Hampton School Scholarship Booklet

OVERVIEW

Scholarships are awarded to boys on merit and recognise talent and potential in a particular field. Academic, Art, Chess, Music, Performing Arts and Sport

Scholarships are available to boys joining the First Year at 11+ and Third Year at 13+.

Choral Scholarships are also available to boys joining at 11+ and are awarded in conjunction with the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court.

For further information and application forms please visit the Admissions area of the School website www.hamptonschool.org.uk. The number and value of scholarship awards varies from year to year, but they typically involve a fee remission of between 5% and 15% of tuition fees. Honorary awards without accompanying fee remission may also be awarded. Scholarships are not means-tested and may be supplemented by a means-tested bursary award

ASSISTANCE WITH FEES

Life-changing bursaries are at the heart of the Hampton ethos and there are currently 96 boys in the School on completely free places and many more receive financial help with fees known as bursaries.

Bursaries are means-tested, or needs-based, and the amount of help provided depends on the family’s individual financial circumstances. Bursary awards range from a 10% to 100% reduction in the School fees. Free places include the cost of School fees, uniform and sports kit, coach travel, lunches, co-curricular activities (e.g. Music lessons) and trips.

Our dedicated charity, The Fitzwygram Foundation, was set up in March 2016, and works alongside the School to increase the number of free places offered to boys of families in genuine need. Bursaries are available to boys joining the School at 11+, 13+ and 16+ who are successful in our entrance assessments and who will benefit from a Hampton education including the wider, co-curricular life of the School.

Families wishing to explore financial support options are encouraged to contact the Admissions office as early as possible in the admissions process. They can be contacted by telephone, 020 8979 9273, or via email admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Academic Scholars have a passion for knowledge and profound intellectual curiosity. Given Hampton’s highly selective nature, the academic curriculum and extensive co-curricular programme are designed to stretch and challenge all our pupils, but scholars are expected to embrace these opportunities particularly well.

Potential Academic Scholars at 11+ are identified through the 11+ Entrance Examination and all candidates who sit the assessments are automatically considered. There is no separate application form and the number and value of awards varies from year to year.

Edmund Pigeon Scholarships, named after one of the School’s principal benefactors, are awarded annually to boys joining the First Year (Year 7) for academic excellence. A Robert Hammond Scholarship may also be awarded for academic excellence and is usually restricted to boys resident for the previous two years in Hampton, Hampton Hill or Hampton Wick.

For 13+ entry, Academic Scholarships are awarded through the Common Academic Scholarship Examination based on the Common Entrance syllabus. Candidates are recommended by their Prep School Head and are invited to sit written assessments in May prior to their September joining date. Application forms are available from the Admissions Office in the Autumn term.

Please note that Hampton School will not offer a candidate a scholarship if he has already accepted a scholarship for another school.

ART SCHOLARSHIPS

Art Scholarships recognise creativity, imagination and passion as well as artistic talent across a wide range of media. Hampton offers superb, purpose-built Art facilities, including spacious studios, a ceramics kiln, darkroom, printing presses and iMac suite.

A stunning gallery space regularly showcases pupils’ work and there are numerous opportunities to visit galleries, museums, art events and lectures. Art Scholars are required to play an active, enthusiastic part in the creative life of the School and are encouraged to enter local and national competitions to develop their artistic talents. Many Art Scholars continue their studies in art or design at university or art college. Successful Art Scholars should expect to study Art to GCSE and ideally beyond.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Successful candidates must demonstrate natural flair and a reasonable level of technical skill as well as a commitment and passion for art.

For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for an Art scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place. Candidates joining the School in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed for the Art Scholarship in the January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at Hampton.

PORTFOLIO OF WORK

Candidates are asked to upload a portfolio of recent work in a range of media which will be reviewed by the Head of Art.

The following are suggestions of what may be included in the candidate’s portfolio (only work completed in the last two years should be presented, sketch books may be included):

• No more than ten sheets of two-dimensional work in A1 or A2 format, including drawings and paintings from observation (still life, portraits, landscapes) as well as imaginative pieces

• Photographs of 3D work

• Examples of photography, textiles and printmaking

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Candidates will be shortlisted for assessment based on their portfolio of work, supporting references and Headteacher’s report. Assessments take place in the Art Department in January prior to the September of entry. Candidates will be asked to complete a short drawing and/or painting test and to present and discuss their portfolio of work with a member of the Department. Art materials are provided but candidates are also welcome to bring their own materials too if they wish.

CHESS SCHOLARSHIPS

Chess is hugely popular at Hampton and the School plays in the Surrey Schools league and the ECF British Schools Championship, winning a number of regional and national titles each year.

Chess Scholarships are available to talented chess players playing, or with the potential to play, at national level.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Candidates need to demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm and play to a standard in line with an ECF grading of around 1250 if applying for a Scholarship for entry at 11+ and a grading 1400 or higher for entry at 13+. For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for a Chess scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place. Candidates joining the School in the Third Year (Year 9) will already have accepted their place at Hampton as assessments are held in the January of Year 8.

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Assessments take place at the School in January prior to the September of entry and include game play and an informal chat with the Head of Chess. Supporting references from the candidate’s Headteacher and other appropriate professionals are required.

CHORAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Choral Scholarships are available to boys joining the First Year at 11+ and are awarded in conjunction with The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace.

Choral Scholars are therefore required to be, or to become, choristers of the Chapel Royal. They are also expected to take a leading part in the School Chamber Choir and play a full and enthusiastic part in the musical life of the School throughout their time at Hampton. This can include playing in an orchestra, ensemble or band if their instrumental ability is of a sufficiently high standard.

Hampton Court Chapel Royal choristers rehearse twice a week, and sing at the two choral services held on Sundays and other Holy Days. Further details and information on the regulations for choristers at the Chapel Royal are available on the School website.

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Auditions for Choral Scholarships take place at the Chapel Royal. Candidates are asked to perform a song or hymn of their own choice and to sight-read music of an appropriate standard. The audition will also include aural tests and questions on general music topics. Instrumentalists will also have the opportunity to play a piece of their choice should they wish to do so.

Please note that only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for a Choral scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place. Supporting references are required and should include a Headteacher’s report and letters of support from appropriate representative bodies and professionals.

When a Choral Scholar’s voice changes, his obligation to the Chapel Royal ceases, however, he is expected to remain in the School Chamber Choir, or to return to it when he can, and to contribute in other ways to the musical life of the School.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Hampton has a longstanding tradition of musical excellence and the vibrancy and diversity of our music programme is remarkable. Our Music Scholars are passionate about making music and they are expected to play a leading role in the musical life of the School throughout their time at Hampton.

Facilities are excellent with plenty of space for teaching, practice and rehearsal. Resources include a keyboard laboratory, classrooms equipped with iMacs, two percussion studios and a rock band rehearsal room.

The Hammond Theatre is a magnificent facility and ranks among the very best school performance venues in the country. Fully equipped with the latest sound technology, an orchestra pit and Steinway Concert Grand Piano. The Hammond provides an outstanding, professional-standard platform for our Music Scholars to showcase their talent.

Academic music is also particularly strong at Hampton. The School achieves outstanding results at GCSE and Pre-U levels and has a notable track record of Choral and Organ Scholarships to Oxbridge colleges.

STANDARD AT 11+

Candidates are expected to offer at least two instruments (which may include voice), one of which should be at least Grade IV standard. Please note that only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for a Music scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

STANDARD AT 13+

Candidates are expected to offer at least two instruments (which may include voice), one of which should be at least Grade VI standard. Candidates are assessed in the January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at Hampton.

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The Pre-audition video (optional)

Candidates are invited to submit a video in support of their application demonstrating their musical ability and enthusiasm should they wish. The video should be no longer than two to three minutes in duration and show the applicant performing a piece of music of their choice which best demonstrates their current level on their MAIN instrument or voice.

Supporting references

Supporting references from the candidate’s Headteacher and Head of Music (where appropriate) and other professionals are required.

The Audition

Candidates are invited for audition based on their application form, supporting references and pre-audition video (if submitted). Candidates will be asked to play two contrasting pieces, of their choice, on their first instrument. A skilled and sympathetic accompanist will be in attendance, but candidates are welcome to bring their own accompanist if preferred. There is no written paper but the audition will include sight-reading (on the principal instrument), aural tests and questions about general music topics.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

Drama is an important and exceptionally vibrant part of Hampton life. Our superb Performing Arts centre, The Hammond Theatre, gives Performing Arts Scholars the opportunity to fulfil their potential in all aspects of theatre.

Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year at 11+ and the Third Year at 13+. The arts are an important and exceptionally vibrant part of Hampton life. Our superb Performing Arts centre, The Hammond Theatre, gives Performing Arts Scholars the opportunity to fulfil their potential in all aspects of theatre. Scholarships are awarded to candidates demonstrating significant ability and potential in Drama and/or Musical Theatre, and a strong commitment to working as part of the performing arts team throughout their time at the School. Performing Arts Scholars are expected to immerse themselves fully in the life of the Drama Department by auditioning for School productions and playing an active part on stage or behind the scenes. For Musical Theatre candidates, we would expect candidates to demonstrate significant ability and potential either as a singer or dancer, alongside accomplished acting ability.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Applicants should have experience of performing on stage and be able to show a sustained interest in the performing arts and theatre. Candidates may have attended a performing arts school such as Stagecoach and/or taken LAMDA exams, but this is not a requirement. For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for a Performing Arts scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place. Candidates joining the School in the Third Year (Year 9) will already have accepted their place at Hampton as assessments are held in the January of Year 8.

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Auditions take place at the School in January prior to the September of entry. Candidates invited for assessment will be asked to prepare and perform a short monologue from a published play, or prepare and perform a short piece from a published musical (for Musical Theatre candidates), and perform an unseen audition piece (ten minutes preparation time is allowed immediately prior to the unseen audition piece assessment).

The assessment will also include a short interview with the Director of Drama. Supporting references from the candidate’s Headteacher and Head of Drama (where appropriate) and other representative bodies and professionals are required. Please supply telephone contact numbers where applicable.

SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS

Hampton is unusual – probably unique – among the UK’s top academic schools in concurrently being one of the country’s best sporting schools. Many Hamptonians achieve regional and national representative honours in their chosen sport(s).

Sport Scholarships are awarded at 11+ and 13+ to exceptionally talented and committed sportsmen who have demonstrated ability and potential in one or more of the School’s main sports (Association Football, Athletics, Cricket, Rowing (13+ only), Rugby Union, Tennis) or who are very strong ‘all-rounders’.

Sport Scholars benefit from:

• Use of outstanding sports facilities, including gym and all-weather pitch

• Strength and conditioning training

• First-class specialist coaching from experts in the field

• Expectation to serve as a role model to peers

• Opportunity to attend workshops, matches and international tours

• Psychological and physical endurance training

• A personalised health and well-being programme

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Hampton is nationally renowned for having exceptionally high sporting standards, meaning that scholarship candidates will need to demonstrate they are playing (or have the potential to compete) at county, national or international level. Candidates must be an outstanding ‘A’ team player or equivalent in their current school setting and/or an excellent club level performer.

Candidates who are awarded a Sport Scholarship are expected to contribute fully to the sporting life of the School across all three terms of the academic year throughout their time at Hampton. Retention of the award is dependent on excellent effort and performance, exemplary conduct and sportsmanship during training and matches, and a positive contribution to team spirit. Scholarship holders are expected to lead by example and high levels of motivation and commitment to training, teamwork and competition are required.

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in the written entrance examination papers, their achievements to date in their chosen sport(s) and references provided in support of their application (including the Headteacher’s report and letters of support from representative bodies and appropriate sporting professionals). Please note, an invitation to join the Sport Scholarship assessment process does not guarantee the offer of a place at the School. Hampton does not award Scholarships to boys who will find the academic pace of the School too demanding.

Stage 1: The first stage of assessment takes place on a weekday morning, during which boys are assessed in their two chosen sports. These include practical tests such as drills and games led by our specialist coaches. Candidates are asked to wear appropriate sports kit.

Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates are invited back for Stage 2 of the assessment process later in January. This stage focuses on athletic testing including endurance, power agility and coordination. Candidates also meet individually with a member of the Sports department for an informal interview and discussion (no preparation is required).

SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE SIXTH FORM

Co-curricular Scholarships are awarded to boys joining the Sixth Form based on performance in the formal entrance assessments and at audition or practical assessment and on evidence of outstanding previous performance where appropriate.

The value of these awards varies from year to year, and honorary awards without accompanying fee remission may also be awarded.

For further information about Sixth Form Scholarships please contact the Admissions Office on 020 8979 9273 or email admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk.

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members. Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential. They must contribute positively Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils. Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.