Dear Parents/Carers,
Senior School Scholarships
Each year children from Radlett Prep consider applying for scholarship places at senior schools. Please be aware that each senior school has their own procedures around the application process for children considering scholarships and we advise parents to look at each school’s web site for further information.
The most common areas for scholarships are academic, art, music, drama and sport. While the awarding of academic scholarships is based on the result in the entrance exam at the discretion of the Headteacher, we wanted to give you some general information on scholarships in other subjects/areas:
Music
Depending on the requirements of the individual schools, pupils are expecting to be able to perform at a standard equivalent to Grade 5 ABRSM to be considered for a scholarship in Music. Most schools will assess pupils in listening and performing.
The listening test is comprised of questions on rhythm, melodic memory and texture. This part of the scholarship process will be covered in a breaktime club with Mrs Harte at the start of the Summer Term. The performance is an own choice piece or song, lasting over two minutes. It is expected that the instrumental/vocal teacher will oversee this part of the process and RPS will offer performance opportunities to work on presentation.
If you are considering applying for a Music scholarship, please email Mrs Harte, Head of Music on
Sport
Sports scholarships are awarded for children who perform at a very high level, often county standard, in at least one and sometimes two of the schools’ major sports. They should also be competent and show future potential to represent the school at ‘A’ team level in at least one of the other sports the school specialises in.
Applicants are also often expected to show attributes such as positive attitude and commitment to the sport, the ability to motivate others; high levels of leadership and be very coachable with a growth mindset of always wanting to be the best they can be. The assessment day involves a practical assessment in a range of sports, fitness tests and informal discussion and conversation.
If you are considering applying for a sports scholarship, please email Mr Pillinger Head of PE/Games at:
Drama
Drama scholarships are offered at secondary schools for children who show a passion and enthusiasm for theatre and acting. Generally, schools do not expect candidates to have any particular level of drama qualification. However, LAMDA is considered a speech and drama equivalent of a music grade and is available for children throughout primary school. Applicants are expected to have had experience of performing in a variety of roles either at school or in other performance opportunities externally.
For the assessment, schools will often allow children to choose a monologue in advance that they can perform on the day. This gives candidates the chance to showcase their individual performance and acting skills. Candidates are also frequently expected to be able to take direction and work in an ensemble. Furthermore, applicants will commonly be asked questions about their chosen monologue as well as live theatre that they may have enjoyed seeing.
If you are considering applying for a drama scholarship, please email Miss Hartland, Head of Drama at:
Art
Depending on the requirements of the individual schools, pupils are expected to show exceptional artistic promise and keep an up-to-date portfolio of their favourite pieces of artwork. Candidates must show highly developed levels of technical skill and have a passion for the subject that goes beyond the usual expectation at this level. I would recommend for the pupil to be actively involved in Art at Radlett Prep as well as outside of school. This could be by regularly visiting art galleries, exhibitions, and museums to develop their understanding of artists and arts history and by attending internally or externally run art clubs.
Some schools will ask for candidates to submit their favourite pieces of artwork and if successful they will be called in for an interview and art test. I recommend keeping a sketchbook with materials collected from galleries which will help them to be able to share their ideas in an interview.
If you are considering applying for an art scholarship, please email Mrs Stock, Head of Art on
If you require any further information on scholarships, please contact the Year 6 group leader Mrs Wolpert through the school office, [email protected]