SCHOLARSHIPS 2026
SCHOLARSHIP PATHWAY PROGRAMME
Bromsgrove’s Scholarship Pathway Programme for pupils in Year 6 to Year 11 (Fifth Form) and prepares high achieving pupils for Scholarship awards in the Sixth Form.
Pupils in any year group from Year 6 to Fifth Form (Year 11) may apply to participate in the Scholarship Pathway Programme. No fee remission is attached as we believe its integrity lies in its honorary capacity and its value is in the opportunities afforded through the programme.
Our Scholarship Pathway Pupils take great pride in their status. They are active members of School life, engaging with peers and teachers, participating in teams and ensembles, and motivating those around them. They act as role models: inspiring others with the love that they have already developed of their chosen discipline.
What we are looking for in the pupils on the Scholarship Pathway Programme is an interest, a talent and a love of learning in whatever discipline that they are excited by, whether that be Music, Art or Design Technology, Drama, Sport, or Academic subjects. We are not
just looking for the brightest talents, but for those who have a spark and great curiosity.
To be considered for the Scholarship Pathway Programme, pupils should be able to offer evidence of their abilities in each chosen Pathway Programme; external applicants also need to meet our academic entry criteria. We are very happy that pupils apply for more than one Scholarship Pathway Programme. To be awarded a place on the Scholarship Pathway Programme there are certain expectations of ability. Not every applicant will be awarded a place: it is competitive.
For those accepted onto the Scholarship Pathway Programme we offer dedicated programmes of opportunity and support to help them make the most of their talents. During their time on the programme, those on the Pathway Programme will build up a portfolio of evidence to support their Scholarship application in the Sixth Form.
ACADEMIC
Under the guidance of our Master of Scholars and those in the scholarship team in each of our Schools, we offer opportunities for pupils to be active participants in the intellectual life of the School.
There will be a wide range of suggested competitions, iPQs, HPQs, LAMDA and MOOCS, speakers, reading suggestions, and academic challenges offered throughout the year allowing each Scholarship Pathway pupil the opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity. There will be regular scholars’ sessions in addition to Marmite and other extension activities already on offer.
Assessment tasks will vary depending on the
age of the pupil, but could include a computerbased multiple-choice test, a group-based task, problem-solving games and pop-up presentations.
Once pupils enter the Senior School, there is a dedicated Scholarship classroom, where pupils on the Pathway Programme or Sixth Form Scholarship holders can access resources, advice or find space to prepare for any competitions or projects they are undertaking.
ART AND DESIGN
The Art and Design Scholarship Pathway Programme offers talented artists and designers, an environment where they can develop and exhibit their creative skills.
Under the guidance of our Heads of Art and Design and Technology, those on the Art or Design Scholarship Pathway programme will be expected to play a full part in the creative life of the School and to be able to articulate and demonstrate a passion for Art and Design. Pupils will be given opportunities to attend workshops, visit exhibitions and participate in Masterclasses. Pupils who join the Pathway are likely to go on to study Art, Textiles, Photography or Design Technology at GCSE.
For the assessment, pupils are asked to bring examples of their own work that they are particularly proud of. This can be in any medium and take any form. Pupils may be asked to analyse their own work during an interview with the Heads of Art and Design Technology. There will also be a practical task in their chosen media.
SPORTS
Under the guidance of our Directors of Sport and Heads of Boys’ and Girls’ games, those on the Sport Scholarship Pathway Programme are offered support through sports analysis, a physiotherapist, a Strength and Conditioning coach, nutritional and lifestyle advice as well as specialist coaching from our Directors of Sport and external professional coaches.
As one of the top performing Sports schools in the country – currently ranked at number 5 out of all UK schools over 26 sports – we offer a testing fixture list in all sports plus national and international tours. We have proven success and experience, regularly competing for National titles as well as producing professional sports people across multiple sports and have links to surrounding county and academy programmes. We take a holistic approach balancing both the academic and sporting needs of each child on the programme. The principal sports at School are hockey, rugby, netball and cricket, but applications from other sports such as swimming, athletics, crosscountry and tennis are also welcome. Pupils are expected to demonstrate a talent in a sport, with aspirations of achieving county level and
beyond; external applicants are also expected to meet our academic standard of entry.
At assessment, pupils will be expected to demonstrate a range of skills and abilities through a series of general tests, as well as having to show their strengths in a particular sport.
Places on the Sports Scholarship Pathway programme are awarded to those who demonstrate suitable athletic ability, potential, determination and enthusiasm. We expect those on the Pathway programme to commit to School sport during all three terms, to respond well to guidance, to lead by example as a sporting ambassador of the School and be a positive role model.
DRAMA
Under the guidance of our Heads of Drama, we offer opportunities for talented performers to play an active role in Drama, performing in School productions and events, choreographing and directing House Drama and taking on backstage technician roles.
Our aspiration is that pupils on the Scholarship Pathway Programme will grow in confidence and develop their skills not only through additional acting and performance opportunities, outside of our main productions and House Drama, but also through taking key mentoring roles within the department, in addition to participating in debating and public speaking.
At audition, candidates will be expected to perform a pre-prepared two minute piece and perform a brief, unseen passage. They will undertake a short panel interview with the Heads of Drama from the Bromsgrove Family.
MUSIC
Pupils on the Music Scholarship Pathway are those pupils who are likely to become leading contributors to Bromsgrove music. Under the guidance of our Director of Music, opportunities to hone talents as individual performers, work together in ensemble or mentor others will be provided.
We have a vibrant Music Department and there are opportunities to perform in all styles and at all levels: Choral and Orchestral Concerts, Open Mic nights, Jazz and Rock Gigs, Lunchtime Concerts and Evening Recitals all feature regularly as well as a large number of sung Chapel services in school and further afield.
Singers, organists and instrumentalists may apply to join the Music Scholarship Pathway Programme. At 11+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 4 standard and at 13+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 5 standard in a principal instrument is expected. It would also be beneficial to offer a second instrument or voice at audition.
At Audition, candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument or voice and perform one piece on any additional instruments, or voice. An aural test, sight reading and scales relating to the pupil’s most recent grade may also be asked
for. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their musical aspirations and experiences in a discussion which will include general musical knowledge, music theory and the candidate’s interests. Those who are accepted onto the Music Scholarship Pathway may be offered, at the discretion of the Director of Music in the Senior School and the Head of Prep School music, one music lesson a week by our music teachers in a specific instrument.
We expect those accepted onto the Scholarship Pathways Programme to contribute fully to the musical life of the School, perform regularly as a soloist and act as an ambassador for the department. Many of our musicians reach very high levels of musical performance whilst at school, and several have gone on to read Music at, or gained Music, Choral or Organ Scholarships at Conservatoires and Universities across the world. Some have since become professional performers.
SCHOLARSHIP PATHWAY PROGRAMME
To be considered for the Scholarship Pathways Programme, applicants will need to meet our academic entry criteria and to offer additional evidence of their abilities in each chosen Pathways Programme.
In order to be awarded a place on the Scholarship Pathway Programme there are certain expectations of ability. Not every applicant will be awarded a place; it is competitive. Please see below for some guidance about what might be expected when it comes to the assessments for a place on the Scholarship Pathway Programme for a particular discipline.
Academic
We would usually expect those on our Scholarship Pathway Programme to have a CAT 4 average of 125 and above. In cases where this is not the case, then we would expect to see a significant strength in a particular area.
Music
We would expect our youngest musicians to be demonstrating a particular flair in music. For those a little older we would expect:
• At 11+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 4 standard in a principal instrument. It may be in the candidate’s interest to offer a second instrument or voice at audition
• At 13+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 5 in a principal instrument or voice and the ability to offer a second instrument or voice
At audition, candidates will be expected to:
• Perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument or voice
• Perform one piece on any additional instruments, or voice
• Take an aural test; sight reading and scales relating to the candidate’s most recent grade may be asked for
• Demonstrate their musical aspirations and experiences in a discussion which will include general musical knowledge, music theory and the candidate’s interests.
Drama
Applicants for Drama would be expected to have a proven track record of a flair for the performing arts, whether in School or externally.
At audition, candidates will be expected to:
Perform a pre-prepared 2 minute piece
• Perform a brief, unseen passage
• Undertake a short panel interview with the Heads of Drama from both the Preparatory and Senior Schools
Art and Design
Applicants are asked to bring examples of their art work, in any medium, with them to the examination. These pieces should demonstrate a high level of competence in at least one discipline. They should be pieces that the candidate is proud of and candidates must be prepared to analyse their own work during interview with the Heads of Art and Design Technology. Candidates will also take part in a practical task in their chosen media.
Sport
The principal sports at School are hockey (boys and girls), rugby, netball and cricket but applications from other sports such as swimming, athletics, cross-country and tennis are also welcome. Pupils are expected to demonstrate a talent in a sport, with aspirations of achieving county level and beyond. All candidates are expected to meet our academic standard of entry.
At assessment, pupils will be expected to demonstrate a range of skills and abilities through a series of general tests, as well as having to show their strengths in a particular sport and undertaking an interview with one of the Directors of Sport and either the Head of Girls’ or Boys’ Games.
For children at schools outside the Bromsgrove family considering the Scholarship Pathway Programme, once they have taken their entrance examinations, and we have offered a place, we will invite for assessment or offer places on the Academic Scholarship Pathway Programme for when they start at the School.
SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS
We offer Scholarships at Sixth Form in Academic, Sport, Music, Drama and Art and Design. Pupils can be assessed during Fifth Form (Year 11) or at the start of the new academic year once they have joined the School.
Sixth Form Scholarships are highly regarded and extremely competitive. We look for individuals who have exceptional ability or potential in their chosen field, and support and encourage them to look beyond the curriculum and take their talents further than they may believe possible. Scholars are expected to act as role models in their fields of interest.
Assessment for Sixth Form Scholarships may take place during the Fifth Form or on entry to the Sixth Form.
Academic Scholarship Assessment
If GCSEs have been taken, it is expected that scholarship applicants will be achieving (or have been predicted) grades 8 or 9 across all subjects.
For those pupils who will be new to the School in the Sixth Form, Scholarship applications are encouraged from those pupils identified during the admissions process as being talented and who show great promise in a particular area of school life.
All candidates will complete a Skills Assessment and attend an interview with both the Master of Scholars and the Headmaster.
Internal candidates should bring the portfolio of evidence accumulated during the Scholarship Pathway Programme or similar to the interview. External candidates entering the Sixth Form, are not expected to have the internal portfolio, but are encouraged to present evidence of achievements beyond the classroom.
Music Scholarship Audition and Interview
In the Sixth Form a minimum of Associated Board Grade 7 in a principal instrument is expected and at least Grade 5 in a second instrument or voice.
Auditions
The Music Department will contact applicants concerning the timing of the examination approximately one week in advance. An accompanist will be provided; candidates must send their piano accompaniments to the Music School Administrator before the audition day.
At audition, candidates will be expected to:
• Perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument or voice
• Perform one piece on any additional instruments, or voice
• Take an aural test; sight reading and scales relating to the candidate’s most recent grade may be asked for
• Demonstrate their musical aspirations and experiences in a discussion which will
Drama Scholarship Audition and Interview
At audition, candidates will be expected to:
• Perform a pre-prepared 2 minute piece
• Perform a brief unseen passage
• Undertake a panel interview with the Heads of Drama to include the presentation of the scholarship pathway portfolio, if an internal candidate or similar evidence of involvement in the performing arts
Art and Design Scholarship Assessment
The scholarship assessment takes the form of a practical test, a piece of written work and an interview with the Head of Art. Candidates are required to bring a maximum of two pieces of art and/or textiles work with them to the examination.
Pupils are expected to demonstrate a high level of competence in art and design, as well as the ability to articulate their thoughts on
both their own work and that of practising artists. Evidence of independently initiated projects, as well as teacher directed work is also highly desirable.
It is expected that students who are offered an Art and Design Scholarship will study Art or Design Technology as part of their Sixth Form.
Sport Scholarship Assessment
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a very high-level performance in at least one sport, preferably to regional level. Students will be expected to demonstrate a range of skills and abilities through a number of general tests, as well as having to show their strengths in particular sports. There will be a panel interview with the Directors of Sport and the Heads of Boys’ and Girls’ games where internal candidates should bring their sports scholarship pathway portfolio with them.
Sports Scholarships are offered in the traditional School sports of Ruby, Hockey, Netball and Athletics but candidates will also be considered for other Sports. Students will be expected to demonstrate a range of skills and abilities through a number of general tests, as well as having to show their strengths in particular sports. If not practically possible then video evidence or coach testimonials will be considered.
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Bromsgrove maintains a number of places for Foundation Scholars at 13+.
These awards only operate in respect of day places for those entering the Senior School and preference is given to candidates from Bromsgrove town and the surrounding area. Foundation Scholarships are awarded to very able pupils in need of financial assistance. The maximum award is 50% of the day fee
(means-tested), which may be augmented by a further means-tested bursary. Candidates wishing to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship should apply in writing to Miss Rachel Scannell, Assistant Head, at the Senior School. We award one or two Foundation Scholarships a year.
OLD BROMSGROVIANS
An Old Bromsgrovian means-tested bursary is on offer to children or grandchildren of an Old Bromsgrovian.
Candidates wishing to be considered for an Old Bromsgrovian Bursary should apply in writing to Miss Rachel Scannell, Assistant Head, at the Senior School, at rscannell@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
BURSARY INFORMATION
For decades Bromsgrove has been committed to helping those pupils who would benefit from a Bromsgrove education but whose parents or guardians cannot afford full fees.
Bursaries are means-tested and offer assistance with fees. These awards are reviewed on an annual basis. It is possible to apply for both a Bursary and Scholarship at the same time.
Candidates wishing to be considered for an Old Bromsgrovian Award should apply in writing to Miss Rachel Scannell, Assistant Head, at the Senior School, at rscannell@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
