Scholarships September 2025 entry
Welcome from the Head
At Royal High School Bath, GDST, we provide girls with exceptional, high-quality learning opportunities and challenge all our students in their studies to ensure they achieve the best possible academic success. This is particularly true of our scholars, whose gifts and talents have been recognised and who are nurtured and supported to excel in their studies.
Scholarships are offered to girls with exceptional academic potential as well as a those with a particular gift for Art, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, Music or Sport.
Scholarship candidates will have a track record of commitment and engagement in their chosen area and will be expected to play an important part in the life of the School, and across the Girls’ Day Schools Trust (GDST).
We recognise the importance of self-motivation and understand how this must be nurtured. As such, our Heads of Department provide tailored opportunities and support for our scholars designed to guide them to reach their potential.
Do read on to learn more about our scholarship programme and please do get in touch so we can meet to talk further about scholarships in Years 7, 9 and 12.
Mr Hadrian Briggs Acting Head
Scholarships
Royal High School Bath scholarships recognise and encourage pupils with talent and potential who will make a significant and enduring contribution to the life of the school.
All new Scholars are invited to a Scholars’ Tea at the start of the academic year and a Dinner in the summer of their first year as Scholars.
All scholarship candidates must be registered with the school to pursue an application.
The following scholarships are available:
• Academic; and
• Specialist (Art, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, Music Sport).
Academic Scholarships
Year 7 - all applicants, internal and external, are automatically entered for the Academic scholarships which are awarded to the top tier results, typically about 10% of the cohort.
Year 9 and 12 - applicants must apply via an application form. Please note that internal scholarships are honorary meaning they do not carry financial discounts but provide access to scholars’ programmes.
Specialist Scholarships
Year 7, 9 and 12 – applicants complete an application form with a supporting statement. For some scholarships supporting material may be needed – please see under specialist scholarships later in this booklet. Scholars are expected to make a significant contribution to their department. For this reason, candidates can only apply for one specialist scholarship. An academic scholar may also hold a specialist scholarship if, in the opinion of the School, they are considered able enough to contribute meaningfully both academically and in their specialist department without this impacting their performance or wellbeing. Specialist scholars are expected to study their subject for GCSE and IB/A Level.
Head’s Awards
These may be given, at the Head’s discretion, to applicants who narrowly miss out on a scholarship but nonetheless demonstrated high levels of talent, ability and dedication based on their performance in the scholarship assessment, interview and reference from their current school.
A Head’s Award is recognition for achievement in a specific area; it is not a scholarship.
Aspire Grants
In addition to scholarships awarded in Years 7, 9 and 12 a number of Aspire Grants will be offered on an annual basis. These are awarded in Years 9, 10 and 11 to students judged to have displayed exceptional academic curiosity in the previous year.
Reviews
All scholarships and Head’s Awards are subject to continued satisfactory progress; award holders’ commitment, progress and attitude are reviewed regularly. It may also involve the removal of a scholarship or Head’s Award.
Application deadlines
Year 7: 18 November 2024
Year 9: 6 January 2025
Year 12: 4 November 2024
Assessment dates
Year 7: 13-17 January 2025
Year 9: 29-31 January 2025
Year 12: 18-22 November 2024
Finance
Scholarships are not means tested and the awards given represent the honour rather than a significant monetary value. As such, awards are typically worth between 5 - 10% remission of day fees. Honorary Scholarships may be awarded to applicants who just miss the threshold for ‘Full’ awards but are deemed worthy of recognition and inclusion in the Scholars’ programme. There is no distinction within the School community between Honorary and Full Scholars. Honorary Scholarships do not have any fee remission, but are still prestigious awards of which the holders should be proud. If you require financial assistance beyond the value of the award you may also apply for a bursary. Scholarship candidates are given priority in these applications. Bursary applications must be made in full prior to the scholarship deadline so that any offer made can consider both.
Academic Scholarships
Academic
Throughout the year, Academic Scholars meet for discussions, seminars, lectures and trips, and act as hosts for external specialist speakers and visiting schools. The support we offer these students is designed to give them different perspectives and insights to inspire them to excel.
All our Scholars are supported by a network of staff including Heads of Department, Tutors, Heads of Key Stage and orchestrated by our Head of Academic Extension. These staff all work together to ensure that academic and pastoral staff understand individual Scholars’ talents, abilities and aspirations. Students are encouraged to take on new challenges and opportunities designed to stretch them beyond their comfort zone.
Scholar benefits:
• Support from a wide network of staff
• Academic conferences
• Membership of the Aspire group
• Termly Aspire lectures
• Programme of activities, or support from Heads of Department in specialist areas
Scholar expectations:
• Attendance at Aspire lectures and group meetings
• Commitment to stretch and challenge activities as they arise e.g conferences and trips
• Help with Academic Partnership and Community events in Year 9 and beyond
• Academic leadership roles in Sixth Form – e.g Aspire in younger years, Academic outreach events
All Academic scholars in Years 7-12 are automatically allocated a place in the Aspire programme. In Year 7 and 8, scholars and other highly able students are offered termly Aspire discussion sessions which aim to stimulate critical thinking and academic research.
Students are invited to join the Aspire group which meets fortnightly throughout the year and aims to prepare students for the demands of a challenging interview process. The Aspire group is designed for those students who specifically enjoy reaching beyond the curriculum, grappling with new ideas and being pushed out of their intellectual comfort zones. This approach to excellent all-round academic scholarship underpins
successful applications to Oxbridge, medical school and other highlyregarded university destinations. Aspire Lectures, compulsory for scholars but encouraged for all, are designed to complement the academic life Royal High School Bath. These are an exciting way to impart knowledge about a range of academically challenging topics from across the curriculum and beyond.
The lecture programme runs throughout the year, with two sessions per half term.
Application process:
Year 7
• No application is required for Academic Scholarships. These are awarded on the basis of performance in the entrance exams and interviews
Year 9
• English, Maths and Science papers (or internal assessments).
• An interview with the Head of Academic Extension and Deputy Head Academic
Year 12
• Two written papers, subjects dependent upon application form.
• Interviews with the Head of Academic Extension and either the Head of Sixth Form or Deputy Head Academic.
• Group interview with the Head
Art and Design Scholarships
Art
The Graeme Preedy Art School is a purpose-built Art School which was opened by Sir Christopher Frayling in 2008.
It houses four beautifully-lit studios and a darkroom for traditional photography. Each studio offers an area of specialism from drawing and painting through to printmaking and three-dimensional work.
We follow a Fine Art programme which is supported by core foundation skills. We encourage independence supported by knowledge, research and understanding. There are many opportunities to work within the Art School at lunchtimes and after school. Students are supported by artists and teachers who continue with their own practice and have exceptional subject knowledge.
Scholar benefits:
• Regular after-school workshops with members of the Art department, where all Art Scholars work together as a group from Year 7 to Year 13
• Visiting artists and speakers
• Opportunities to develop their own work through clubs and activities, supported by Art staff
• Opportunities to attend life drawing classes
• At least two Art trips a year to galleries, museums or artists’ studios
Scholar expectations:
We expect an Art Scholar to be passionate about making Art. Their interest in art and art-making should be obvious through the extra activities in which they have participated, such as keeping a sketchbook, attending workshops and attending exhibitions.
We look for an interest in creativity more generally, and across all artmaking media. We are especially keen to see evidence of core drawing skills where a young Art Scholar shows they can record accurately from life through drawing.
We want Art Scholars to be ambitious for themselves but most importantly to be brave. We also want them to be able to show discipline and a willingness to engage with the Art department in order to be the very best of themselves creatively.
Many of our Art Scholars have gone on to make applications to Art Schools or to other creative-based courses such as Architecture, Film Making or Design.
• Supporting the Art department at Art School events
• Attendance at workshops and exhibitions
• Record accurately from life through drawing
• Study Art at A Level or IB when in Sixth Form
Application process:
Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio (if an international applicant, an electronic portfolio is acceptable) containing work completed independently. This should also include drawing from life, responses to exhibitions they have visited and any creative work they have produced that they feel proud of and would like to talk about during a short interview. There will also be a practical art task in which candidates will be expected to complete a tonal drawing from life.
Design Technology
Design Technology Scholarships are available on entry to Years 9 and 12.
We have outstanding facilities with fully integrated Computer Aided Design and manufacturing facilities.
Opportunities for enhancement in the subject are considerable and scholars will be encouraged to refine and practise skills working with subject specialists. As well as the additional support in school, Design and Technology Scholars will be encouraged to visit local museums, artisans and businesses to enhance and develop their own personal skillset.
Royal High Bath has a fantastic reputation within the South West. Exceptional GCSE, A Level and IB results are recorded annually and all coursework is exhibited in a bespoke Technology exhibition. We encourage Design and Technology Scholars to enter a number of competitions to stretch innovative thinking and widen their experiences. In addition to this, we are proud that the school offers the Arkwright Scholarships Scheme, a national opportunity for budding Engineering students to be mentored professionally.
Scholar benefits:
• Highly-skilled Computer Aided Design teachers with masterclasses to develop understanding
• Highly skilled traditional craft teachers
• Access to innovative and inventive designers
• Regular one to one meetings with Head of Faculty
• Leadership opportunities within the department, including working with Prep School pupils
• Trips to design fairs, companies, artisans and design museums
• One-to-one meeting with Head of Department in Year 9
Scholar expectations:
Candidates must have a keen interest in Design and be able to demonstrate this interest both inside and outside of the curriculum.
Candidates applying for a Year 12 scholarship should demonstrate their commitment to pursue a technological degree course in a subject such as Engineering, Product Design or Architecture.
A further facilitating A Level or IB subject in either Science or Maths would be preferred.
• Visit local museums and businesses
• Enter competitions
• Study GCSE Design Technology in Years 10 and 11
• Study A Level Product Design or IB Design Technology in Sixth Form
• Arkwright Scholarship scheme in Sixth Form Application process: Candidates will be asked to bring a portfolio of design and practical work they have created in school and in their own time and be able to talk passionately about this subject.
For Year 12, candidates will be asked to bring GCSE coursework and be willing to talk through their design concepts.
There will be a short interview with the Head of Technology and a practical task.
A statement will also be requested in which the candidate should make clear why they are interested in Design Technology and why they want to be a Design Technology Scholar at Royal High Bath.
Performing Arts Scholarships
Dance
The Royal High Bath Dance department has an extensive offer of dance styles, clubs and performance opportunities and we are delighted that you would like to be part of it.
The home of Dance at Royal High Bath is the inspirational Sophie Cameron Performing Arts Centre building and we also have a second fitness studio space. The girls benefit from top quality facilities, such as barres, portable mirrors, dance flooring and sound system. We work towards an incredibly popular annual Dance Show, where our highest-achieving dancers have the opportunity to shine and take leadership roles.
As well as numerous clubs offering a variety of Dance styles, we also have two Dance companies: Key Stage 3 (Y7-9) Dance, and Senior Dance Company, which work in a professional manner to create inspiring ensemble pieces. Places in these companies are awarded by audition to students who can demonstrate talent in any style of Dance, an aptitude for choreography and an excellent attitude to rehearsal and learning.
A Dance Scholars’ club has been introduced to enable the scholars to perform collaborative pieces for various performance opportunities which aim to challenge and showcase the Dance Scholars’ outstanding technical and expressive performance abilities.
Scholar benefits:
• Tuition in a variety of Dance styles through Dance companies and clubs throughout the week
• Performance platforms within the school, within the GDST and externally
• Opportunity to study Dance at GCSE as an additional subject, beginning in Year 9 or 10
• Leadership opportunities in clubs and with primary school pupils as part of our Community Programme
• Inspiring workshops from guest dance artists and regular tuition from experienced dance professionals
Scholar expectations:
• Attending Dance Clubs and Companies
• Become a Member of the Senior Dance Company in Year 10 and above.
• Studying GCSE Dance beginning in Year 9 or 10
• Becoming a Dance Leader in Sixth Form and leading a Dance Club in the style of your choice.
• Committed to continued external dance tuition
Application process:
Dance applicants will be asked to prepare and perform a short solo in a Dance style of their choice.
Year 7 applicants are required to perform a one minute solo; Year 9 and Year 12 applicants a solo two to
three minutes in length. Applicants will also take part in a group choreographic task.
There will be a short interview with the Head of Dance.
A statement will also be requested in which the candidate should make clear why they are interested in Dance and why they want to be a Dance Scholar at Royal High Bath.
Performing Arts Scholarships
Drama
Drama is a busy and thriving department at Royal High Bath, and alongside our academic programme, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities including clubs, workshops, school productions, theatre trips and Speech and Drama lessons.
Many of our Speech and Drama students are entered for LAMDA examinations and Mid-Somerset Festival Competitions, achieving excellent results in both. Most Royal High School Bath students become involved with our co-curricular activities at some point during their school life, either on stage or behind the scenes with the backstage crew.
Scholar benefits:
• Scholars’ performance evenings
• Professionally-led industry and theatre workshops
• Trips to theatre productions and Drama School showcases
• Regular group meetings
• Audition and self-tape support
• Support for LAMDA exams and Mid Somerset Festival competitions
Scholar expectations: Scholars are expected to lead by example and be committed and active members of the Drama community at Royal High Bath.
Scholars should participate in at least two productions per year (actor or technician) and Scholars’ performance evenings. They are expected to attend at least one external Drama club and/or Theatre Company in their own time.
We encourage our Drama Scholars to be proactive in taking up opportunities to broaden their dramatic experiences in all areas, which could include acting, directing, script writing or technical support.
• Involvement in co-curricular activities: on stage or behind the scenes
• Scholars’ performances
• LAMDA exams
• Attendance at workshops/ productions and theatre trips
Application process:
Drama applicants will be asked to prepare and perform two contrasting dramatic monologues of their own choice.
Candidates are expected to exhibit a good knowledge of each chosen play and the characters they are playing and be prepared to discuss their interpretation as part of the interview process. No monologue should last longer than two minutes.
There will be a short interview with the Head of Drama, during which candidates will be asked to discuss their experience of live and/ or recorded theatre performances which they have attended.
A statement will also be requested in which the candidate should make clear why they are interested in Drama and why they want to be a Drama Scholar at Royal High Bath.
Performing Arts Scholarships
Music
Opportunities for practice, performance and the study of Music in our Steinway Music School are considerable and the standard of musicianship at Royal High Bath is exceptional. Music Scholars’ timetables are tailored and continually monitored to accommodate their musical interests and practice time.
In addition to regular teaching and rehearsals, scholars are encouraged to travel to performances outside of Bath, and to attend recitals and masterclasses within the school.
Music Scholars enjoy specialising in Music throughout their school career and perform in a range of internal and external concerts and recitals over the academic year. Musicians are also taken on tour, both nationally and internationally.
Highly-achieving Music Scholars are able to record their performances in our professional standard recording studio. Scholars also have the opportunity to perform as soloists in concertos, and many attain diplomas before leaving school.
For some, Music is simply an important pastime, however several
students have recently gone on to read Music at University and Conservatoire, and subsequently pursued the subject professionally.
Scholar benefits:
• Specific masterclasses by Steinway Artists and leading musicians
• Access to Steinway recital venues worldwide
• A series of concerts, performing alongside professional musicians
• External performances within the local community
• Termly Scholars’ concerts to showcase and nurture progression and development
• Links with all major Music Conservatoires
• Regular one-to-one meetings with the Director of Music to track progress and discuss career aspirations
• Leadership opportunities in choirs and instrumental ensembles
Scholar expectations:
High standards of choral music are a distinctive feature of the musical life of the school, and all Music Scholars with suitable voices are expected to complement
their instrumental studies with membership of the Chamber Choir or V20 as well as other choirs, as advised by the Director of Music.
We encourage candidates with exceptional potential to apply, but we would expect all candidates to have received some sort of formal training on their instrument or voice. It is unlikely we would award a scholarship to a student who is only able to offer one instrument or solely voice.
• Attend recitals and masterclasses within school and outside
• Perform in internal and external concerts
• ABRSM (or equivalent) Merit or Distinction in their main instrument or voice in Grade 3 for Year 7, Grade 5 for Year 9 and Grade 7 for Year 12
Application process:
Music applicants will be asked to perform a piece on each instrument (or voice) offered. They will also be given some aural tests and sight-reading commensurate with the standard expected of the age group.
There will be a short interview with the Director of Music during which candidates are asked about their musical experiences and interests to determine their commitment to Music in a broader context.
A statement will also be requested in which the candidate should make clear why they are interested in Music and why they want to be a Music Scholar at Royal High Bath.
Sport
The PE Department at Royal High Bath is on an exciting journey and we would love you to be part of it.
Opportunities for training and matches are considerable and the standard of Sport at Royal High is excellent. Sport Scholars’ timetables are tailored to accommodate their sporting interests, where necessary, and training load and energy levels are carefully monitored.
High-achieving scholars represent the School in a number of sports (cricket, netball, hockey to name a few) and also pursue their sporting careers outside of school. These are as varied as gymnastics, clay pigeon shooting, cross-country and fencing. They go on to gain county, regional and international honours. We also have staff who have represented their country and others who have played Sport to the highest level.
High standards of athletes are a distinctive feature of the sporting life of the school, and all Sports Scholars are expected to represent school as a priority when selected, as advised by the Director of Sport.
Scholar benefits:
2 x weekly Strength and Speed Sessions
• Morning sessions 7.458.30am.
• Individual and or sport specific sessions
• Designed to support long term athlete development, whilst establishing a robust foundation of strength, speed, power and mobility that in turn will help prevent injury and enhance athletic performance.
Subsidised Physiotherapy support (Affiliated ‘Bath Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic - BPSIC)
• If a Sports Scholar experiences an acute injury or requires support for a chronic reoccurring injury, their initial session will be subsidised.
Termly Talks and Workshops
• On the topics of: Nutrition, Sleep, Performance Mindset, Recovery Strategies, Workload management etc. to support long term athletic development Small group skill support within your chosen sport
• Delivered termly, every scholar will receive an individual or small group skill/technical session on their focused sport.
Mentoring from Head of Sport
• Half termly meetings and ongoing support within the sports department
Annual Sports Scholars Trip
• GDST Scholars trip
• Trip to a University Sports Science department for lecture in high performance and physical testing
Scholar expectations:
We encourage candidates with exceptional potential to apply and we expect all candidates to be taking part in Sport outside of school. It is unlikely that we would award a scholarship to a student who is unable to represent School, or someone who is simply good at sport.
Sport Scholars are expected to:
• Take part in Sport outside School
• Represent the School
• Participate in the extracurricular programme
• Demonstrated leadership qualities on and off the field
Application process:
Potential scholars will be invited to take part in an assessment which includes a range of practical assessments.
There will be a short interview with the Director of Sport.
A statement will also be requested in which the candidate should make clear why they are interested in Sport and why they want to be a Sport Scholar at Royal High Bath.
