Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

Scholarships at Monmouth School:

This booklet has more information on the process of obtaining a Monmouth School Scholarship. It’ll give you further insight on the different scholarships we offer to our students.

What Monmouth School Scholarships and Awards are available?

Various Scholarships and Awards are available for pupils joining in Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+) and applications are open for all candidates, whether boarders or day pupils. Academic Scholarships are awarded on consideration of entrance examination results, interview and school report.

Scholarship allocation is based on entrance results, an interview, an audition or trial, and a clear display of outstanding potential.

Scholarships usually hold a value of a maximum of 10% of the school fees. Further means-tested bursaries are also available.

Academic Scholarships Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12
Music Scholarships
Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12
Sports Scholarships
Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12
Dance Scholarships Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12
Drama & Theatre Arts Scholarships Year 9 and Year 12
Art & Design Scholarships Year 9 and Year 12

Scholarships

Academic
Year 7 (11+)

A small number of Academic Scholarships and awards are given on the basis of the online assessment, interview and a reference from the candidate’s current school. All pupils are eligible to be considered for an Academic Scholarship or Award, and you do not need to apply.

Year 9 (13+)

Candidates will sit papers in English and Mathematics I and Mathematics II. They will also be required to attend an Academic Scholarship interview at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.

Year 12 (16+)

Candidates who wish to apply for a Haberdashers’ Monmouth Sixth Form Scholarship would be able to provide a scholarly profile.

Application Process

  • Candidates are requested to provide a personal statement to support their application (maximum of 500 words) expressing what they feel they could offer as an Academic Scholar
  • All candidates are invited for a structured interview with our Director of Haberdashers’ Monmouth Sixth Form
  • Candidates will sit 2 x 90-minute subject papers in their preferred A level subjects plus a 60-minute general paper
  • References will be requested from the candidate’s current school

Successful Candidates

At Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, we seek to recognise and nurture academic talent by rewarding excellence and intellectual curiosity. Academic scholars are expected to offer intellectual leadership and act in a scholastic manner, producing work of a consistently high standard, furthering the academic ethos of the schools. They will be required to participate in scholar and More Able and Talented (MAT) activities. Through this they will raise the profile of the scholarly nature of the schools.

Music
Year 7 (11+)

Candidates should have reached Grade 3 level or above on two instruments or one instrument and voice. The selection will be by pre-submitted items (as detailed below) and an audition with the Director of Music.

Application Process
Candidates will be asked to provide the following information in advance:

  • Personal statement of 250 words expressing what they feel they could offer as a music scholar
  • Portfolio of achievements (Maximum of 10 pages)
  • Evidence of involvement in group music-making (a programme or photograph)
  • Letter of recommendation from a music teacher

Audition
At the audition, candidates will be invited to play two pieces on their first and one on their second instrument (or voice). In addition, candidates will be asked to sight read (on the first instrument only), and to play some scales, arpeggios and aural tests as appropriate. They should also be prepared to answer general questions regarding their music interests.

Successful candidates
Music Scholarships, giving remission on fees and/or free tuition on up to two instruments, are offered to candidates whom we feel confident will make a strong contribution to the musical life of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School. Successful candidates are those who are proficient in more than one instrument, or are instrumentalists and singers, and in whom the school is able to hold a reasonable expectation that they will play a prominent role in school music throughout their time here. Decisions regarding Scholarships and Awards are based on a candidate’s musical accomplishment, previous experience and enthusiasm to play a full part in musical events.

Candidates awarded a Scholarship or Award at 11+ are expected to study Music to at least GCSE level. Music Award holders are expected to set an outstanding example as a role model to other musicians.

Year 9 (13+)

Candidates should have reached Grade 5 level or above on two instruments or one instrument and voice. The selection will be by pre-submitted items (as detailed below) and an audition with the Director of Music.

Application Process
Candidates will be asked to provide the following information in advance:

  • Personal statement of 250 words expressing what they feel they could offer as a music scholar
  • Portfolio of achievements (Maximum of 10 pages)
  • Evidence of involvement in group music-making (a programme or photograph)
  • Letter of recommendation from a music teacher

Audition
At the audition, candidates will be invited to play two pieces on their first and one on their second instrument (or voice). In addition, candidates will be asked to sight read (on the first instrument only), and to play some scales, arpeggios and aural tests as appropriate. They should also be prepared to answer general questions regarding their music interests.

Successful candidates
Music Scholarships, giving remission on fees and/or free tuition on up to two instruments, are offered to candidates whom we feel confident will make a strong contribution to the musical life of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School. Successful candidates are those who are proficient in more than one instrument, or are instrumentalists and singers, and in whom the school is able to hold a reasonable expectation that they will play a prominent role in school music throughout their time here. Decisions regarding Scholarships and Awards are based on a candidate’s musical accomplishment, previous experience and enthusiasm to play a full part in musical events.

Candidates awarded a Scholarship or Award at 13+ are expected to study Music to at least GCSE level. Music Award holders are expected to set an outstanding example as a role model to other musicians.

Year 12 (16+)

Candidates should have reached Grade 6 level or above on two instruments or one instrument and voice. The selection will be by pre-submitted items (as detailed below) and an audition with the Director of Music.

Application Process
Candidates will be asked to provide the following information in advance:

  • Personal statement of 250 words expressing what they feel they could offer as a music scholar
  • Portfolio of achievements (Maximum of 10 pages)
  • Evidence of involvement in group music-making (a programme or photograph)
  • Letter of recommendation from a music teacher

Audition
At the audition, candidates will be invited to play two pieces on their first and one on their second instrument (or voice). In addition, candidates will be asked to sight read (on the first instrument only), and to play some scales, arpeggios and aural tests as appropriate. They should also be prepared to answer general questions regarding their music interests.

Successful candidates
Music Scholarships, giving remission on fees and/or free tuition on up to two instruments, are offered to candidates whom we feel confident will make a strong contribution to the musical life of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School. Successful candidates are those who are proficient in more than one instrument, or are instrumentalists and singers, and in whom the school is able to hold a reasonable expectation that they will play a prominent role in school music throughout their time here. Decisions regarding Scholarships and Awards are based on a candidate’s musical accomplishment, previous experience and enthusiasm to play a full part in musical events.

Candidates awarded a Scholarship or Award at 16+ are expected to take Music A level. Music Award holders are expected to set an outstanding example as a role model to other musicians.

Sports
Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+)

Candidates will be invited to a Sports Trials Day which will include an interview with the Director of Sport. Skills and aptitude will be considered and assessed in the main school sports, alongside the candidate’s proficiency and potential in sport.

Application Process
Candidates will be asked to provide the following information in advance:

  • Personal statement of 250 words expressing what they feel they could offer as a sports scholar
  • Portfolio of achievements (maximum of 20 pages)
  • Letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Contact details of 2 sporting references (to include name, telephone number and email address)

Successful candidates
Scholarship holders must be prepared to play a full and active part in sport within the school and offer a strong and positive example of sporting commitment to their peers. Candidates offered a Sports Scholarship or Award will be expected to exhibit the following:

  • Excellent aptitude for sport in general
  • Commitment to attend school practice and training sessions
  • Commitment to represent the school to the highest level possible in at least one major school sport per term
  • Commitment to participate in fixtures on weekdays and weekends

Sport Scholarships and Awards, giving remission on fees, are offered to candidates whom we feel confident will make a strong contribution to the sport life of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.

Dance
Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+)

Candidates for Dance Scholarships will be expected to show strength in one or more dance disciplines. They will have a desire to extend their breadth of genres. Selection is based on performance, aptitude and potential.

Application Process
In advance:

  • Personal statement (250 words) to include: Why they think they should be awarded a scholarship, what they feel they could offer, what they hope to achieve
  • Portfolio of achievements including photographic evidence (maximum 20 pages)
  • Video evidence from performance history (Max 5 mins)
  • Letter of recommendation/reference (external candidates only)

Practical Session (2-3 Hours):

  • A morning/afternoon class with the other candidates or a group of Monmouth School of Dance Students
  • Perform a solo of their own Choreography. Any style or fusion of styles (1½ – 2 Mins)
  • Open discussion with the Head of Dance

Successful Candidates
Successful candidates will:

  • Give commitment to a minimum of five dance sessions per week, two of which may be chosen, free of charge, from the specialist technique lessons available in the Haberdashers’ Monmouth School of Dance: Dance 4 Life Programme I.E. Currently Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, D4Motion.
  • Take annual awards and/or examinations E.G. IDTA, Laban Guild
  • Give full commitment to school dance shows, productions, performances and other events in the Dance Calendar.
  • Show commitment and support to the dance community and its members at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools i.e. assist with a club for younger dancers; take on appropriate leadership roles and responsibilities; aspire to being a Dance Captain or Dance Prefect and make a strong contribution to the dance life of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.
  • Lead by example at all times and show outstanding attitude to all aspect of dance
  • Be a role model for other dancers and an ambassador for Dance
  • Complete a review process annually with The Head of Dance
Drama & Theatre Arts
Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+)

Applicants for Drama and Theatre Arts Scholarships should be confident, demonstrate creativity and have a high level of concentration and self-discipline. They should be able to work as part of a team and act as an ambassador to support theatre events and activities in the school.

Application Process
Candidates are invited to prepare the following in advance to support their application:

  • A personal statement of 250 words expressing what they feel they could offer as a Drama and Theatre Arts scholar
  • Details of involvement in past productions
  • For acting: a performance of an audition piece
  • For design: a presentation of work on productions
  • Details of someone who can provide a confidential reference

Practical Session:

  • Interview with the Head of Drama
  • Performance of an audition piece/presentation of work on productions
  • Participation in a workshop

Successful Candidates
Drama and Theatre Arts Scholars will be encouraged to participate in as many productions as possible. Candidates awarded a Drama and Theatre Arts Scholarship are expected to study Drama to at least GCSE level or A level as appropriate.

Art & Design
Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+)

Candidates for Art & Design Scholarship will be invited to Haberdashers’ Monmouth School to take part in a practical assessment and an interview with the Head of Art.

Application Process
Candidates will be asked to provide the following information in advance:

  • Personal statement of 250 words expressing what they could offer as a scholar
  • Portfolio of work that demonstrates a range of skills, observational studies, progression of ideas and independence of thought and experimental use of materials (maximum of 15 pieces, one of which can be a work journal)
  • The portfolio may comprise of the following:
    • Painting/drawing using a range of materials and techniques
    • Printmaking
    • Collage
    • Graphic design projects
    • Photography
    • Ceramics and sculpture

Practical Session (1 hour plus interview):

A 1-hour timed observational drawing task will be held at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.

Portfolios may be submitted by hand or brought along on the day of the assessment. Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Art & Design to at least GCSE level or A level Art & Design as appropriate.

Successful Candidates
Being the recipient of an Art and Design Scholarship carries both prestige and a number of other benefits. These include being a role model for other students, being able to take on additional responsibilities with the Art and Design Department such as running Prep School art sessions, running an art and design newspaper or demonstrating skills in lessons. Successful candidates will be stretched and challenged. The award promotes success, celebrates achievement, and encourages pupils to be aspirational.