Music Scholarships
1st, 2nd and 3rd Form Entry in 2027
General Information
1. Eligibility
Each year scholarships are awarded to children of exceptional talent joining the School into the Top Year (Year 6), First Form (Year 7), Second Form (Year 8) or Third Form (Year 9). In due course, scholarships will be awarded to children joining the School at Sixth Form level (Year 12). Candidates are assessed through test, examination or observation, interview and reference. Scholarship awards may be made either for evidence of a high level of attainment and promise or exceptional specialist aptitude. Uppingham Cairo awards scholarships to candidates who show excellence in the following fields: Academic, Music, Art, Sport, Textiles (Fashion Design), Design & Technology, Drama and The Thring Award.
2. Limitations
Successful candidates should not expect to hold awards in more than one discipline. Candidates are not permitted to sit scholarships in more than two disciplines.
3. Awards
Uppingham Cairo is proud of its moral commitment to widening participation in the School, and applies Scholarship Awards in line with the policies of Uppingham School in the UK. To do so, we use as much of our funding as we can to enable as many young people as possible to benefit from an Uppingham Cairo education. For that reason, scholarship awards would not ordinarily exceed 25% of the fees.
At Uppingham Cairo a candidate may only hold one scholarship award at any one time so that they can specialise in their area of talent. This does not preclude them from participating in other areas of school life, however, the rich additional provision of each of our scholarship programmes requires pupils to manage their time judiciously within their field of expertise.
All candidates must have passed the standard academic entrance assessment and have been offered a place at the School prior to entering the scholarship process.
4. Age Limit
Candidates will normally be under 14 on or close to 1 September in the year of entry. In assessing merit, the ages of candidates is taken into consideration.
Further information about the Music Scholarship may be obtained from the Head of Music, Mr Ian Hockley (ihockley@uppinghamcairo.com)
Music Scholarships Summary
What does Uppingham Cairo look for in a potential Scholar?
What is involved in the selection process?
Being able to display a high level of musical skill and technical aptitude on two instruments is required, though it is the quality of the musician that we are interested in nurturing here at Uppingham so each individual would be assessed onwhatthey could offerthedepartment in terms of ensemble participation and soloistic opportunities. (As a rule of thumb, we would expect our Sixth Form music scholars to be able to front one of our popular weekly solo lunchtime recitals – around twenty-five minutes of polished and well-prepared music on their principal instrument - during their first year at the school). Potential scholars should be able to demonstrate their ability to perform with musical intelligence, emotional awareness and a certain presentational flair. We would also expect them to have a good working knowledge of the wider historical aspects of the pieces, the composer and, in the case of a song, any texts that may be sung.
An audition in front of a small panel where the candidate will play or sing prepared performances - usually two contrasting pieces per instrument. An accompanist and rehearsal time would be provided on the day. A quick study is provided for the candidate’s principal instrument of choice, and a fifteen-minute preparation time is allotted to each candidate to work this through as part of their warm-up prior to the audition. Aural tests will follow and a sight-reading test appropriate to the level presented. The audition concludes with a short, informal interview where the panel gets the opportunity to find out more about the individual musician applying.
What are the expectations of a Scholar?
What we can offer as support to our Music Scholars
Music Scholars will be expected to play a full and active part in the rich musical life of the school. They will be self-motivated in their practice, display a keen curiosity for developing their musical skills and be happy to participate in a wide range of musical ensembles. Music Scholars would be expected to play a major part in the wide variety of concerts and musical events both inside and outside the school and show a willingness to develop and challenge themselves as a musician over the course of their time at Uppingham. The ideal candidate will wish actively to spend time outside their academic studies in musical pursuits and enjoy being part of a highly skilled musical team.
• Free individual tuition in chosen discipline
• Personal Scholarship Mentor to monitor and support progress, set objectives and report termly
• Termly instrumental reports
• Bespoke programme of rehearsals and tutorials with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra
• 1:1 practice support
• External concerts as both participants and audience and tours
• Support and help with preparation for applications for the next developmental stage of Scholarships and/or for competitive higher education institutions
• Access to support and careers guidance from a wide network of alumni and staff in the relevant field
• Scholars to log their progress and achievements
Assessment:
Wednesday 3 or Thursday 4 February (Candidates attend on one day only)
Closing date for Applications: 11 January 2027
Music Scholarships Entry in
2027
1. Dates and Arrangements
The Music Scholars Assessment Day will take place on Wednesday 3 or Thursday 4 February at Uppingham Cairo. Candidates attend on one day only, and will arrive at 8.30am and will be free to depart at 4.30pm. All candidates will be provided with a morning snack, lunch and afternoon tea.
2. Application Procedure
The application form should be completed and returned to the Master of the Scholars no later than 11 January 2027
Potential scholars are expected to have achieved a strong pass in Uppingham Cairo’s Academic Admissions Tests.
3. The Assessment
a. Candidates should be prepared to perform (as if in a concert) two contrasting pieces on each of the instrument(s) that they present. They should have reached at least the standard equivalent to Grade 4 - 6 of the Associated Board Examination (candidates offering piano alone will be expected to have reached Grade 6), and should show competence in scales and arpeggios at a similar level. Candidates must bring two copies of all the pieces they are to perform.
b. They will be required to sight-read on the instrument(s) of their choice.
c. They may offer a second or third instrument, in which case they will be required to perform and sight-read as before, although the standard expected will not be as high.
d. Candidates may also offer a solo song (if voice isn’t offered as one of the principal instruments) if they wish, and should bring two copies of it with them.
e. There will be suitable aural tests.
f. They will be questioned on their general knowledge of music.
g. Candidates are not required to sit a written examination in music.
h. Candidates will undergo a brief voice assessment.
Uppingham Cairo
Switchboard: +20 10 12777777
admissions@uppinghamcairo.com www.uppinghamcairo.com