)
• be at least a Grade 3 in Singing, or have the ability to sing material at that level or above (for Vocal)
They should also
• show a natural aptitude and passion for all areas of music-making
• be committed to developing their talents
• be fully involved in music-making in and out of school
• be able to read music to a level that is commensurate with their playing ability (or show a willingness to improve their current level)
• have some experience of music theory that correlates to their practical grade
• demonstrate an awareness of how they might need to improve their performance and technique
What does it mean to be a Music Scholar?
• participating actively in relevant school ensembles
• being willing to perform in a variety of contexts as required by the department
• demonstrating their commitment to making progress
• acting as an ambassador for Music and encouraging their peers to get involved
A Music Scholar can expect:
• opportunities to perform as a soloist and within an ensemble
• the chance to develop leadership skills in clubs and ensembles relevant to their chosen instrument
• encouragement and support from staff to gain an appreciation of Music Theory and an understanding of how it applies to a musician
• tailored support to excel in their instrument
• encouraged to take up an instrument (for Vocal Scholars)
What does the Music Scholarship assessment entail?
For Instrumental
• A performance on the primary instrument
• A performance on a secondary instrument OR performance of a contrasting piece on primary instrument
For both
For Vocal
• Performance of two contrasting vocal pieces
• Optional opportunity to perform on an instrument
• An interview with the Director of Music which contains a “viva voce” section where potential and commitment can be assessed. This will include activities such as sight-reading, aural response and general musicianship tests.
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Sport Scholarship | Team Sports
What makes a Sport Scholar?
A student applying for a Sport Scholarship (Team Sports) must:
• Play at least two sports (out of Netball, Hockey, Cricket and Football) at A team level within the school
• Play at least one of the above sports at club level outside of school Applicants should also be able to demonstrate:
• strong sporting and leadership abilities
• athletic ability
• a positive attitude and motivation
• a commitment to training and development
• coachable and willing to take on feedback
• resilience
What does it mean to be a Sport Scholar?
• being committed to training and attending clubs of their chosen sports on a regular basis (as relevant)
• representing the school in fixtures on a regular basis and be committed to the school teams they join.
• demonstrating a positive and sporting attitude at all times.
• acting as an ambassador for sport and encouraging their peers to get involved
• being a role model to their peers, especially when competing.
A Sport Scholar can expect:
• specialist coaching across a wide range of sports and disciplines
• access to a well-equipped Fitness Suite
• a wide and varied curriculum and extracurricular sports programme
• strength and conditioning sessions with an experienced member of staff
• nutrition talk from a sports nutritionist
• optional mentoring if requested
What does the Sport Scholarship assessment entail?
The Sport Scholarship (Team Sports) Assessment will be a full day and consist of the following:
• training sessions in Hockey, Netball, Cricket and Football
• fitness testing
• group discussion and interview with the Director of Sport/Sport staff
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Sport Scholarship | Elite Performance
What
makes
a Sport Scholar?
A student applying for a Sport Scholarship (Elite Performance) must be performing at an elite level in any sport (including gymnastics and swimming) - e.g. regional representation or on an ‘excellence pathway’.
Applicants should also be able to demonstrate:
• strong sporting and leadership abilities
• athletic ability
• a positive attitude and motivation
• a commitment to training and development in their chosen sport
• coachable and willing to take on feedback
• resilience
What does it mean to be a Sport Scholar?
• being committed to training and attend clubs of their chosen sports on a regular basis.
• representing the school in fixtures on a regular basis and be committed to the school teams they join (if appropriate)
• demonstrating a positive and sporting attitude at all times.
• being an ambassador for sport and encouraging their peers to get involved.
• acting as a role model to their peers especially when competing.
A Sport Scholar can expect:
• specialist coaching across a wide range of sports and disciplines
• access to a well-equipped Fitness Suite
• a wide and varied curriculum and extracurricular sports programme
• strength and Conditioning sessions with an experienced member of staff
• nutrition talk from a sports nutritionist
• optional mentoring if requested
What does the Sports Scholarship assessment entail?
Applicants for this Sports Scholarship will be required to prepare a portfolio of their achievements in their chosen sport, along with a brief supporting presentation.
The Scholarship assessment will then consist of the following:
• A 20-minute interview with the Director of Sport.
• Talking through their pre-prepared portfolio of evidence/ achievements –medals/photos/certificates etc.
Full details will be shared with the applicants by the end of October.
Bursaries Supporting Bursaries
Students applying for a Scholarship can also be considered for a means-tested Bursary. This option can be ticked in the Year 7 Application Form and details of eligibility and the process can be found below.
A Bursary:
• can be granted for a child who would otherwise be unable to accept a place at Pipers Corner School due to the family’s financial circumstances
• is means-tested with the value of the bursary linked to the financial circumstances of the family
• is usually expressed as a percentage of fees up to a maximum of 100% (including any Scholarship or other award)*
• in exceptional circumstances, further support may be available from the school towards the cost of uniforms, travel and school trips
• is confidential and is not published
• is reviewed annually by the Headmistress and Bursar
Jessie Cross Bursary Awards
These awards can be applied for with or without an accompanying scholarship application. They are means-tested awards and offer a discount of up to 100% of fees. They are available to students currently educated in a state primary school, who show promise in a number of areas. Students applying for a Jessie Cross Bursary Award would need the recommendation of their headteacher and are also asked to provide supporting evidence of their achievements and involvement in their school, church and/or community, which is reviewed by our Headmistress.
How to Apply
Parents who indicate that they wish to apply for a Bursary will then be provided with a confidential form to complete and return in order to provide essential information regarding their financial circumstances for means-testing purposes.
* Maximum fee remission is only awarded in exceptional circumstances
Overview of the Year 7 Application Process (including
Scholarship and Bursary applications)
Registration deadline* 17 October 2025
An online application form will be shared with all registered students to indicate preferences for Scholarship and Bursary Awards.
Deadline for completed Year 7 application form 20 October 2025
General entry interviews
5-11 November 2025 (times will be allocated)
Scholarship Assessments† 3 December 2025
Entrance Assessments 13 January 2026 *
Year 7 Entry outcome letters (including notification of Scholarship and Bursary Award outcomes) communicated to parents February half-term 2026
Deadline for Acceptances 2 March 2026
Parents will be expected to keep the award of any bursary confidential
