Scholarships Recognising Excellence. Inspiring Futures. For Girls. For Life.
Where talent meets opportunity
“A GDST scholarship is a mark of distinction and a launchpad for future success.”
At Royal High Bath, GDST, we set the bar high.
My commitment to ensuring academic excellence at Royal High is unwavering. I challenge every student to reach their full intellectual potential. For our scholars, this journey is even more ambitious. These are girls whose exceptional talents, whether academic or in Art, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, Music, or Sport have been formally recognised.
They are offered not just a scholarship, but a platform to thrive.
Scholarship students are expected to demonstrate outstanding commitment and engagement in their chosen field, and to contribute meaningfully to the life of the School and the wider GDST community.
We nurture self-motivation and ambition, with tailored support from our Heads of Department and subject specialists who provide bespoke opportunities to stretch and inspire.
Ms Heidi-Jayne Boyes Head - Royal High Bath, GDST
Scholarships overview
What we offer
Scholarships recognise and encourage pupils with talent and potential who will make a significant and enduring contribution to school life.
Scholarships are available to students joining Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 in the following disciplines and subject areas:
Academic
Art Dance
Design Technology (Years 9 & 12)
Drama Music Sport
“The extra seminars and mentoring have really pushed me to think independently and aim higher”
Year 9 Scholar
Academic Scholarships
Where curiosity meets challenge
Academic Scholarships at Royal High are awarded to girls who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability and a passion for learning.
These scholarships offer far more than recognition, they open doors to a rich programme of academic enrichment. Scholars are invited to attend specialist lectures, seminars, workshops and mentoring sessions designed to stretch their thinking and deepen their subject knowledge.
From interdisciplinary workshops to guest speaker events, scholars are immersed in a culture of curiosity and challenge.
In Year 7, a student’s entrance test results are used to evaluate suitability for an Academic Scholarship and these are awarded to girls achieving the highest grades.
Year 9 Academic Scholarships are available for new joiners and students in Year 8 to apply during the academic year before Year 9.
In the Sixth Form, Academic Scholarships are available for able and ambitious girls wanting the stretch and rigour of extended learning presented by an academic scholarship. Scholars are expected to represent their specialist subjects and mentor and champion learning across the school and apply in Year 11.
All Academic Scholars are expected to become ambassadors and advocates for the Scholars’ Programme - they will be expected to attend events, introduce speakers and welcome guests and visitors.
Art & Design Technology Scholarships
Creativity with purpose
Art
At Royal High, an Art Scholarship is a celebration of creative talent and a commitment to nurturing artistic excellence. Scholars gain access to specialist teaching, inspiring workshops, and a vibrant community of makers and thinkers.
Within the Graeme Preedy Art School, a haven of creativity, our Art Scholars explore drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and threedimensional work in beautifully lit studios.
Opportunities include:
Life drawing classes to refine technique
Workshops with visiting artists and creatives
Trips to galleries and exhibitions
Portfolio development and leadership roles in exhibitions
“I’ve had the chance to work with visiting artists and lead a workshop for younger students.”
Year 12 Scholar
Design Technology
Our Design Technology Scholars thrive in a cutting-edge environment that mirrors the innovation and precision of the industries they aspire to join. With fully integrated CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (ComputerAided Manufacturing) facilities, students gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies shaping the future of engineering, architecture, and product design. Our textiles programme offers an insight into structure and form as well as fashion and creative pathways.
The programme is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and realworld problem-solving. Scholars are encouraged to explore sustainable design, user-centred innovation, and iterative development—skills essential for success in modern design and engineering fields and which offers
Scholars benefit from a curriculum that integrates theory with practice, preparing them for competitive university applications and future leadership in design-focused industries.
Opportunities Include:
Masterclasses with industry professionals – including engineers, architects, and designers at the forefront of their fields.
Inspirational design trips which offering exposure to industry and innovation.
Leadership roles in department projects – managing collaborative design challenges and mentoring younger students
Support in developing independent design portfolios – tailored guidance to showcase individual strengths and creativity
“I’ve had the chance to work with visiting artists and lead a workshop for younger students.”
Year 12 Scholar
Performing Arts Scholarships Talent on stage, confidence for life
At Royal High, our Performing Arts Scholarships celebrate creativity, discipline, and expression. Whether in Dance, Drama, or Music, scholars are given the opportunity to refine their craft, perform with confidence, and grow as leaders within a vibrant artistic community.
Dance
Our Dance Scholars’ programme offers a dynamic and inclusive exploration of movement, embracing a wide range of styles; from classical ballet and contemporary to street and commercial dance. Scholars are immersed in a vibrant community that celebrates creativity, discipline, and personal growth.
Through regular training and performance opportunities, students develop not only technical excellence and stage presence, but also the courage to take creative risks and the confidence to express themselves authentically. Dance is a powerful tool for building resilience, self-belief, and leadership. Scholars learn to trust their instincts, embrace feedback, and lead with creativity—skills that extend far beyond the stage. Opportunities Include:
Weekly clubs and rehearsals tailored to different styles and levels
Performance platforms and showcases including school productions and external events
Theatre trips to leading productions offering inspiration and insight into professional practice
Workshops with professional dancers and choreographers bringing industry expertise into the studio
Opportunities to choreograph and lead younger students developing leadership and mentoring skills
Drama
Drama Scholars at Royal High immerse themselves in a vibrant and ambitious programme of performance, production, and personal growth. From the moment they join, they become part of a dynamic community of theatre-makers, storytellers, and leaders.
Whether performing on stage, directing peers, or exploring the technical craft behind the scenes, scholars are given the space and support to flourish. They benefit from:
Major school productions and performance evenings
Speech and Drama lessons, including LAMDA exam preparation
Industry-led workshops and masterclasses
Theatre trips and behind-the-scenes experiences
Leadership roles in directing, mentoring, and technical theatre
In the Sixth Form, Drama becomes a powerful lens through which students explore the world. The A level course blends practical creativity with rigorous academic inquiry, encouraging students to think laterally, analyse deeply, and collaborate effectively. Through live theatre critique, devising original work, and engaging with diverse texts and styles, scholars develop a bold, explorative mindset.
These experiences build more than just performance skills, they foster confidence, resilience, flexibility, and communication. Our scholars leave with a strong sense of self and a toolkit for life, ready to thrive in university and beyond. Many go on to prestigious destinations, pursuing Drama, Liberal Arts, and related disciplines, inspired by the transformative journey they began at Royal High.
Scholars develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills that serve them both on and off the stage.
Music
At Royal High, we take immense pride in our dynamic and inclusive Music Department, regarded as a centre of musical excellence both nationally and internationally. Our vision is clear: to foster an environment where every student, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to reach their musical aspirations.
Academic and musical excellence are not just encouraged, they are fundamental to our students’ musical journeys. A well-rounded education includes a strong foundation in music theory, history, and critical analysis, ensuring that our students are not only performers but also lifelong musicians. Our high standards position Royal High alongside prestigious music institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for those passionate about music.
Our Steinway Music School and professional recording studios provide an exceptional environment for musical growth. Music Scholars benefit from:
Personalised programmes of study
Masterclasses with visiting musicians and composers
Regular concerts and external performance opportunities
Ensemble leadership in choirs, orchestras, and chamber groups
Performance experience during assemblies
Composition and recording opportunities
Whether instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers, scholars are supported to pursue excellence and share their passion with the wider school community.
Sports Scholarships
Performance, purpose and potential
Sport Scholarships at Royal High are awarded to girls who demonstrate exceptional athletic ability, commitment, and the mindset to succeed. These scholarships are designed to support and stretch talented athletes, providing them with the tools, coaching, and environment to thrive, both in their chosen sport and as leaders within the school community.
Our programme is built around the belief that elite performance is nurtured through a balance of technical training, physical conditioning, and psychological resilience. Scholars benefit from:
Individually tailored training schedules to support peak performance across all major and minor sports
Specialist strength and conditioning, and speed development sessions
Access to professional physiotherapy and injury prevention support
Termly lectures and workshops on topics such as nutrition, mindset, and performance psychology
Dedicated mentoring from experienced coaches and staff
Annual excursions to elite training centres and sporting events
Expectations of a Scholar - we expect our Sport Scholars to lead by example, both on and off the field.
Attendance: Minimum 90% participation in all aspects of the programme
Attitude: We look for the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs), including resilience, focus, distraction control, and quality of practice
Sport Scholars are not only high performers, they are role models, team players, and ambassadors for the values of discipline, determination, and sportsmanship.
Head’s Awards
Recognising promise, rewarding potential
We believe that excellence takes many forms, and sometimes, it shines in ways that go beyond traditional scholarship criteria. Our Head’s Awards honour those students who demonstrate exceptional curiosity, commitment, and character.
A Head’s Award is a significant and discretionary honour given to very few candidates who narrowly miss out on a formal scholarship yet demonstrate outstanding talent, dedication, and potential. These awards reflect the Head’s personal recognition of a student’s promise and are a powerful affirmation of their contribution to school life.
Recipients are welcomed into the Scholars’ Programme, gaining access to enrichment, mentoring, and leadership opportunities alongside full scholars.
These awards are a testament to our belief that potential deserves to be nurtured, and that excellence is not always defined by a single moment but by a consistent commitment to growth and ambition.
Finance & Awards
Recognition and opportunity
A scholarship should not be viewed as a financial award, it is a recognition of exceptional promise and a commitment by Royal High to nurture that potential. While scholarships may carry a modest fee remission, their true value lies in the enrichment, support, and distinction they offer.
Scholars gain access to tailored programmes, specialist teaching, mentoring, and leadership opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. They are invited to exclusive events, workshops, and lectures designed to stretch their thinking and deepen their engagement in their chosen field.
We award scholarships to girls who demonstrate not only talent, but also the drive, curiosity, and character to make a meaningful contribution to school life.
In some circumstances, honorary awards may be made to candidates who narrowly miss the threshold for full awards but show outstanding potential and commitment.
Scholarships are not means-tested
Honorary awards grant full access to Scholars’ Programme
Bursaries
Bursary applications, which are means-tested, have the same deadline as Scholarship applications:
Sixth Form – 17 October 2025
Year 7 & 9 – 17 November 2025
Application process
To enable our scholars to make the most of the opportunities offered in their specialist programme, students can only apply for one specialist scholarship.
Year 7
Students applying for Year 7 are all assessed on their academic ability and scholars are identified at this time. No application required.
Year 9
Year 12
New students must indicate their application to be assessed as a scholar via the School Application Form and will be assessed as part of their application process in the year prior to entry to Royal High.
Internal candidates should use the Scholarship Application Form shared during the Autumn Term preceding the new Scholarship Year (For Year 9 this will be in Year 8, and for Sixth Form, this will be in Year 11) and will be invited to sit written assessments and interviews January. Internal applicants are encouraged to speak to Tutors and Heads of Department before applying.
New students must indicate their application to be assessed as a scholar via the School Application Form and will be assessed as part of their application process in the year prior to entry to Royal High. Internal applicants are encouraged to speak to Tutors and Heads of Department before applying.
Internal candidates should use the Scholarship Application Form and will be invited to sit assessments in November. Internal applicants are encouraged to speak to Tutors and Heads of Department before applying.
Key dates
Years 7 & 9
Monday 17 November ‘25
Application deadline
Friday 5 December ’25 Assessment day
Monday 12 – Friday 23 January ‘26 Interviews
Friday 30 January ‘26 Offer date
Wednesday 11 February ‘26 Offer Holder’s Day
Tuesday 3 March ‘26 Acceptance Deadline
Sixth Form
Friday 17 October ‘25
Application deadline
Monday 17 – Friday 21 November ’25 Interviews
Specialist scholarship application
process
Specialist scholarship interviews will be with the Head, Ms Boyes, and Heads of Department.
Personal Statements
All applicants are asked to submit a personal statement as part of their application about their interest in their chosen specialism and why they would like to be a Scholar at Royal High Bath, GDST.
Year 7: no more than 300 words
Years 9 and 12: no more than 600 words
Details of the criteria involved with applications for each specialist scholarship, is outlined on the following pages.
ART
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work completed independently. This can be electronic or hardcopy.
The portfolio should include at least one piece which must be a drawing from direct observation.
Please ensure that the portfolio is clearly named and labelled with: ArtSpecialist Scholarship Application; your name, and year group you are applying for.
At interview, applicants will be expected to complete a tonal drawing from life and meet with the Head of Art.
Hard copies are to be handed to the front office or directly to Mrs Wilson, Head of Art. Electronic copies are to be emailed to admissions@rhsb.gdst.net
Year 12
Portfolio deadline: Friday 17 October 2025
Interviews: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Year 9
Portfolio deadline: Monday 17 November 2025
Interviews: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
Year 7
The portfolio should include some drawings from life, responses to exhibitions you have visited and any creative work you have produced of which you feel proud and would like to talk about during a short interview.
Portfolio deadline: Monday 17 November 2025
Interviews: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
DANCE
All applicants should demonstrate exceptional technique and performance skills in any dance style. Applicants are expected to be passionate about dance and have an aptitude for choreography and working with others. They are expected to be a member of a Dance School, outside of school, as well as undertaking dance exams in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) or equivalent Dance Society exams.
They will be expected to represent the school in major performances in addition to supporting the Dance Department through running a club for younger students. Applicants for these scholarships should be positive role models, participating in Dance with passion and pride whilst acting as an ambassador for the department.
Years 12 & 9
At interview, all applicants will be required to perform a choreographed solo performance of no longer than 2-3 minutes, in any dance style. Applicants will also take part in a group choreographic task
Year 12 auditions and interview: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Year 9 audition and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
Year 7
Prepare a solo dance of one minute in duration. It can be in any dance style, or a fusion of styles. Applicants will also take part in a group choreographic task
Audition and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
DRAMA
It is likely that applicants will be members of Theatre groups outside school, and/or that they may have taken Speech and Drama lessons and LAMDA or Guildhall examinations.
Drama applicants will be asked to prepare and perform two contrasting dramatic monologues of their own choice. Candidates are expected to exhibit a good knowledge of each chosen play and the characters they are playing and be prepared to discuss their interpretation as part of the interview process.
No monologue should last longer than two minutes. There will be a short interview with the Head of Drama, during which candidates will be asked to discuss their experience of live and/or recorded theatre performances which they have attended.
Year 12
The audition piece should be a performance and not a recital; two contrasting monologues in tone and/or character.
Year 12 auditions and interview: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Year 9
At interview, students will be required to perform two contrasting monologues in tone and/or character.
Year 9 audition and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
Year 7
At interview, students will be required to perform two contrasting monologues in tone and/or character.
Year 7 audition and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
Design Technology
Candidates will be asked to bring a portfolio of design and practical work they have created in school and in their own time and be able to talk passionately about this subject. There will be a short interview a practical task.
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work. This can be electronic or hardcopy. Please ensure that the portfolio is clearly named and labelled with: DT - Specialist Scholarship Application; your name, and year group you are applying for.
All candidates will be required to complete a short practical task as part of the interview process.
Year 12
Please provide a portfolio with a copy of your current GCSE nonexamined assessment with any preliminary models of initial design proposals. It would be advantageous to add to your portfolio any other projects completed in Year 10 of which you are particularly proud of as well as independent work you have done in your own time.
If you have completed any projects, design or practical work, attended any courses or entered any competitions please submit details as part of your supporting statement.
Portfolio deadline: Friday 17 October 2025
Interviews: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Year 9
Your portfolio should include three exceptional pieces of work
Portfolio deadline: Monday 17 November 2025
Interviews: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
MUSIC
Music applicants will be asked to perform a piece on each instrument (or voice) offered.They will also be given some aural tests and sight-reading commensurate with the standard expected of the age group.
There will be a short interview which candidates are asked about their musical experiences and interests to determine their commitment to Music in a broader context.All applicants are asked to bring a portfolio of work demonstrating their musical journey (such as certificates, programmes of musical performances).
All Music Scholars will be expected to demonstrate a substantial commitment to extra-curricular music making at the Royal High School.
Year 12
Scholarships will be awarded to applicants with at least Grade 7 with merit or distinction in their main instrument/voice. It is unlikely that an award will be made to an applicant with only one instrument to offer. They will be expected to take a leadership role in our ensembles.
Audition and interview: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Year 9
Applicants will be required to attend a Music audition where they will perform a piece on each instrument (or voice). The audition will include aural tests and sight-reading commensurate with the standard expected in Year 9.
Audition and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
Year 7
Prepare a piece on each instrument offered. We would expect your daughter to have received some formal training on her instrument (including voice) and be able to perform at approximately Grade 3 standard.
Audition & interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026
SPORT
All applicants should show exceptional commitment and performance in one or more sports. They will be expected to represent the School in major competitions in addition to supporting the PE and Sports Department, for example by helping run a club for younger students.
Applicants for these scholarships should be positive role models, be passionate about sport and physical activity, regular participants in a sport(s) and take pride whilst acting as an ambassador for the Department and School. Applicants will be required to attend an interview and asked take part in a practical assessment. They will need to wear sports kit for this activity.
Year 12 practical and interview: Monday 17 – Friday 21 November 2025
Years 9 & 7 practical and interview: Monday 12 – Friday 23 January 2026.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS
APPLYING FROM OVERSEAS:
Interviews will be held online.
Dance / Drama / Music: Applicants performances will need to be recorded and submitted as video files (each dance / monologue / piece must be one continuous take).
Recordings must be submitted by the deadline to: admissions@rhsb.gdst.net.
Sport: Applicants should be recorded taking part in two sports: one team, one individual. Please include times and distances.
Design Technology: Applicants should provide an online portfolio of work, submitted to admissions@rhsb.gdst.net, and sit an assessment paper.
Recordings must be submitted by the deadline to: admissions@rhsb.gdst.net.
