Exonian Scholarships 2027
A School of Great Character
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Welcome
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An all-round, excellent education is at the heart of what we offer, and every day we are inspired by the achievements of our Exonians, both in and beyond the classroom. At Exeter School, our pupils relish stimulating lessons taught by outstanding staff, and thrive on the wealth of experiences on offer outside the academic timetable. Our extensive co-curricular programme, open to all pupils and not just scholars, nurtures character through the arts, sport, outdoor pursuits, moral and spiritual exploration, and service to the wider community. Music holds a particularly special place in our community. Since September 2026, we have also been proud to welcome the Exeter Cathedral Chorister Programme into the Exeter School family, building on centuries of choral tradition in partnership with Exeter Cathedral. Choristers join a school where musical excellence sits alongside a broad and ambitious education, and where every pupil, chorister or not, has access to a vibrant musical life of orchestras, ensembles, choirs and performance opportunities.
While proudly academic, Exeter School does not offer academic scholarships. Instead, we recognise exceptional attainment through Academic Entrance Awards and Academic Entrance Commendations. These are presented as gift vouchers to top performers in the Year 7 and Year 9 entrance assessments, and to external candidates who achieve outstanding GCSE results for entry into the Sixth Form. Our scholarship programme spans art, drama, music, and sport, and develops across three stages: the Excellence Pathway in Year 7, Scholarship Development in Year 9, and Scholarship Awards in Year 12. At each stage, every strand offers tailored support, stretch, and enrichment for pupils with particular talent in these fields. For those with gifts, whether creative, athletic, or intellectual, Exeter School provides the opportunity for pupils to challenge themselves, build confidence, and prepare for life beyond school. We look forward to welcoming you to discover more.
Dr Adrian Rainbow Head head@exeterschool.org.uk 01392 307080
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About our Scholarships
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We offer a range of scholarship opportunities to pupils who are talented in their chosen discipline. Scholarship applications are open to pupils entering Year 7, Year 9 and Lower Sixth who show excellence in art, drama, music, and sport. Scholarships are open to pupils from any school, including Exeter Junior School and Exeter School and do not have an accompanying fee concession but are an honorary award with the scholar being recognised for their achievements. Parents can apply to have a scholarship supported by a bursary, subject to a means test. Bursaries take the form of a fee reduction (up to 100% in exceptional circumstances) to a level dependent on the parents’ financial situation. Applicants for scholarships will be assessed against the criteria below at interview by the relevant head of department and a member of the senior leadership team. References may be required, and pupils should expect to reapply at each level. All pathways are available in art, drama, music and sport with limited places available.
Excellence pathway (Year 7) Applicants should demonstrate: • The potential for excellence and genuine skill • Enthusiasm and interest in their chosen area • A willingness to work in a team • A positive attitude to hard work and commitment • An understanding of how their skill could benefit others • A willingness to represent the school in pupil events and at open evenings/days • A willingness to lead others with kindness and consideration • An honest approach
Scholarship development (Year 9) Applicants should demonstrate: • Signs of excellence that are significantly above the average for the school • An authentic interest and enthusiasm in their chosen area •E vidence of good collaboration with others • Evidence of diligence and commitment over a period • A good understanding of the positive impact of their chosen area on the community • A willingness to represent the school at multiple events of varying natures
• An example of good leadership • A commitment to integrity
Scholarship awards (Lower Sixth) Applicants should demonstrate: • Consistent levels of excellence in their chosen area, significantly above the school average • A genuine passion and enthusiasm that goes beyond GCSE curriculum knowledge • Evidence of consistently excellent collaboration with others • Commitment and reliability even in the face of adversity • A commitment to serving the pupils of the school and wider community through mentoring, coaching, partnership events etc • A willingness to represent the school at events and to lead younger scholars • Evidence of strong leadership and the ability to make difficult decisions (assessed via tasks at interview) • A real commitment to leading with integrity
What we offer The scholarship programme at Exeter School is a prestigious one, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence. Consequently, our scholars are offered a range of excellent benefits:
• Seminars, workshops and trips • Leadership opportunities • Celebration in school assemblies • Opportunities for involvement in charity and partnerships work • Collaboration time with other scholars • Annual reports to parents • A development programme with targets and measurable goals • Academic rigour alongside a rich and varied co-curricular programme • An annual scholars’ celebration evening with parents and staff
What we expect Scholars are expected to serve as role models for their peers and are held to the highest of expectations. Relevant staff meet termly to review feedback on the progress of scholars, ensuring the right pupils are in receipt of scholarships. Scholarships are reliant on good character alongside excellent skill and knowledge, and scholars should meet the performance expectations set out below. Those who fail to meet this criteria risk having their scholarships rescinded. • Plans to continue study through GCSE and/or A Level in the relevant subject • Consistently good reports • Representing the school as required, as far as is reasonable • Commitment to participating in or running a relevant and regular club • Consistently good behaviour towards both staff and pupils • A reliable approach to attendance at co-curricular events and most importantly • A sustained level of effort throughout the year • Being a ‘team player’ and working to collaborate with others • For external candidates, a satisfactory performance in the academic entrance assessments is a condition of an art scholarship.
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Art Scholarships
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Art at Exeter School is a vibrant and dynamic part of the curriculum, encouraging pupils to explore their creativity while developing strong technical skills. Pupils work with a wide range of media, from traditional drawing, painting, and sculpture to contemporary digital techniques, gaining confidence in both experimentation and craftsmanship. The department fosters individual expression, critical thinking, and an appreciation of art history, while showcasing pupils’ work through regular exhibitions and community projects. This rich, supportive environment helps young artists cultivate their talents and build a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.
Excellence pathway (Year 7) • Recognition and celebration of scholar’s abilities • Invitations to artists’ talks, trips and workshops • Opportunities to exhibit your own work • Mentoring from older participants of the scholarship programme
Scholarship development (Year 9) • Invitations to artists’ talks, workshops and trips • Opportunities to exhibit your work • Chances to work collaboratively with other scholars • Mentoring younger art scholars and reviewing their progress • Helping to lead a lunch time club • Serving as a positive role model to others
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a scholarship interview day consisting of a collaborative sculpture activity and an individual response to this in your preferred medium. There will be a short interview with a member of Exeter School’s leadership team for shortlisted applicants.
Scholarship awards (Lower Sixth)
• Invitations to artists’ talks, workshops and trips • Opportunities to exhibit your work • Chances to work collaboratively with other scholars in the EsMap programme • Mentoring younger art scholars and reviewing their progress Candidates who wish to be considered for a scholarship will initially be asked to submit a portfolio of recent work for assessment by the head of art. The portfolio should include at least three pieces and reflect the breadth and depth of their personal interest and may include paintings, prints, drawings, and mixed media work. Portfolios will be returned.
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Drama Scholarships
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Drama at Exeter School offers a lively and inclusive space where pupils can develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Through practical workshops, scripted performances, and opportunities for improvisation, pupils learn key skills in acting, stagecraft, and production. The department stages a variety of performances each year, from small scale pieces in the drama studio to ambitious whole-school productions, allowing pupils to experience the excitement of live theatre both onstage and behind the scenes. With a focus on collaboration and self-expression, drama nurtures communication skills and a love of performance that enriches pupils’ personal and academic lives. Drama scholars will participate fully in the cocurricular theatre programme and be excellent ambassadors for the drama department. Scholars will be involved in all major productions during their time at Exeter School. This involvement may be as a performer, director, technician, or stage manager, and may include duties such as staffing front of house and working backstage. In any of these roles, holders of a drama scholarship will demonstrate reliability, commitment, teamwork, and a high level of skill. Drama scholars are expected to study drama at GCSE and A Level. In addition, drama scholars should be fully committed to their academic studies and uphold the virtues of Exeter School.
Excellence pathway (Year 7) • Recognition and celebration of scholar’s abilities • Attendance at drama club and lower school play involvement • Priority invitations to theatre trips • Workshop opportunities • Priority for LAMDA tuition • Mentoring programme
Scholarship development (Year 9) • Leadership responsibility for house drama • Role model for younger pupils • Priority LAMDA lessons (free of charge in Year 11) • Theatre trips
• National Youth Theatre auditions • Workshops • Scholar collaboration
Scholarship awards (Lower Sixth) • Leading roles in the senior play • Role model for younger pupils • Free LAMDA tuition • Theatre trips and workshops • Mentoring for university applications Selection is by an audition which includes speeches, a workshop and interview. All candidates are expected to talk about a theatrical production they have seen in the last year, and acting candidates should prepare a short piece to perform, of approximately two minutes’ duration from a play of their choice. Design candidates should produce a logbook including sketches of set, costumes, or lighting from a play of their choice. There will be a short interview with a member of Exeter School’s leadership team for shortlisted applicants.
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Music Scholarships
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Music at Exeter School has an outstanding reputation and offers specialist classrooms, 18 practice rooms, and a concert hall. There is a rich annual programme of contemporary and classical concerts at school and throughout the region, enabling pupils of all ages to experience the thrill of live performance of both established works and their own compositions. Class teaching, instrumental teaching, ensembles, and groups are tailor-made to pupils’ interests and nearly 500 private music lessons are taken by pupils each week, taught by visiting teachers. Music scholars form the core of most ensembles and have a very important role within the department. They demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for music. They might be instrumentalists, vocalists, or both. Most importantly, they are prepared to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the musical life of the school.
Excellence pathway (Year 7) • Attendance at ensembles and a choir • Classes in aural, musicianship, sightreading and scales • Some attendance at BSO and school concerts • Performance in scholars’ concert and informal concerts
Scholarship development (Year 9) • Wider participation in ensembles and choirs • Classes in aural, musicianship, sightreading, scales • Leadership opportunities in ensembles • Participation in partnerships programme (ESMuP) • Some attendance at BSO and school concerts • Performance at and hosting informal concerts (including scholars’ concert) • Librarian role
Scholarship awards (Lower Sixth) • Consistent participation in ensembles and choirs • Classes in aural, musicianship, sightreading, scales • Leadership in ensembles • Leadership in partnerships programme (ESMuP) • Some attendance at BSO and school concerts • Performance at and hosting informal concerts • Front of house, prefect and librarian role • Mentoring for university applications
Please note: studying A Level music is NOT expected. As a guide, applicants to Year 7 might have a grade 2 or 3 on one instrument, to Year 9, grade 4 or 5 and into the Lower Sixth, a grade 7. However, we prefer to hear from enthusiastic pupils who have potential, play musically and come highly recommended. The scholarship audition will require applicants to play or sing two pieces of their own choice on their principal instrument or voice. play and/or sing at sight and take aural tests at a standard to match the pupil’s experience. Supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in music, in the form of references, should be submitted with your application. There will be a short interview with a member of Exeter School’s leadership team for shortlisted applicants.
Exeter Cathedral Chorister Programme Alongside our scholarship pathways, Exeter School is proud to be home to the Exeter Cathedral Chorister Programme, welcomed into the Exeter School family in September 2026 in partnership with Exeter Cathedral. Choristers continue a centuries-old choral tradition rooted in the life of the Cathedral and the city, while enjoying full access to Exeter School’s broad academic, co-curricular and pastoral provision. Each chorister receives a weekly private music lesson, funded by the Cathedral, and musical direction remains under the Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral, working closely with Exeter School’s own music department. Pastoral care is led by a dedicated Head of Chorister Care, ensuring choristers are known and supported as individuals as they balance rehearsals, services and school life. The chorister programme sits alongside, rather than within, our scholarship pathways, and operates its own separate admissions process in partnership with the Cathedral. Families interested in the chorister programme, including audition and entry requirements, should visit www.exeterschool.org. uk or contact the admissions team at admissions @ exeterschool.org.uk for further information.
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Sport Scholarships
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Exeter School has an enviable reputation for sport locally, in Devon, and on the national stage. Sport at Exeter School provides a wide-ranging and energetic programme that encourages every pupil to enjoy physical activity and develop lifelong healthy habits. From traditional team games such as rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket to individual pursuits like athletics, swimming, and tennis, pupils are supported to build skills, fitness, and resilience. Competitive fixtures, house events, and recreational clubs ensure opportunities for all abilities, while expert coaching helps talented athletes excel at regional and national levels. With an emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal growth, sport plays a vital role in the school’s vibrant community life. Sports scholars are expected to not only show outstanding ability and potential for improvement but also to be outstanding ambassadors for their sport and role models for the school. Applicants should be outstanding at first team level at their current school or club in at least one of the schools’ core sports of cricket, hockey, netball and rugby. Pupils who excel in the schools’ other priority sports of swimming and squash are eligible to apply providing they are also considered to be of ‘A’ team standard in one of the major sports.
Excellence pathway (Year 7) • Recognition of sporting abilities and potential • Expectation for scholars to play fixtures all three terms • Priority selection for invitational/oneto-one squads
Scholarship development (Year 9) • Represent our core sports • Demonstrates excellent progress, commitment and behaviour • F ormal targets, mentoring, expectations, additional sessions • Athletic development, physio, mentor, seminars, reporting, targets
Scholarship awards (Lower Sixth) • Athletic development, physio, mentor, seminars, reporting, targets • Enter relevant national competitions Selection will be made through assessment in various fitness tests as well as performance in the selected sports. Supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in sport, in the form of references, should be submitted with your application. There will be a short interview with a member of Exeter School’s leadership team for shortlisted applicants. Pupils who are awarded a sports award at Year 7, 9 or Lower Sixth are expected to be available for the school teams at mid-week and weekends matches.
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Bursaries
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Exeter School is committed to making our outstanding education accessible to talented pupils regardless of financial circumstances. Our means-tested bursary programme, open to current and prospective families, provides fee assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to afford an Exeter School education, ensuring that academic ability and personal potential, not financial background, determine admission. Bursaries may cover a portion of the fees or, in cases of significant need, up to 100%. Awards are reassessed annually to reflect any change in family circumstances and may be combined with our noncontributory scholarship programme in art, drama, music, or sport. Through this support, we aim to open doors for bright, motivated young people to flourish within our vibrant academic and co-curricular environment, and to contribute fully to the life of the school.
Applying for a bursary
Bursary applications must be supported by a full, written, and verified statement of financial circumstances. Parents wishing their child to be considered should indicate this on the relevant section of the registration form. All applications for the 2027/28 academic year must be received by Friday 8 January 2027. As part of the assessment process, a home visit will be conducted by an agent on behalf of the school. As a general guide, gross parental income will need to be below £60,000 per annum for a family to be considered, though every case is assessed individually. We warmly welcome an informal conversation, please contact the Director of External Relations at admissions@exeterschool. org.uk. At Exeter School, we strive to ensure that no deserving child is prevented from attending because of their family’s financial circumstances. We are committed to breaking down social barriers and providing a nurturing, high-quality education for all, regardless of means, for as long as it is needed. We deeply value the sacrifices so many parents make to secure their children’s education.
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Exonian Experience
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Nickolas Sutton (2021-2026) I joined Exeter School in Lower Fifth after hearing about the bursary opportunity just a few weeks before the admissions tests. Looking back, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change any part of my experience here. If I had to describe my time at Exeter School in three words, they would be wonderful, empowering and community focused. I was looking for an environment where I could be challenged academically and supported to achieve my potential. The bursary made that possible. Without the financial support, attending Exeter School simply would not have been an option for my family. One of the things that has stood out most to me is the level of support from teachers. Throughout my GCSEs and A Levels, I have always been able to ask for help, attend subject support sessions and receive detailed feedback. The sense of community has also been incredibly important. When I first joined, I worried that I might feel like an outsider, but that could not have been further from the truth. I have made some fantastic friendships and have always felt welcomed and supported by both staff and fellow pupils. Outside the classroom, I have enjoyed taking part in co-curricular activities and making the most of opportunities that have helped me develop new interests and skills. More than anything, Exeter School has given me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals for the future. The bursary has had a transformative impact on my life. It has given me access to opportunities, support and experiences that would otherwise have been beyond my reach. I am incredibly grateful for the chance it has given me and for everything I have been able to achieve during my time at Exeter School.
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Frequently Asked Questions 18
What is the financial value of the scholarship? Scholarships at Exeter School do not give any fee remission. The value is in the broad range of opportunities that being an Exeter School scholar offers a young person. Potential scholars who require financial assistance with school fees are strongly encouraged to apply for a bursary. If I am unsuccessful in gaining a scholarship, can I still apply for a bursary? Yes, the two schemes operate independently from each other. Can you give me an indication of when I am likely to receive the scholarships outcome? The outcome will be emailed to you in the spring term. How do pupils apply for a scholarship? Pupils and their parents should complete the application form which can be found on our website (www.exeterschool. org.uk/admissions/scholarships) by Friday 13 November 2027. External candidates will also need to register with Exeter School (www. exeterschool.org.uk/admissions) and sit the entrance assessments on 9 January 2027. An offer of a scholarship is dependent on being successful in the academic entrance assessments. Can international pupils apply for a scholarship? We encourage and welcome scholarship applications from international pupils. Special arrangements are made if a pupil is unable to attend the assessments due to being in a different country. Do previous awards continue into sixth form? Scholarships are reviewed annually, and scholars will be invited to reapply for their scholarship when they reach the next section of the school.
for a scholarship? Yes, you are strongly encouraged to apply for a scholarship if you are entering Year 6, Year 9 or Lower Sixth in September 2027. You can apply to be a chorister if you are in Year 3,4 or 5. Is the chorister programme part of the scholarship scheme? No. The chorister programme is a separate pathway run in partnership with Exeter Cathedral, with its own admissions process. It sits alongside our art, drama, music and sport scholarships rather than as part of them. Can a chorister also apply for a scholarship? In principle, yes, but the demands of the chorister programme, with rehearsals and services before school, after school, and at weekends, mean choristers are unlikely to have the capacity to take on another scholarship alongside it. Families considering this should speak to the Head of Chorister Care about what’s realistic before applying. Does being a chorister affect eligibility for a bursary? Choristers benefit from a range of financial support alongside our own bursary scheme. Exeter Cathedral contributes 25% towards school fees for choristers, in recognition of the commitment choristers make to Cathedral life. In addition, national organisations such as the Choir Schools’ Association offer grants and bursaries specifically to help families meet the cost of a choristership. Exeter School and the Cathedral are happy to help families identify and apply for this wider funding.
Can a pupil apply for more than one scholarship? At Exeter School pupils can apply for two scholarships although if they are offered both, they must decide which one to accept as they may only be a scholar in one area. I am already an Exeter School pupil; can I apply
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Important Dates
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September
Friday 25 September Saturday 26 September
Scholarship applications open Whole school open morning
November
Thursday 5 November Sixth Form open evening Friday 13 November Closing date for scholarship applications Tuesday 17 November Sixth Form taster day 23-25 November Sport scholarship assessments Tuesday 24 November Whole school open morning Saturday 28 November Sixth form interview day Saturday 28 November Year 7 assessment preparation session
December
Tuesday 1 December
Year 9 taster day
January
Friday 8 January Closing date for bursary applications Saturday 9 January Senior school assessment day Thursday 14 January Whole school open morning W/C 18 January Drama, music, art scholarship assessments
February
Friday 5 February
March
Friday 5 March Friday 5 March
May
Thursday 6 May
June
Tuesday 22 June
Offer holders tea Senior school acceptance deadline Scholarship acceptance deadline Summer open evening Whole school open morning
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How to Apply
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Scholarship application forms are available at www. exeterschool.org.uk/admissions/scholarships. The closing date for scholarship entry in 2027 is Friday 13 November 2026. Supporting evidence, including any references requested, should be included with the completed scholarship application. Applications will not be accepted after this date. Please contact the admissions team if you have any questions: 01392 307080 or admissions@exeterschool.org.uk. The Head has the right to withdraw a scholarship at any time if behaviour, commitment, and academic progress are not being maintained. Scholarship assessment takes place in the academic year before the scholarship begins. Scholarships should be applied for using the application form, accompanied by supporting evidence of previous accomplishments in your chosen discipline in the form of references. These references, written by your school, coach, or music/drama teacher, should be submitted with your application. If you are a current Exeter School or Exeter Junior School pupil there is no need to provide a reference from your teacher or school coach. For external candidates, before being assessed for a scholarship parents should register their child for entry assessment on Saturday 9 January 2027 at www.exeterschool.org.uk/admissions. Once the registration is received and registration fee paid, a reference from the pupils’ current school will be requested.
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Exeter School Victoria Park Road Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS
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A School of Great Character
01392 307080 www.exeterschool.org.uk @ExeterSchoolUK