16+ Scholarships
A A Guide Guide for for St St Helen’s Helen’s Parents Parents && Students Students
Contents
Page
Introduction to Scholarships
5
How to apply?
7
Academic Scholarship
8
Advanced Maths Scholarship
10
Art Scholarship
13
Drama Scholarship
15
Language Scholarship
16
Music Scholarship/Exhibition
18
Sport Scholarship
21
Next Steps
22
16+ Scholarship Guide September 2027 Entry St Helen’s School is pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive programme of Scholarships across a number of disciplines at 16+ for Sixth Form entry. These are two-year scholarships valid for Years 12 and 13 and must be applied for in Year 11. This guide is designed to help you understand what we look for in a Scholar and the application requirements for each scholarship discipline. We hope it will support you in making an informed decision about whether a scholarship application is right for your daughter and provide all the information you need to complete the process. To become and remain a St Helen’s Scholar requires a high level of commitment, both within the curriculum and through participation in cocurricular activities. As a school we make a commitment in return to enrich, to support, to nurture and to inspire our Scholars. Before a Scholarship is accepted, a formal agreement is signed to ensure that expectations are clear and understood by all parties. Scholarships are subject to ongoing review. We expect all Scholars to demonstrate consistently high levels of commitment, achievement and ambition throughout their time at the School. If you have any questions at this stage, please contact admissions@sthelens.london.
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How to apply? You will be asked to indicate which scholarship/s you wish to apply for on the Sixth Form Scholarship Form that is emailed to you by the Sixth Form Team. Each scholarship has its own application requirements, details of which you can find in this guide. You must express your interest on the Sixth Form Scholarship Form by the deadline 12.00pm (midday) Friday 16th October 2026 You must submit all evidence/portfolios (detailed below), to the relevant Head of Department, by the deadline of 12.00pm (midday) Friday 30th October 2026
Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted.
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Academic Scholarship Academic scholarships at Sixth Form are worth up to a maximum 50% reduction in annual tuition fees and are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic promise and a commitment to enriching the intellectual life of the school. Scholars are supported through personalised support, opportunities to guide and inspire younger students, and expert preparation for their future pathways including mock interviews and university readiness. They also enjoy access to exclusive events, such as the popular Scholars’ Breakfast, where ideas are shared and connections are made. Application Candidates will sit an exam which comprises of both multiple-choice questions testing high-level reasoning, problem-solving, analysis and comprehension skills and an essay section to assess the student’s ability to write in a cogent, cohesive and evaluative style. It is intended to be challenging and will last for 1 hour 15 minutes. The Academic Scholarship exam will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday 4th November 2026. Candidates who are successful in the examination will be invited to a short interview with a senior member of teaching staff.
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Advanced Maths Scholarship The Advanced Maths Scholarship offers up to a 30% annual reduction in tuition fees and is awarded to students with exceptional mathematical ability and a genuine passion for problem-solving. Applicants should be on track to achieve a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths and plan to study both Maths and Further Maths at A Level. Scholars gain automatic access to a range of enriching masterclasses, including preparation for UKMT Maths Challenges and university entrance exams. Many also take on leadership roles - delivering masterclasses to partner schools and mentoring younger students helping to foster a vibrant and collaborative mathematical community. Application Candidates will be required to sit the Advanced Maths Scholarship exam, which is a 75-minute exam including both multi-choice and longanswer questions. It is intended to test problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and a mastery of GCSE content. As a rough guide the style of questions is a hybrid between those found in Senior Maths Challenge or Olympiad competitions, along with questions similar to those found at the very end of the higher GCSE exams papers. The Advanced Maths Scholarship exam will be held on the morning of Wednesday 4th November 2026. If successful in the exam, applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
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Art Scholarship The Art Scholarship offers up to a maximum 30% reduction of tuition fees per annum and is awarded to students who are creatively driven, technically skilled, and passionate about visual expression. Applicants should be committed to studying Art at A Level and demonstrate originality, independence, and a strong personal voice in their work. Art Scholars play a key role in representing the department at Open Events and actively contribute to co-curricular art activities. They benefit from 1-2-1 portfolio support for A Level and applications to Foundation or Degree courses, as well as guidance on future pathways within creative industries. Scholars are also encouraged and supported with applications for external programmes that broaden their artistic practice and experience - helping them grow as both artists and leaders. Application The Art Scholarship assessment will take the form of a 20-minute interview with the Head of Art and candidates will be required to bring a portfolio* of work with them to the interview. *A portfolio is a collection of a pupil’s work, which shows how their skills and ideas have developed over time. The research and processes they have used to develop their artistic work are as important as the final work itself. We are particularly interested in a candidate’s most recent work, even if unfinished. The portfolio might include drawings, paintings, sketchbooks, colour studies, materials investigation, design development (2D and 3D), construction, consumer and market information, written notes, design presentation sheets, and any other types of work the applicant has chosen. If the portfolio consists of 3D pieces, these should be photographed and presented within the portfolio, and one or two physical examples could be brought to the interview. 13 | 16+ Scholarships
Drama Scholarship The Drama Scholarship offers up to a maximum 30% reduction of tuition fees per annum and is awarded to students with a deep enthusiasm for performance and the creative arts. Applicants are required to study Drama at A Level and should be motivated to participate in Drama beyond the curriculum, and have a passion for the Arts and live theatrical performance. Scholars take part in a vibrant programme that includes national competitions and festivals, they receive personalised guidance for entering the Creative Arts industry, and exclusive opportunities to direct and contribute to casting decisions for Middle School productions. They also benefit from mentorship by an industry professional, helping them refine their craft and explore future possibilities in the world of performance.
Application To apply for the Drama Scholarship, students should write a short letter of application outlining the reasons why they feel they would make an outstanding Drama Scholar. Letters should be sent to the Director of Drama at michelle.connell@sthelens.london using the email Subject format: “Year 12 Drama Scholarship - First name Surname”. If successful, applicants will be invited to an assessment, consisting of an audition or presentation and attend an interview with the Director of Drama.
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Language Scholarship The Language Scholarship offers up to a 30% annual reduction in tuition fees and is awarded to students with a proven track record of excellence in languages and a genuine passion for linguistic learning. Applicants must commit to studying at least one language at A Level and demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, and a flair for communication across cultures. Language Scholars serve as ambassadors for the Modern Foreign Languages department, representing the school at key events such as Into the Sixth and Open Days. They also play an active role in supporting cocurricular language clubs and benefit from personalised guidance to help them explore future academic and career pathways in languages. Application Candidates will need to submit a letter, in English, explaining her interest in languages and why she feels she should be considered for the scholarship, to the Head of Modern Foreign Languages at esther.serrano@sthelens.london using the email Subject format: “Year 12 Languages Scholarship – First name Surname”. If successful, applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the Head of Modern Foreign Languages. The interview will be conducted primarily in the target language and the level we would expect at the interview is equivalent to a high standard at GCSE.
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Music Scholarship/Exhibition The Music Scholarship offers up to a maximum 30% reduction of tuition fees per annum. A number of Music Exhibitions (free tuition on one instrument) may also be awarded. To apply for the scholarship or Exhibition, students should be of a minimum equivalent standard of Grade 7 on their first instrument. Applicants are not required to study Music at A Level to be considered but evidence of a strong commitment to co-curricular music at school is essential. Our Music Scholarship programme is designed to inspire and elevate exceptional musical talent. Award holders will enjoy a rich and rewarding experience that nurtures their growth and pushes their abilities to new heights. Highlights include personalised guidance from the Music department, access to music-related trips and events, leadership roles in extracurricular music groups and the opportunity to perform at our prestigious annual Award Holders’ Concert. Application Candidates should submit copies of relevant examination certificates together with a letter outlining her musical achievements and experience to date. These should be sent to the Director of Music at catherine.handley@sthelens.london with the email subject: “Year 12 Music Scholarship – First name Surname.” If successful, applicants will be invited to an assessment, where she will play two pieces on her first instrument (which can include voice) with the option of playing one piece on her second instrument (performance on a second instrument is not essential). The total performance time should be at least 5 minutes but not longer than 15 minutes. If an applicant requires piano accompaniment, please provide a copy of the music she will be playing as soon as possible by emailing a copy to the email address above. Candidates will also be given a sight-reading exercise and will be interviewed regarding her musical experience.
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Sport Scholarship The Sport Scholarship offers up to a maximum 30% reduction on tuition fees per annum and recognises students with exceptional sporting talent, dedication, leadership skills and character. While studying PE at A Level is not a requirement, applicants should demonstrate a sustained commitment to sport - including regular participation in school teams and competition at club level or higher. Sport Scholars act as ambassadors for Physical Education, inspiring others and supporting younger pupils in their sporting journeys. They benefit from exclusive access to elite sporting events, as well as personalised guidance to help them develop their skills and progress within their chosen disciplines. Application Candidates should submit a reference from the coach of the club/county club they currently attend, and if possible a video of her specialist area to lucy.robinson@sthelens.london using the email subject format: “Year 12 Performance Sports Scholarship – First name Surname”. If successful, applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a senior member of the PE Team.
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Next Steps Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than 12.00pm (midday) on the specified deadline: Expression of interest indicated on the Sixth Form Scholarship Form by Friday 16th October 2026 All evidence/portfolios submitted to the relevant Head of Department by Friday 30th October 2026 Final scholarship decisions will be communicated parents/carers before the end of the Autumn Term. If you require any further information, please contact the Admissions Department, on 01923 843230 or via email at admissions@sthelens.london.
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