HOLME GRANGE: Year 7 Scholarships
Greatness is not found in what you have already achieved, but in the courage to push beyond your limits and reach for what is yet possible.
FROM EXCELLENCE TO EXTRAORDINARY: FUEL YOUR AMBITION WITH OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME AT HOLME GRANGE
At Holme Grange School, we are proud to offer scholarships to exceptional pupils who demonstrate outstanding talent and commitment in their chosen fields. Scholarships are awarded on merit to the highest achievers following a rigorous selection process. Our scholarship programme recognises and nurtures excellence in Academics, Sport, Music, Drama and Art with the goal of recognising and nurturing each scholar’s potential.
WHAT WE OFFER
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Our environment enables scholars to excel and contribute significantly to the school community. All scholars benefit from a programme designed to challenge and support them, ensuring that their talents are nurtured while maintaining balance in their academic and personal development.
Academic scholarships are awarded to candidates who achieve the highest scores in our rigorous assessment. In addition to excellent results, applicants must demonstrate a passion for learning, a breadth of knowledge, and a positive attitude toward academic growth.
Being a scholar enables me to aspire to excel in all areas of school life. Leila, All-Round Scholar
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability. The selection process is highly competitive, and candidates must perform exceptionally in both assessments and interviews. Applicants may apply for up to two awards, but may only hold one scholarship at any one time, allowing them to specialise and focus on their strongest area of talent. Scholars are expected to make a major contribution to school life, maintaining high standards of achievement while managing their time effectively to ensure success across all areas.
ART, DRAMA, MUSIC and SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS For applicants in these fields, we seek individuals who not only demonstrate exceptional talent in their area but also balance their academic achievement with their specialist pursuits. Successful applicants will show how they have managed the demands of academic work alongside their talent. Leadership skills and the ability to contribute to the wider school community will also be considered favourably.
ONGOING REVIEW AND COMMITMENT Scholarships are reviewed annually. Scholars are expected to reflect on their progress and contribution to their area of specialism ahead of an annual review meeting with the Head of Department. The outcome will be communicated to the Headteacher, who will determine whether the scholarship is to be continued for the following year.
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT TIMELINE
APPLICATION PROCESS Shortly after 10th October, the Registrar will write to all registered families with details of the Admissions Morning and information on how to apply for a scholarship. Applications must be made using an electronic form, which will only be available after this date.
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a Scholarship Morning, which will include an interview with Mrs Pippa Adams, Headteacher, Mr Keith Armstrong, Head of Senior School, and the Scholar Lead for their chosen area of specialism. In addition, applicants will complete a specific task or assessment relevant to the scholarship applied for. Further details of these are provided in this booklet.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS COURAGE TO QUESTION, POWER TO ACHIEVE AT HOLME GRANGE APPLICANT GUIDANCE An academic scholar will be expected to contribute to the intellectual and academic life of the school by being fully engaged in opportunities and activities. We expect scholars to perform at the highest academic levels in their subjects and to be role models for others. They should exhibit the core values of self-discipline and a love for learning, focusing on broadening their knowledge and skills essential for success in academia. Their leadership skills are nurtured as we equip them to meet the challenges of the 21st-century learner. Academic Scholars will be supported and guided by the Head of Academic Scholars and are expected to work with a high degree of independence. They will meet regularly to discuss opportunities, collaborate on projects, and plan for events and competitions. The Head of Academic Scholars will organise enrichment events and trips throughout the year.
Elevate Excellence at Holme Grange
THE ASSESSMENT On the Admissions Morning, applicants sit a one-hour computer based assessment in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics. They will complete an English reading and writing task and attend an interview with the Headteacher and Head of Senior School, where they are asked to bring an object of interest and a piece of work they are particularly proud of. GCSE RESULTS 2025
THE ACADEMIC SCHOLARS’ EXPERIENCE: EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS Opportunities to: • Represent the school in academic competitions, both internal and external, local and national • Be mentored and coached by the Head of Academic Scholars • Gain a national award (CREST Award) • Attend academic scholar trips and excursions • Attend external conferences and seminars • Visit universities • Participate in the University of Surrey’s TeenTech event • Engage in STEAM workshops • Represent the school at Oxford University’s Innovation Showcase event • Hear inspirational visiting speakers • Lead Scholars’ assemblies • Participate in collaborative events and activities • Undertake leadership roles, for example actively participating in the School Learning Council as part of the School Parliament
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
100% pass.
94% of Physics pupils, 94% of Chemistry pupils, and 83% of Biology pupils were awarded the
highest grades 9-7
ART SCHOLARSHIPS TRANSFORM YOUR TALENT, CREATE WITHOUT LIMIT AND ELEVATE YOUR EXPRESSION AT HOLME GRANGE APPLICANT GUIDANCE To be considered for an Art Scholarship, applicants must: • • • •
Demonstrate a passion for drawing, fine art, sculpture or design Have produced, independently, a variety of artwork at a high level in relation to their age Enjoy producing art outside school, whether in art classes or at home Have an enthusiasm for the wider world of art, including visits to galleries and exhibitions
Art Scholars are likely to have a growing portfolio of work.
THE ASSESSMENT Applicants must bring a portfolio including a minimum of three pieces completed independently over the last 18 months. One piece should be inspired by an artist’s creation. Applicants will sit a 45-minute practical and complete a 15-minute imaginative task, for which no preparation is necessary.
THE ART SCHOLAR’S EXPERIENCE: EMPOWERING YOUR FUTURE
As an Art Scholar you get more leadership opportunities. Ellora Art Scholar
They will also be expected to discuss their work and passion for art with the Head of Art and Design. Applicants will attend an interview with the Headteacher and Head of Senior School, where they are asked to bring their portfolio.
You get to share things that you love doing with other people. Connie, Art Scholar
An impressive
39% of pupils
awarded the highest grades 9 -7 in 2025
Opportunities to: • Engage with numerous art and design opportunities • Represent the department in competitions, both internal and external, including national competitions • Attend fortnightly meetings • Be exposed to the work of inspiring artists, designers, and craft practitioners to fuel their own passion • Attend exclusive, specialised workshops • Be mentored and guided by the Art Department • Be coached to develop skills further and exploit the potential of media and techniques to cultivate mastery in visual art • Attend artist-led workshops, visits to exhibitions, and participate in art trips and excursions • Be given priority for certain extracurricular art activities • Gain a national award (Arts Award) from Year 7
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
THE ASSESSMENT
PERFORM WITH PURPOSE, SHINE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES AT HOLME GRANGE
Applicants must be prepared to perform, from memory, two contrasting monologues. Each piece must last no longer than two minutes.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE To be considered for a Drama Scholarship applicants must: • • • • •
Gives me the opportunity to perform for myself and my audience. Kaitlyn Drama Scholar
Demonstrate a passion for Drama and Theatre Have performed in significant roles in a range of productions Have taken part in wider performance opportunities such as poetry recitals Show an interest in Drama outside of school such as theatre and cinema visits Have an enthusiasm for the wider world of Drama and Theatre
Drama Scholars are likely to have a portfolio of productions and speech and drama exams.
Applicants will be interviewed by the Heads of Drama for Senior School and Prep School about their involvement in Drama and Performing Arts, both in and out of school. The interview will include questions on their interest in theatre in general and any productions the candidate may have seen. Applicants should bring a portfolio of work they have been involved in. This can include LAMDA/Trinity College certificates (or similar), as well as details of productions they have seen. If they attend any drama clubs or lessons outside school, they may wish to bring a reference from their teacher; however, this is not compulsory. Applicants will also attend an interview with the Headteacher and Head of Senior School, where they are asked to bring their portfolio.
100%
of Trinity Speech and Drama exam entries awarded
Distinction
THE DRAMA SCHOLAR’S EXPERIENCE: A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY AWAITS Opportunities to: • Involved in all aspects of school productions, developing their performance skills as well as exploring technical roles including lighting, sound and direction. • Engage with numerous performance opportunities • Represent the department in competitions, both internal and external, including national competitions • Attend bi-weekly meetings • Attend specialised workshops and theatre trips • Benefit from mentorship and guidance from the Head of Drama • Be coached to develop skills in areas such as acting, directing and production
33% of pupils in Art and Design were awarded grades 9 - 7 in 2025, with 22% achieving the top grade 9.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS BOLDLY COMPOSE YOUR FUTURE AT HOLME GRANGE APPLICANT GUIDANCE To be considered for a Music Scholarship, applicants must: • • • • • • •
Demonstrate a passion for music Have achieved a minimum of Grade 3 on one instrument (applicants are likely to have a second instrument) Have performed in a range of concerts Have taken part in wider performance opportunities, either inside or outside school, such as ensembles Show an interest in music outside school, such as concert and gig visits Have an enthusiasm for the wider world of music Demonstrate their commitment to regular practice Music Scholars are likely to have a portfolio of performances and may show an interest in composition.
2024/25
100% pass in music exams across the school
90 Music Exams
21 Distinctions 41 Merits
THE ASSESSMENT Applicants are invited to audition are required to perform two contrasting pieces if presenting one instrument. If presenting two instruments, they must perform a piece on each. They are also encouraged to sing a short piece, unless voice is already one of their instruments. The audition, conducted by the Director of Music and Head of Prep Music, will include a sight-reading and aural test appropriate to their grade. Applicants will also be asked to perform one or two scales. Applicants will attend an interview with the Headteacher and Head of Senior School, where they are asked to bring their portfolio.
Achieving ambitions everyday. Phoebe, Music Scholar
MUSIC BTEC Level 2 a most impressive
86% of pupils awarded the highest grade
Distinction Star
It gives me the opportunity to share my passion with others. Tom, Music Scholar
THE MUSIC SCHOLAR’S EXPERIENCE: MUSICAL MASTERY Opportunities to: • Be an ambassador for the subject • Attend extensive performance opportunities • Spearhead or lead musical initiatives • Attend the annual scholars’ music trip to experience a broader range of musical genres • Engage in residential music trips with opportunities to perform • Attend weekly meetings with the Director of Music • Be a member of the choir, orchestra, and ensembles according to their proficiency • Perform in soloist concerts and school events • Participate in informal lunchtime music concerts • Access music rehearsal space during breaks and lunchtime Over 5340 instrumental or singing lessons taught in 2024/25
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS AIM FOR GLORY, PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS AT HOLME GRANGE
THE ASSESSMENT
Across both boys and girls, we play an incredible 20 different sports competitively
APPLICANT GUIDANCE To be considered for a Sports Scholarship applicants must: • • • • • •
Demonstrate a passion for sport. Represent a club Be competing at regional or national level in at least one sport Have taken part in wider sporting opportunities either inside or outside school Show an interest in sport outside of school such as visits to sporting events Demonstrate their commitment to regular training
Sport scholars are likely to have a portfolio of achievement.
Striving for excellence and taking all the opportunities given to me. Olivia, Sports Scholar
Applicants will be invited to the school for assessment and observation. They will be interviewed by the Directors of Boys’ or Girls’ Sport. The assessment will include tests of stamina, speed, flexibility, agility, strength, and coordination. Applicants will also attend an interview with the Headteacher and Head of Senior School, where they are asked to bring their portfolio of acheivements. Applicants will be assessed in our core sports: • Girls: hockey, netball, football, cricket • Boys: football, rugby, hockey, cricket We also welcome applications from those who demonstrate exceptional ability in specialist sports, for example gymnastics, swimming, or athletics. 100% pass in PE GCSE with
29% of students
awarded the highest grades 9-7
THE SPORTS SCHOLAR’S EXPERIENCE: VICTORY AWAITS Opportunities to: • Receive 1:1 coaching and mentoring from a designated mentor • Share ideas and collaborate as a team through an online hub • Receive visits from professionals in the sports industry • Spend dedicated time in the fitness gym to improve and progress physically • Undertake sports leadership training and opportunities • Attend half termly meetings • Receive guidance on sports-specific courses to improve overall knowledge and skills 1183 fixtures
79% won with 824 victories!
T: 0118 978 1566 E: registrar@holmegrange.org