Scholarships for Year 5 and 6
A Sibford School scholarship is not just about celebrating excellence, it’s about developing and sharing it.
Our Year 5 and 6 scholarship students are given the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities and extra support in their chosen area of talent. They are supported by staff who are experts in their field and encouraged to challenge themselves to achieve at the very highest level.
Furthermore, scholarship students also act as ambassadors within the school, sharing their enthusiasm and encouraging fellow students to take an active interest in their subject area.
Scholars will be encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities and extend their interest beyond the school day.
The aims of the scholarship programme at Sibford School are:
to encourage students who are exceptionally gifted and talented to join the school. to recognise outstanding talent within the school at key transition stages. to continue the school’s long tradition of providing public benefit.
What Junior School scholarships are offered?
There are three categories of Junior School scholarship at Sibford School:
Academic: where a student shows exceptional academic ability and potential. All-rounder: Where a student demonstrates significant intellectual potential as well as providing evidence of exceptional talent in a particular discipline. Talent: Performing Arts (Drama and Music) and Sport.
Who can apply?
Junior School scholarships are available to existing pupils currently in Years 4 and 5, and also new pupils entering Sibford School in Years 5 and 6.
Introduction
Application Process
Junior School applicants
To apply for a Year 5 or Year 6 scholarship, you will need to complete the scholarship form and return it to the Sibford School admissions office, along with a copy of your child's most recent school report (if you are an external applicant) and any evidence required to support the application.
Applications can be sent by email to admissions@sibfordschool.co.uk,or by post to: Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, OX15 5QL.
Scholarship applications should be received by 9th February 2025.
The application will be reviewed, and an email will be sent inviting successful candidates to attend a Junior School scholarship day.
Please note.
If successful on a scholarship day, a scholarship offer will be sent within a fortnight. Unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted by at this stage.
Awarded scholarships will be reviewed on an annual basis. Awards remain applicable until the end Year 8. Pupils will have the option to apply for a Senior School scholarship to start in Year 9.
Academic Scholarships
Academic scholars at Sibford School will demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential.
Academic scholars at Sibford School will demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential. They are expected to be a positive role model for fellow students and maintain excellent standards of academic progress and conduct at all times.
What needs to accompany an application for an Academic scholarship?
Recent school report that demonstrates that the applicant is working above the national average.
How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?
Two written papers - English & Maths.
Interview with the Head or Head of Junior School.
Expectations of an Academic Scholar
Meeting with the More Able Coordinator once a term, maintaining a high level of academic work and effort in a range of subjects.
All-Rounder Scholarships
All-rounder scholars at Sibford School will demonstrate strong academic endeavour, commitment, and potential in a range of subjects and more than one extra-curricular activity.
They are expected to be a positive role model for fellow students in all subjects and maintain excellent standards of academic progress and conduct at all times. They will be academically stretched by their teachers and will benefit from attendance at presentations with guest speakers and other organised events.
What needs to accompany an application for an All-rounder scholarship?
A school report demonstrating that the applicant is excelling in a number of fields.
How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?
All-rounder scholarship applicants will need to complete the assessment process for both the Academic scholarship and one of the areas for a Talent scholarship (either Drama, Music or Sport). Please see the specific details under the Academic and Talent scholarship sections for details on how each is assessed on the scholarship day.
Expectations of an All-rounder scholar
Successful scholars will contribute positively and significantly to the academic
Sports
Sports scholarships are offered to pupils who show exceptional ability and promise in a particular area, as well as the ability to inspire and act as a role model for others.
Applications are welcome from any of our major sports, however, other sports will be considered on an individual basis. It is recommended for application that pupils are performing at a high level in a team sport or on an individual level.
What needs to accompany an application for a Sports scholarship?
A portfolio of evidence of sporting achievements (this could include video evidence).
How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?
There will be a fitness/sports assessment with PE staff and an interview with the Director of Sport and Head of Junior School PE.
During this interview there will be a review of the submitted sporting portfolio. Applicants will need to bring suitable PE kit. Specific requirements will be communicated prior to the assessment.
Expectations of a Sports scholar
Represent the school and be ambassadors of the school’s sporting values.
Be approachable, providing support, leadership and inspiration to students at all levels in the school, thereby fostering a sense of community.
Have excellent attendance and punctuality to both PE lessons and games fixtures, demonstrating a responsible attitude to learning.
Be prepared and presentable at all times, ensuring you have PE kit and equipment for every lesson, club, or fixture.
Support the PE department in lessons by helping with equipment, demonstrating leadership in all activities, and by having a positive attitude towards every sport or activity.
What does it mean to be a Sports scholar?
Sports Scholars represent the sporting attributes, leadership qualities and core values that are integral to developing both as an individual and within our sporting community.
To help support and guide Sports Scholars on their journey they will:
Work closely with PE staff to help develop and pursue their sporting ambitions. Be invited to Senior School Sports Scholar events and workshops where it is deemed as appropriate to their development.
Be invited to Sibford Sport Development Academies where appropriate (Cricket, Swimming).
Receive support with signposting/working towards performance pathway routes.
Performing Arts
Becoming a Performing Arts scholar will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the arts and inspire you to participate in all the creative opportunities offered at Sibford School.
Music
Candidates applying for a Performing Arts scholarship with an interest in Music need to demonstrate that they are a Grade 2 /3 in their instrument of choice.
How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?
A short interview with the Head of Music which will centre around current commitment to music and the contribution that would be made to the Music department should an award be received.
All applicants will be asked to perform a chosen piece and complete an aural test with the Head of Music.
Drama
How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?
There will have two tasks to complete for a Drama scholarship:
Applicants will be expected to perform a prepared performance piece for the Head of drama – there is no theme or topic so be creative and use your imagination.
There will also be a short interview with the Head of Drama which will centre around current commitment to Drama and the contribution that would be made to the Drama department should an award be received.
Expectations of a Performing Arts scholar
To participate in all drama opportunities that are offered and to show a keen attitude toward the subject of Drama and have a willingness to go above and beyond when performing.
What does it mean to be a Performing Arts scholar?
Becoming a Performing Arts scholar will enable you to embrace the arts and to enhance your theatrical and musical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates may be awarded weekly LAMDA / instrumental lessons at school.