OAKHAM SCHOLARSHIPS 2026 / 2027
AN INTRODUCTION TO OAKHAM SCHOLARSHIPS At Oakham, we believe in celebrating excellence, nurturing potential, and inspiring ambition. Our Scholarships recognise pupils who demonstrate outstanding ability, flair, and promise - whether academically, artistically, musically, dramatically, or athletically. We offer Scholarships at key entry points - 11+, 13+, 14+ (new joiners only), and 16+ - across the following areas: Academic Art Design & Technology Drama Music Sport Pupils may apply for more than one category, though they can hold a maximum of two awards at any time (Academic plus one other). This ensures they can fully commit to their chosen field while maintaining balance and wellbeing. Scholarships are reviewed periodically to ensure pupils continue to meet expectations and benefit from the programme. They may also be relinquished if a pupil’s interests or commitments change.
Academic & Music Scholarships awarded at 11+ will usually last for 5 years before reassessment. Sport Scholarships awarded at 11+ will last for 2 years before reassessment. Scholarships awarded at 13+ usually will last for 3 years before compulsory reassessment. Scholarships awarded at 14+ usually will last for 2 years before reassessment.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT Most Scholarships come with a 10% reduction in day fees, and Music Scholars also receive two free 35minute instrumental lessons every week. Scholarship holders may also apply for a means-tested bursary, administered confidentially by our Finance team.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN OAKHAM SCHOLAR Scholars are ambassadors for Oakham School. They: Make a strong contribution to School and take a lead in House life. Show commitment to the school and to the department. Are always ambassadors for Oakham School. Lead by example, inspire and motivate others. Maintain excellent performance in their field.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS An Academic Scholar is characterised by a questioning mind, a passion for learning and the ability to make meaningful connections across disciplines. They will have one or more subjects or intellectual pursuits that particularly excite them, as well as a demonstrable passion for learning in general. They should be keen to contribute to the intellectual life of the School and act as role models to their peers.
BEING AN ACADEMIC SCHOLAR An Oakham Academic Scholar’s journey is defined by three stages: Discover, Develop, Drive. At the start of the Oakham journey, the focus is on individuals discovering their strengths, passions and new areas of interest, while learning to view the world through different intellectual lenses. In the middle of the journey they develop and cultivate the skills and habits of successful scholarship, to set a firm foundation for future aspirations. Academic Leadership forms the culmination of the programme. In Form 7 (Year 13), Scholars enter the Drive phase of their journey. As Scholar Leaders, they encourage intellectual curiosity, lead discussion, support younger Scholars and help shape the wider culture of scholarship across the School. Having discovered their passions and developed their expertise, they are now equipped to drive their own ambitions and inspire the aspirations of others. Personalised support lies at the heart of our Scholarship programme over all these stages. Our three Academic Mentors oversee the progress and development of individual Academic Scholars throughout their time at Oakham. Scholars meet
throughout their time at Oakham. Scholars meet regularly with their mentor (tailored to their stage of the school) to discuss their personal academic interests, reflect on their growth, and identify new opportunities for challenge and development. Mentors also visit lessons to see Scholars in action, recognising their contribution as intellectual role models within the classroom and wider school community. Alongside these mentor-guided pathways, Academic Scholars are recognised by all their teachers, who provide appropriate stretch and challenge tailored to each student's strengths and stage of development. Each student is also a member of the Scholars’ Society, the wider community of Oakham’s Academic Scholars, through which they develop their intellectual ability, critical thinking and communication skills under the guidance of the relevant Academic Mentor. Scholars are placed in small seminar groups as part of the Scholars’ Society. Through a carefully structured programme of contemporary issues, interdisciplinary thinking, intellectual risk-taking and lively discussion, Scholars progress from exploring a broad range of ideas and disciplines, to developing expertise and independence within their own areas of interest, and finally to targeting ambitious personal goals. Seminar discussions encourage curiosity, critical thinking, the interrogation of texts and intellectual confidence but also crucially develop oracy and the ability actively to listen in dialogue. Seminar groups meet regularly throughout each term and are enriched by a range of curated academic experiences, including lectures, workshops, competitions, visits, and cultural and academic excursions designed to inspire and extend Scholars beyond the classroom.
All Academic Scholars attend the annual Scholars’ Society dinner, where they celebrate their shared identity as Scholars and hear from a guest speaker whose ideas challenge, inspire, and provoke further thought. In addition to those holding formal academic awards, there are a number of “HMs Nominees”: individuals whom Housemasters/Housemistresses and the Deputy Head Academic agree will benefit from the Society’s activities.
HOW TO APPLY External candidates 11+ and 13+ After sitting the relevant entrance examinations, pupils whose papers show scholarship potential are invited to return to School for interview and to sit further papers. 16+ We need to see a recent report from the applicant’s school so we can advise on a Scholarship application. Applicants are likely to be predicted 8s and 9s in their GCSE examinations.
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED? 11+ Academic Scholarships Candidates take the normal 11+ Lower School entrance assessments (papers in Maths and English, and an online CAT4 test, along with a short interview). We then recall those pupils whose results show scholarship potential for interview and further Maths and English papers. These tests are based on what a child is expected to have studied for Key Stage 2. 13+ Academic Scholarships Candidates take the normal 13+ Middle School entrance assessments (papers in Maths and English, and an online CAT4 test, along with a short interview). We then recall those pupils whose results show scholarship potential for interview, where they sit a Maths and English Scholarship paper, as well as two 30-minute subject papers.
Internal candidates 13+ Pupils in Form 2 may be recommended to sit for a scholarship by academic Heads of Department, as well as the Head of Lower School. 16+ Pupils in Form 5 may be encouraged by their teachers, tutors and House staff to apply for a scholarship or put themselves forward once they understand the application criteria.
There is no fixed syllabus for the written examinations for 13+ academic awards, which are suitable for pupils from a variety of syllabuses and educational backgrounds. An essential part of the process is for the candidates to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity in academic interviews and genuine interest for their two chosen subjects. Some of the questions will seek to test whether candidates have read or explored more deeply than is required by the demands of any particular syllabus. 16+ Academic Scholarships Candidates are examined at Oakham in two academic subjects from those available to Upper School students (normally two of those they intend to study at A-level or at IB Diploma Higher Level). They also complete an online CAT4 test and have an interview.
Contact the Admissions team for more information: Tel: 01572 758758 Email: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
ART SCHOLARSHIPS Candidates should be passionate about Art. They should demonstrate exceptional drawing skills as well as their own individual strengths as an artist, in whatever medium that might be. We are looking for candidates who show they are committed to developing their talents and are keen to explore new ways of working. Independence and selfmotivation are vital.
BEING AN ART SCHOLAR The Art Department is thriving, with large numbers of students gaining places at top institutions to study across a diverse range of creative courses: from Architecture to Fashion, History of Art to Illustration. There are lots of opportunities for Scholars to be involved in leading Art events in the School. Art Scholars will be involved in devising and leading whole school creative activities, helping to plan, curate and promote exhibitions, organising Art Department events and attending artist-led workshops. They will share their interest in the subject by contributing towards a Scholars’ space within the Art Department, which will include the exhibiting of their work, as well as presenting interesting research about the art world. It is assumed that you will be studying the subject in your curriculum lessons at A-level/IB Diploma (16+ candidates) or will be intending to study it at GCSE (13+ candidates).
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED? Candidates should bring a portfolio of their own work to the assessment day. This is an opportunity to bring together a variety of recent work which demonstrates a range of skills, approaches and ideas. The Director of Art will conduct interviews and candidates will be asked to introduce their work, answering questions as well as talking about their wider interests. There will also be a practical challenge set, providing an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their skills and attitude towards a creative activity.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS We are looking for candidates who participate enthusiastically in Design and enjoy projects, whether at school or home. Candidates should be able to sketch ideas in 2D and 3D, and should demonstrate the ability to analyse situations and solve problems by suggesting creative alternatives to existing products. The ability to communicate ideas is essential. 16+ candidates should be able to demonstrate the use of 3D CAD software to develop ideas and be competent in the workshop environment.
BEING A DT SCHOLAR All DT Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in one of the many enrichment activities held in the Jerwood School of Design, our purpose-built facility, with specialist equipment for the most challenging of projects. DT Scholars compete in different competitions and awards, including the Leicestershire and Rutland Annual Rotary Engineering Competition. Alongside classmates, they also participate in the many educational trips and visits that the DT Department organises, including the biannual trip to Bologna. Many of our DT Scholars go on to study a design or engineering degree at one of the top UK universities and previous Scholars have gone on to exhibit at the Design Museum, set up tech start-ups, gain placements on National Higher Apprenticeship Programmes, and work for globally recognised brand leaders.
It is assumed that you will be studying the subject in your curriculum lessons at A-level/IB Diploma (16+ candidates) or will be intending to study it at GCSE (13+ candidates).
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED? All candidates are required to attend an interview, where they will be asked to discuss their own work and that of others. They should all ideally have a favourite designer, engineer or architect for whom they aspire to be as successful. External 13+ award candidates should apply in sufficient time to complete a small project independently. A new project is set annually, and this can be completed at home, as it requires no specialist equipment. Additionally, we ask that candidates bring a portfolio of their own design work where they can illustrate their ability to design, make, repair, and upcycle products. 16+ award candidates should submit their GCSE coursework and answer a Design examination question. Candidates are also required to submit a detailed product analysis of their choice.
DT ARKWRIGHT SCHOLARSHIPS This is an external 16+ scholarship that the School supports. It is a national scheme open to schools who achieve the necessary standards. Students may apply for an award during their last year of GCSE studies. We support students through the process of making an application for this prestigious award and mentor all successful candidates through their Upper School studies. Those entering the School at 16+ who have achieved the status of an Arkwright Scholar will be mentored with other successful candidates within the School. Candidates will ideally take Design and Technology and Mathematics at A-level or Higher Level IB Diploma, whilst also considering a future in product design or engineering.
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS We are looking for pupils who love watching and making Theatre; who will be passionate about performing; who will already have a keen regard for their own developmental process, and who will strive to enhance their own practice – all the while making a significant contribution to Theatre and Drama at Oakham.
BEING A DRAMA SCHOLAR You will join a select few who form the essential core of the School’s many prestigious productions. These range from full-scale stage plays and musicals in our 200+ seat Queen Elizabeth Theatre to smaller scale or experimental pieces in the Old School Studio. You will be honing your performance skills and learning new ones during accent and dialect workshops, specialist dance and stage-fight training, and masterclasses in movement and audition technique, led by industry professionals. You will be mentored by the Director of Drama who will monitor your progress and development and offer guidance on any further Drama or Theatre education or career options you may be considering; be they in Classical Acting, Musical Theatre, directing or media. It is assumed that you will be studying the subject in your curriculum lessons at A-level/IB Diploma (16+ candidates) or will be intending to study it at GCSE (13+ candidates).
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED? Candidates write a letter of application outlining what they can bring to Drama at Oakham and what are their aspirations, hopes and goals for their time here. The letter should also include a resumé of their performance work undertaken so far. They should also mention any theatre they have seen and enjoyed. 13+ candidates will participate in workshops, auditions and interviews. Each candidate should prepare two contrasting monologues - one classical (possibly Shakespeare) and one contemporary, each lasting approximately 2 minutes. These should be taken from full-length published plays, and their suitability for this purpose should be checked well in advance with the Director of Drama. 16+ candidates should prepare two pieces for audition: an extract from Shakespeare or a Jacobean playwright such as Marlowe, Webster, Tourneur, Middleton or Fletcher; the other should be from a published 20th or 21st Century play of choice. Neither extract should be longer than 3 minutes. Candidates will also take part in an hour-long workshop and be interviewed. They will be expected to engage in discussion about the theatre and their interest in it. The Director of Drama will be pleased to see and advise prospective candidates in advance of the audition. Theatre Design candidates in particular should make contact in good time to discuss assessment preparation
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS We encourage applications from pupils with exceptional musical potential for their age, as well as evidence of enthusiasm, dedication, technical proficiency and sightreading ability. As a guide, candidates are likely to have reached the following standard on their principal study: • 11+ Grade 4 • 13+ Grade 6 • 16+ Grade 8 When candidates have taken music examinations, we are looking for high exam marks rather than high grades. It is hoped that 13+ and 16+ applicants will have passed Grade 5 theory.
BEING A MUSIC SCHOLAR Oakham’s music scholarship programme offers talented and committed pupils the opportunity to benefit from expert tuition, ambitious ensemble and solo opportunities, and mentoring of their musical development throughout their years in the School. Our Music Scholars are key role models within the vibrant musical life of the School, and musicians meet regularly with the Director of Music for additional guidance and support. The scholarship programme provides excellent preparation for musical pathways beyond Oakham, with pupils regularly going on to study music at leading conservatoires and universities. Music Scholars benefit from free tuition on their principal instrument(s), the details of which are confirmed when the scholarship is awarded.
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED? Potential applicants for a scholarship are encouraged to book a pre-audition at least a term in advance of a formal audition, at which Music staff will offer guidance about the suitability of a candidate’s application and recommend areas for development. Applicants for Music Awards will attend an audition and an interview with the Music staff of the School. Candidates should bring two contrasting pieces on their main instrument and one or more pieces on each additional instrument. Auditions will include sightreading, scales/arpeggios and aural tests consistent with the candidate’s level of ability, as well as discussion of their chosen repertoire. There is no written paper.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS 11+ applicants will need to show a good level of athletic skill and potential for development in Oakham’s major games. Fitness, attitude and determination are as important as accomplishment. 13+ applicants would normally show a high level of ability across Oakham’s major games, or very occasionally an exceptional ability in one. Potential, attitude and determination are as important as accomplishment.
We work hand in hand with NGB talent development pathways in different sports and many of our sporting alumni have left the School to pursue their sport at the highest competitive levels both nationally and internationally. In the last two years sporting alumni have left to play rugby for Premiership clubs including Leicester Tigers and Wasps; First Class cricket for Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire; and hockey for Premier League clubs Beeston and Leicester, as well as England and Germany.
16+ applicants will be involved in the later stages of National Governing Body or academy pathways, following post 16 reselection, and will be aspiring to play elite sport after leaving School.
HOW ARE CANDIDATES ASSESSED?
BEING A SPORT SCHOLAR
At 13+ all applicants attend an assessment day. At the assessment day, candidates will be assessed in the School’s major games, as well as completing a battery of physiological tests, which will help to gauge their ability to perform at a higher level.
We expect Sport Scholars to lead by example in their chosen sport; to be a beacon for those around them and an example to those below them. Sport Scholars will receive ongoing tailored support from Oakham School’s specialist coaching staff, including our full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach, to nurture their sporting talent and physical and psychological development. Scholars from 11+ will play sport all year round and will be committed to our Sporting Talent Project, a twoyear programme providing preparation for the future. Scholars who join the School at 13+ will enjoy training and playing a variety of sports, whilst those joining at 16+ will, more than likely, be starting to specialise.
At 11+ all applicants attend an assessment day. At the assessment day, candidates will be assessed for fitness, fundamental skills and agility as well as having the opportunity to demonstrate their team working, coachability and higher-level decision making.
At 16+ the Director of Sport reserves the right to call for assessment only those individuals whose applications demonstrate a high enough level of achievement in their sport. Those applicants selected attend a comprehensive assessment day, the programme for which varies from sport to sport, but will include practical sessions, fitness testing and discussion of sporting ambitions. Major Sports - Girls: Netball, Hockey, Cricket Major Sports - Boys: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket
www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk Email: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk Telephone: 01572 758758