SCHOLARSHIPS
STUDENT AND PARENT GUIDE
MONKTON SCHOLARSHIPS
Monkton is deeply committed to fostering a community where exceptional talent, ambition, and dedication are not just recognised, but are actively nurtured and celebrated.
Our scholarship programme is designed to identify and support students who demonstrate outstanding potential in academics, arts, sports, and leadership. We believe that by investing in bright young minds, we are not only shaping futures but also enriching our school community and beyond.
Each year, we have the privilege of awarding scholarships to students who exhibit a passion for learning, a strong moral character, and a drive to make a positive impact. Our scholars are encouraged to challenge themselves, to explore new horizons, and to embrace the diverse opportunities that our school offers.
Our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an environment where scholars can thrive. From rigorous academic programmes and an innovative arts curriculum, to competitive sports teams and dynamic co-curricular activities, we are committed to ensuring that each scholar’s journey is both enriching and inspiring.
We are proud of the achievements of our past scholars, who have gone on to excel in various fields and have made significant contributions to society. Their success stories are a testament to the transformative power of education at our school.
As you consider applying for a scholarship at Monkton, I encourage you to think about how you can contribute to and benefit from our vibrant community. We are excited to discover and support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.
• Successful Scholarship applicants will receive a £1,000 reduction in school fees, excluding the Monktonian Scholarship.
• The Monktonian Scholarship provides a 10% discount on the full boarding fee.
• Candidates may apply for up to two scholarships; however, only one will be awarded if successful.
• Bursaries are available to support those who require financial assistance and are independent of scholarship awards. Therefore, students may receive both a scholarship and a bursary, however the financial benefit of scholarship awards are subsumed within any bursary awarded.
ACADEMIC
All recipients of the Academic Scholarships are expected to be role models and ambassadors in the academic life of the school.
Year 12 academic scholars will mentor younger students via the school’s Academic Mentoring system. Year 10 academic scholars will be expected to complete the Higher Project Qualification.
Scholars will be expected to participate and engage in a variety of settings, including lectures and conferences (such as the Bath Educational Trust Gifted and Talented Conference), group discussions, practical work, project work (such as the Higher Project Qualification), trips (such as to Oxford University and the Houses of Parliament), regular scholars meetings and essay competitions.
The programme will provide scholars with:
• Exposure to a breadth of areas of study that they would not necessarily encounter within the syllabus
• Opportunities to explore subjects at a depth beyond that which is typically learned in the classroom
• Enrichment opportunities to work collaboratively and as role models to their peers and younger students
• Opportunities to be coached and mentored
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT DAY
Year 9
• Maths exam for 45 minutes
• English exam for 45 minutes
• Science exam for 45 minutes
• Subject of Student’s Choice exam for 45 mins
• Interview with Deputy Head Academic
The content of exams will mirror that taught in the CE 13+ specifications. If a school has used an alternative specification, papers can be modified to more closely cover content that has been taught in years 7 and 8.
Year 12
• Maths exam for 1 hour
• English exam for 1 hour
• 2 exams in subject of Student’s Choice for 1 hour each
• Interview with Deputy Head Academic
Exams will be at GCSE level.
DID YOU KNOW...
24 Monkton students in the last ten years have been offered places to study at Oxford and Cambridge universities.
More than 20 students have gone on to study medicine, veterinary medicine, and medicine related courses over the last ten years.
Academic scholars at Monkton routinely achieve A* grades in the Higher Project Qualification, a fantastic course in which scholars take an in depth look at a topic of their choice.
Academic scholars at Monkton regularly gain top results in national competitions such as the Physics and Chemistry Olympiads, the Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges, the Tower Poetry Competition and the Isaac Physics Senior Physics Challenge.
More than 30 students have gone on to study engineering or physics courses at university in the last five years.
ART AND DESIGN
The Art and Design Department offers scholarships across both disciplines, and students will need to specify either an art or design pathway to specialise in during the application process.
We are looking for forward thinking, curious students who relish creative challenges. They should have a strong visual vocabulary and the ability to provide solutions to creative problems.
Art
Entry Requirements
A week before the agreed day, you will send an up to date e-portfolio to the Head of Art and Design.
• Powerpoint, google slides or PDF
• A wide range of work
• Up to date sketchbook
• 15 pieces
• A visual diary
The programme will provide scholars with:
• Exclusive development time with art and design teachers
• Access to specific talks and workshops
• Specific machine training
• An annual exhibition in the school gallery
• All materials
• Access to a mentoring system
• Access to department trips and visits
Design Entry Requirements
A week before the agreed day, you will send an up to date e-portfolio to the Head of Design.
• Powerpoint, google slides or PDF
• 10 pages (20 sides) or less
• Illustrate creativity and flair
• Work completed within the last 18 months
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT DAY
Art
• Candidates will undertake a drawing exercise in the art studio, for approximately 2 hours
• Interview with the Head of Art and Design
Design
• Candidates will solve a design problem, through drawing and/or basic three dimensional modelling
• Interview with the Head of Art and Design
DID YOU KNOW...
In the past six years, 75 pupils have gone to study arts and design at prestigious Universities and Colleges including: London College of Fashion, Oxford Brookes, Ravenbourne, Kingston and University of Arts London.
Monktonian’s have gone onto careers in multimedia production, fashion design, architecture, product design and many more.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
Monkton’s Expressive Arts scholarships offer a range of exciting opportunities in Dance, Drama and Music.
Selected students are given further opportunities beyond Monkton’s extensive co-curricular programme to develop their artistic passion. We are looking for students with the potential and drive to become highly skilled individuals. They will be offered an exciting range of challenges and experiences, including the chance to work with industry professionals and venues.
The programme will provide scholars with:
• Development time with drama and music teachers
• Access to specific talks and workshops
• Masterclasses with award-winning musicians, composers, actors, dancers etc
• Bespoke trips to some of the UK’s leading industry venues including Royal Opera House and Askonas Holt Management
• Partnerships with Bath Spa University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
PRE-AUDITION VIDEO
Dance Year 9: 1 performance piece around 1-1.5 minutes.
Year 12: 1 dance piece (can be from an established choreographer or self-choreographed).
Drama
Year 9: 1 performance piece around 3 minutes, or a portfolio of recent work.
Year 12: 2 contrasting pieces, around 5 minutes in total. Or a portfolio of recent work.
LIVE AUDITION
Dance
Year 9: A live performance piece between 1 and 2 minutes.
Year 12: A live performance of 2 contrasting pieces (at least one self-choreographed). The whole performance should be between 3 and 4 minutes.
*All performances for Expressive Arts can be the same as the Pre-Audition Video.
Drama
Year 9: A live performance piece around 3 minutes. An improvisation exercise and an interview.
Year 12: A live performance of 2 contrasting pieces around 5 minutes in total. First piece should be a classic monologue. Second piece could be Musical Theatre, song/poem/self-devised, an improvisation exercise, or another classic monologue.
Music
Year 9: 1 piece around 3 minutes (grade 5 minimum), or a portfolio of recent work.
Year 12: 2 contrasting pieces, around 5 minutes in total (grade 7 minimum). Or a portfolio of recent work.
Music
Year 9: A live performance piece around 3 minutes (Grade 5 or equivalent standard), sight-reading, aural tests and a short interview.
Year 12: A live performance of 2 contrasting pieces around 5 minutes in total (Grade 7 or equivalent standard), sight-reading, aural tests and a short interview.
DID YOU KNOW...
Around 20 students over the last eight years have gone on to study Music and Drama at conservatoires and universities, both in the UK and overseas.
Last year, four Year 13s gained ARSM diplomas.
Monkton Expressive Arts scholars have recently worked with many leading professionals including actor Wilf Scolding (Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Cabaret - West End), film director Jonathan Willis (Jurassic Predator, The Machine, Dune Drifter), writer Tom Mallaburn (Miranda, O’Toole’s Macbeth), theatre company Complicité, music producer Bruno Ellingham (Massive Attack, Portishead, Elbow), folk musician and composer Jon Boden (Bellowhead), The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and actor/dancers Sam Haughton (Phantom of the Opera - West End) and Dylan Mason (The Sound of Music, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
MONKTONIAN AWARD
The Monktonian Award is presented to individuals who make a profound impact within their year group.
This award recognises students whose character and presence positively influence their peers. If you are seen as the cornerstone that unites your year group, you are an ideal candidate for this prestigious award.
Successful candidates will demonstrate excellence across various fields. They will often have had some leadership experience to date and are expected to continue making significant contributions to society after their time at Monkton.
The award will provide a scholar with:
• Targeted development in areas that most inspire them
• A deeper understanding of what drives their passions
• Mentorship overseen by the Principal and a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to identify and cultivate their strengths, ensuring they thrive at Monkton Senior School
• Regular meetings with a member of the SLT to review progress
• Ongoing support and guidance from a Monktonian student mentor
• Regular 1:1 sessions with specialist teachers
* The Monktonian Scholarship will primarily be awarded to full boarders, acknowledging their significant contribution to all aspects of school life, including their active involvement in the boarding community. The successful candidate will be expected to serve as a role model not only during the week but also over the weekends, reflecting the values of the school in all they do.
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT DAY
• Interview with the Principal
• Interview with Assistant Head
• Group Activity
Desired characteristics of a Monktonian
• Confidence - the quality of being certain of one’s abilities and values. A confident student believes in their potential and is willing to take on challenges and new experiences.
• Humility - the quality of being modest and respectful, recognising that one’s achievements are part of a larger community effort. It involves acknowledging the contributions of others and being open to learning and growth.
• Integrity - the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It involves consistently doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching.
• Service - the commitment to helping others and contributing to the welfare of the community. It involves taking action to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Leadership - the ability to guide, inspire, and influence others towards achieving common goals. It involves vision, initiative, and the capacity to motivate and support peers.
The Sports Department offers scholarships to push the boundaries of talented individuals, maximising their enjoyment and performance in sport.
Those members of the programme will, by definition, become role models for other Monkton students. Their actions will inspire and motivate others around them both inside and outside of a sports setting. An attitude that commits fully to developing in sport will result in positive behaviours around and outside the school that others will aspire to.
SPORT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Year 9
Strong current sporting ability in two or more of Monkton’s main sports, or outstanding current achievement in any one sport.
A piece to camera, no more than 70 seconds, where you rank your top 2-5 sports, explain what you love about sport, what sporting achievements you are most proud of and why you think you would be a good sports scholar.
The programme will provide scholars with:
• Individually tailored programmes where appropriate
• Guidance in fundamental movement skills, nutrition, performance preparation and performance lifestyle
• Regular athletic profiling opportunities
• Access to specific talks and workshops
• Weekly group strength and conditioning sessions
• Informal mentoring opportunities
Year 12
Outstanding performance in one of Monkton’s main sports, supported with strong performance or desire to contribute to the school’s programme of another.
A brief letter of application (ranking their top sports and explaining their wish to become a sport scholar) supported by a sporting CV.
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT DAY
Year 9
• Sporting situations demonstrating teamwork, leadership and sporting techniques
• Athletic Movement Screening Assessment, assessing movement skills, attitude and application
• Sporting Assessments to demonstrate current individual and team abilities in Monkton’s main sports
• Interview with Director of Sport and Head of Sports Excellence programme
Year 12
• Tour of the school and sport facilities
• Bespoke performance observations arranged for the day with relevant Heads of Sport
• Non-maximal physical screening session
• Interview with Director of Sport and Head of Sports Excellence programme
Jack Bennett, Monkton 2021
Bath & England U20 rugby player
I absolutely loved my time at Monkton. The school’s flexible approach and supportive community allowed me to excel both academically and on the rugby pitch.
WHAT NEXT?
If you are ready to embark on the next stage of your child’s scholarship application at Monkton, please declare your interest by completing the application form below.
The Scholarship Application Deadline is Thursday 16th January. Our Scholarship Assesment Day will take place on Thursday 13th February.
Once the forms are in, we will be in touch with your child’s current school as they will be in partnership with your child on the journey.
www.monktoncombeschool.com