Scholarships and Bursaries
PREP
Contents
Page
Introduction
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Means Tested Bursaries
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Academic Scholarships
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Art Scholarships
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Drama Scholarships
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Music Scholarships
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Sport Scholarships
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Computing Scholarships
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The Wetherby Pembridge Prep Scholar
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Introduction Preparing pupils for Senior School and beyond A prep-school approach to recognising academic excellence, creativity, performance, sporting talent and future-focused thinking.
Scholarships at Wetherby Pembridge Prep At Wetherby Pembridge Prep, scholarships are about recognising potential and giving pupils the opportunity to develop their talents with purpose, confidence and ambition. Our scholarship programme is designed around the journey towards senior school and the qualities pupils will need to thrive beyond it: intellectual curiosity, independence, resilience, creativity, leadership and a willingness to contribute to the wider community. We look for boys and girls who are already excelling, as well as those whose potential is particularly clear. Scholarship holders are expected not simply to perform strongly, but to become positive influences within the Prep: sharing their enthusiasm, supporting others and making a meaningful contribution to school life.
Our Senior School Pathway Scholarships should complement the broader preparation for senior school, helping pupils develop the academic habits, specialist interests and character that will support successful transition to Year 7 or 9 and continued achievement beyond Wetherby Pembridge Prep.
Scholarship Areas Academic Scholarship:
Academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and readiness for the demands of senior school.
Art Scholarship:
Creative potential, technical ability, independence and intellectual curiosity in the visual arts.
Drama Scholarship:
Passion for theatre, practical performance ability and curiosity about the performing arts.
Music Scholarship:
Musicianship, potential, performance and contribution to the musical life of the school.
Sport Scholarship:
Outstanding sporting ability, passion, character and potential for future development.
Computing Scholarship: Computational thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, creativity and the ability to approach unfamiliar challenges.
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Means Tested Bursaries Gold Standard Charitable Trust Means Tested Bursaries Wetherby Pembridge Prep offers financial assistance in the form of bursaries, which are designed to widen access to our school by enabling pupils to come who could not otherwise do so, and allowing pupils to remain at our school in the event of a change in family circumstances. Bursaries are awarded by The Gold Standard Charitable Trust. The Gold Standard Charitable Trust (GSCT) is a registered charity in England and Wales, established to combat educational inequality by providing substantial, means-tested bursaries that enable talented children from low-income families to access top independent schools. GSCT partners exclusively with 14 schools in the Inspired Education UK group, focusing on transformational opportunity, fairness, and nurturing potential irrespective of financial means. The charity’s mission centres on transformational opportunity, fairness, and nurturing potential irrespective of financial means, fostering diverse school communities through high-quality academic and extracurricular provision from pre-preparatory to secondary levels. GSCT funds only school fee bursaries—typically 75-100% of fees, often 95% or more—for able pupils facing severe financial barriers, prioritising those for whom private education is otherwise impossible. Applicants for entry should apply after securing a place at Wetherby Pembridge Prep. Applications must be submitted by the start of the Spring Term prior to a pupil joining in the following September. Applications for bursaries will open in Autumn Term and close at the start of Spring Term with awards being granted in March. Late applications will not be accepted.
Academic Scholarships Academic Scholarships and Headmaster’s Awards Our Academic Scholarships recognise pupils who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, a genuine love of learning and the capacity to thrive in the increasingly demanding environment of senior school. At Prep level, assessment should look beyond attainment alone. We are interested in pupils who ask thoughtful questions, make connections between ideas, think independently and respond positively to challenge. Wetherby Pembridge Prep offers a limited number of academic scholarships for the highest performing prospective pupils joining in Year 3, Year 4 and Year 7. Occasional place awards are possible for exceptional candidates outside these year groups. These are of monetary value and are expressed as a percentage discount on school fees until the end of Year 6 and can be extended to Year 8. Being awarded an Academic Scholarship is a prestigious accomplishment extended to the highest performing prospective pupils. Scholarship holders are expected to contribute to the Wetherby school community while excelling in their studies. Headmaster’s Awards may be offered for strengths in specific subject areas eg. Humanities, STEM, akin to Harrow’s Clay Prize for History.
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Assessment of Scholarship candidates Prospective candidates for entry who qualify (based on entrance testing performance) will be invited to further assessment, where they will partake in further academic activities. Scholarship candidates will be identified by our Admissions Team. What we look for: Strong academic attainment across the curriculum. Intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. Independent thought and the ability to explain reasoning. A positive response to challenge and unfamiliar problems. The potential to contribute to the academic life of Wetherby Pembridge Prep and to thrive at senior school.
Scholarship commitment Academic Scholars are expected to maintain high standards while contributing positively to the school community. They should be role models for curiosity, effort and intellectual ambition.
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Art Scholarships Art Scholarships are offered to candidates who demonstrate exceptional creative potential, technical ability, and intellectual curiosity in the visual arts. Candidates should demonstrate: Curiosity: interest in art, ideas, and learning. Creativity: imagination, originality, and problem-solving. Commitment: effort, perseverance, and willingness to improve. Reflection: ability to talk about and explain their work. Engagement: positive participation in artistic or community activities.
Assessment of Scholarship candidates Candidates should present a selection of artwork and/or sketchbook work showing creativity, effort, and development, showing both 2D and 3D skills. Creative Challenge:
A short practical task assessing imagination, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Interview/Conversation:
A discussion about artistic interests, inspirations, favourite work, and future aspirations.
Recommendation:
A brief teacher, mentor, or art tutor reference highlighting potential, attitude, and commitment.
Awards are based on potential, creativity, curiosity, and commitment, rather than technical skill alone.
The Art Scholarship Programme Leadership/Ambassadorship: Acting as an ambassador for the department at Open Days, representing the school in internal/external competitions, and helping mentor younger pupils in Art clubs. Creative Engagement:
As well as a high level of engagement in class work, scholars should maintain an independent sketchbook/art practice outside of classwork.
Art Scholarship Awards Art scholars will have access to resources and workshops: priority access to after school clubs, support with independent projects, permission to access and borrow school art resources. Mentorship:
Meetings with the department to discuss personal work. Putting work forward for national competitions.
Exhibition:
Opportunities to exhibit work as part of the annual Wetherby exhibitions.
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Drama Scholarships Drama Scholarships at Wetherby Pembridge Prep are offered to candidates who have a genuine passion for theatre, practical performance ability and curiosity about the performing arts. Drama Scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for drama, storytelling and performance. Candidates should show creativity, confidence and a willingness to collaborate with others. We are looking for pupils with potential, commitment and imagination, not simply those with the most previous experience.
Assessment of Scholarship Candidates Candidates will take part in a supportive and enjoyable assessment designed to allow them to demonstrate their creativity and performance skills. This may include: Performing a short, prepared monologue Participating in a group drama workshop Responding imaginatively to an improvisation task Discussing their interest in drama, theatre and performance Demonstrating an ability to listen, collaborate and respond to direction Candidates will be assessed on: Vocal clarity, expression and projection Physical expression and characterisation Creativity and imagination Confidence and stage presence Ability to learn and respond to feedback Teamwork, focus and generosity towards other performers Enthusiasm for participating in the wider dramatic life of the school
The Drama Scholarship Programme Drama Scholars will play an important role in the creative life of Wetherby Pembridge Prep School. They will be expected to: Participate enthusiastically in school productions, showcases and Drama activities Audition for at least one school production each year Attend Drama Club or another performance-based activity for at least one term each academic year Support and encourage other pupils during rehearsals and performances Attend school productions as both performers and thoughtful audience members Demonstrate commitment, reliability and a positive attitude Act as ambassadors for Drama throughout the school
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Supporting Our Drama Scholars Drama Scholars will receive: Complimentary LAMDA tuition following an appropriate acting or speaking syllabus Regular mentoring from the Head of Drama, including individual targets and development planning Opportunities to take on acting, directing or creative responsibilities in school productions Priority access to visiting practitioners, specialist workshops and theatre experiences
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Music Scholarships Music Scholarships are offered to candidates who demonstrate outstanding musicianship, potential, performance and a commitment to contribute to the musical life of the school. A candidate’s musicianship and practice ethic will have a direct bearing on any award granted, and successful candidates will be expected to play a full and active role in the Department, including membership of our choir. Music is at the heart of school life at Wetherby Pembridge Prep. With 75% of pupils learning at least one instrument, and a myriad of music clubs and ensembles providing music-making at every level from beginners to the most advanced, we pride ourselves on providing a rich and inclusive environment.
Assessment of Scholarship candidates Music Scholarship candidates are expected to show a genuine passion for music. For Years 3-5 entry we would expect a Grade 2-4 level on their main instrument. For years 6-8 entry we would expect a Grade 5+ level on their main instrument. These graded levels are simply a guideline; it is not compulsory for candidates to have taken an exam. We are looking for genuine potential in young musicians, not just attainment. A reference from the child's instrumental teacher will be required. If you are unsure as to whether your child should apply for a Music scholarship, please contact the Director of Music directly fiona.dalzell2@wetherbyprep.co.uk
The Music Scholarship Programme Performing opportunities vary from informal Breakfast concerts, Assemblies, orchestral and choral concerts, to choir and chamber ensemble music tours abroad. Every musician is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Music scholars are expected to assist the music department in the promotion of music at the School, by taking part and encouraging other pupils.
Music Scholarship Awards Music Scholars will be awarded free tuition on one musical instrument.
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Sports Scholarships Sports Scholarships are offered to candidates who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability, genuine passion for sport and who show the character and aptitude for potential for future development. We are looking for applicants who will act as an ambassador for Sport within and outside the school, demonstrating commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
Assessment of Scholarship candidates Candidates will be assessed in two sports of the applicants choosing, from amongst the sports commonly played at Wetherby Pembridge Preparatory School, at least one of which should be one of our major sports (rugby, football, cricket); we would also welcome applicants with particular aptitude for Swimming, Cross-country, Athletics, and Tennis. Candidates should be playing at a good club standard, in their principal sport. Applications should be accompanied by recommendations from the candidate’s coach(es) on sporting achievement, together with evidence of sporting success and a short highlight reel of them performing in the sport. Sports Scholars will have individualised access to school staff to support them with their training programme, and will be the school’s primary sporting representatives, both on the field and as ambassadors for sport at Open Events and when hosting public-facing events.
The Sport Scholarship Programme Sports Scholars will be our leading sportspeople and as such, we would expect them to both represent the school in sports fixtures with skill, as well as setting the tone on the field.
Sports Scholars are expected to: Represent the school in the sport on every occasion. Represent and advertise the Games Department on Open Events.
Sport Scholarship Awards Sports Scholars benefit from termly meetings with the Director of Sport to review progress and create a development plan.
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Computing Scholarships The Computing Scholarship recognises pupils who demonstrate exceptional potential in the way they think about problems, rather than simply how much programming they already know. Computational thinking is the ability to break complex problems into manageable parts, identify patterns, design logical solutions, test ideas, spot errors and refine approaches. It combines precision with creativity and provides a powerful foundation for computer science, mathematics, engineering and many other disciplines.
Assessment of Scholarship candidates Age appropriate computational-thinking challenges involving logic, patterns, sequencing and problem decomposition Unfamiliar problems that test reasoning, persistence and the ability to develop a strategy A practical task in which candidates explain, test and improve a solution A short conversation exploring how the candidate approaches problems and responds when an initial idea does not work Evidence of interest in computing, coding, robotics, digital making or related problem-solving activities, where available
What we value Curiosity:
wanting to understand how and why things work.
Logical reasoning:
constructing clear, step-by-step solutions.
Creativity:
finding more than one possible route to an answer.
Resilience:
learning from mistakes and debugging ideas.
Communication:
explaining a solution clearly to others.
Independence:
exploring problems and tools beyond the immediate task.
The Computing Scholarship programme Computing Scholars will play an active role in the digital and intellectual life of Wetherby Pembridge Prep. They will be encouraged to develop projects, participate in computing and problem-solving activities, share ideas with younger pupils and represent the school in relevant competitions and events. The scholarship is deliberately focused on computational thinking rather than prior technical knowledge. A pupil who has written little code but demonstrates outstanding reasoning, curiosity and potential may therefore be a strong candidate.
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Computing Scholarship Awards Computing scholars will have access to resources and workshops: priority access to lunchtime and after school clubs, support with independent projects, permission to access school computing resources, such as the 3-D Printers. Mentorship:
Meetings with the department to discuss personal work.
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The Wetherby Pembridge Prep Scholar Whatever the discipline, a Wetherby Pembridge Prep Scholar should combine talent with character. Scholarships are an opportunity to recognise pupils who can make a distinctive contribution now while developing the habits and qualities that will serve them at senior school and beyond. Curiosity:
a desire to learn, question and explore.
Independence:
confidence to think and work for themselves.
Resilience:
willingness to persevere, learn from setbacks and improve.
Leadership:
using talent to encourage and support others.
Contribution:
active participation in the life of the school.
Ambition:
a readiness to embrace challenge and continue developing.
Future School Preparation and Senior School Readiness Wetherby Pembridge Prep scholarships sit within a wider preparation for the next stage of a child’s education. Our aim is not simply to prepare pupils to pass an entrance assessment, but to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, independence and intellectual habits to succeed once they arrive at senior school. Scholarship development should therefore complement the academic curriculum and pastoral programme, encouraging pupils to deepen their interests while retaining breadth. Whether a pupil’s strength lies in academics, art, drama, music, sport or computing, the emphasis remains on sustained growth and making a positive contribution to the community.
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Bryanston Square London W1H 2EA Tel: 020 7535 3520 • Email: admin@wetherbyprep.co.uk Headmaster: Mr Paul David, B.Ed. (Hons), MInstLM