Scholarship Brochure

Scholarships

Introduction A Sibford School scholarship is not just about celebrating excellence, it’s about developing and sharing it.

Our scholarship students are given the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities and extra support in their chosen area of talent. They are supported by staff who are experts in their field and encouraged to challenge themselves to achieve at the very highest level.

Furthermore, scholarship students also act as ambassadors within the school, sharing their enthusiasm and encouraging fellow students to take an active interest in their subject area.

Scholars will be encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities and extend their interest beyond the school day.

The aims of the scholarship programme at Sibford School are: to encourage students who are exceptionally gifted and talented to join the school. to recognise outstanding talent within the school at key transition stages. to continue the school’s long tradition of providing public benefit.

What scholarships are offered?

There are two categories of scholarship at Sibford School: Academic: Where a student shows exceptional academic ability and potential.

Talent: Art, Drama, Music, Sport.

All-Rounder scholarships may be awarded at the Head‘s discretion to candidates who show promise in more than one area, including academic.

Scholarship awards are honorary although, for exceptional pupils and, at the Head’s discretion, financial awards for scholarships may be offered.

Who can apply?

Scholarships are available to existing pupils, and also new pupils entering Sibford School in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.

Introduction All scholarship applicants will be expected to provide a short personal statement (approximately 300 words) about their work and interests in relation to the category of scholarship to which they have applied. Additional assessment criteria for each scholarship category is outlined in the following pages.

Key dates for 2026 entry Year 7 scholarship applications Deadline - 1 November 2025 Assessment day - 21 November 2025

Year 9 scholarship applications Deadline - 6 February 2026 Assessment day - 26/ 27 February 2026

Sixth Form scholarship applications Deadline line - 6 February 2026 Assessment day - w/c 23rd February 2026 Please note: Applications for scholarships will not be considered without supporting evidence.

With the exception of international applicants, it is essential for a student to attend the scholarship interview/trial in person. International students applying for an academic scholarship will be interviewed via Skype if they are unable to attend in person.

Application process Senior School applicants To apply for a Year 7 or Year 9 scholarship, you will need to complete the scholarship form and return it to the Sibford School admissions office, along with a copy of your child's most recent school report (if you are an external applicant) and any evidence required to support the application.

Applications can be sent be email to admissions@sibfordschool.co.uk,or by post to: Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, OX15 5QL. Scholarship applications for pupils should be received by: Friday 1 November 2025 for Year 7 applicants Friday 6 February 2026 for Year 9 applicants The application will be reviewed, and an email will be sent inviting successful candidates to attend a Senior School scholarship day.

Sixth Form applicants To apply for a Year 12 scholarship, you will need to complete the scholarship form and return it to the Sibford School admissions office, along with a copy of your child's most recent school report (if you are an external applicant) and any evidence required to support the application.

Applications can be sent be email to admissions@sibfordschool.co.uk,or by post to: Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, OX15 5QL. Scholarship applications for pupils who have applied to join Sibford Sixth Form in September should be received by Friday 6 February 2026.

The application will be reviewed, and an email will be sent inviting successful candidates to attend a Sixth Form scholarship day week commencing Monday 23rd February 2026.

Please note If successful on a scholarship day, a scholarship offer will be sent within a fortnight. Unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted at this stage.

Academic Scholarships Academic scholars at Sibford will demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential. They are expected to be a positive role model for fellow students and maintain excellent standards of academic progress and conduct at all times.

What needs to accompany an application for an academic scholarship?

In addition to the activities on scholarship morning, applications should include your most recent report, a reference from your current school and a portfolio of at least two pieces of work that demonstrate academic strength in a range of areas. (For example, a history project or science experiment).

How will applicants be assessed on the scholarship morning?

Applicants will be asked to complete a Maths and an English assessment. (Year 12 applicants will be assessed on two written papers based on their chosen subjects for key stage 5.)

This is an opportunity to demonstrate general Maths skills (45 mins) and comprehension and writing skills (45 mins). Applicants need to bring the usual classroom equipment, pen, pencil, ruler and a calculator.

Expectations of an academic scholar Meeting with the most able coordinator once a term, maintaining a high level of academic work and effort in a range of subjects.

What does it mean to be an academic scholar?

Successful scholars will be students who take pride in their work, maintains high levels of achievement across a range of subjects and makes a strong level of effort in their classwork and prep.

An academic scholar will act as a role model to others in their endeavours to complete work.

The student will attend sessions with the More Able co-ordinator and access extracurricular opportunities to develop their learning.

Sports Scholarships

Sports scholarships are offered to pupils who show exceptional ability and promise in a particular area, as well as the ability to inspire and act as a role model for others.

Applications are welcome from any of our performance sports, however, other sports will be considered on an individual basis. It is recommended for application (but not limited to) that pupils are either: Performing at County equivalent or above in one sport.

A strong all-rounder across several sports.

What needs to accompany an application for a Sports scholarship?

Anyone applying for a Sports scholarship needs to provide the following with their application: Two references from teachers and or sports coaches (Internal applicants only need to submit external sport coach references where applicable).

A portfolio of evidence of sporting achievements (this could include video evidence).

How will applicants be assessed?

There will be a fitness/sports assessment with PE staff and an interview with the Director of Sport and Head of Senior School PE. During this interview there will be a review of the submitted sporting portfolio and references. Applicants will need to bring suitable PE kit for the activity being assessed. Specific requirements will be communicated prior to the assessment.h

Expectations of a Sports scholar Represent the school and be ambassadors of the school’s sporting values.

Be ambassadors for the school and PE department by attending school events such as open mornings, information evenings, celebration day, and feeder primary school events where available.

Be approachable, providing support, leadership, guidance, and inspiration to students at all levels in the school, thereby fostering a sense of community within the school.

Have excellent attendance and punctuality to both PE lessons and games fixtures, demonstrating a responsible attitude to learning.

Be prepared and presentable at all times, ensuring PE kit and equipment for every lesson, club, or fixture.

Support the PE department in lessons by helping with equipment, demonstrating leadership in all activities, and a positive attitude towards every sport or activity.

Attend Sports scholarship meetings and twilight sessions and work collaboratively with your sports mentor.

What does it mean to be a Sports scholar?

Sports scholars represent the sporting attributes, leadership qualities and core values that are integral to developing both as an individual and within our sporting community.

Senior School Our Year 7 and 9 Sports Scholars benefit from: Be allocated a PE staff mentor who they check in with termly.

Attend half-termly twilight sessions.

Be invited to an annual Sports scholar trip.

Be invited to Sibford sport development academies where appropriate (Cricket, Swimming).

Receive support with training programmes and strength and conditioning.

Sixth Form Our Sixth Form Sports Scholars benefit from: Personalised strength & conditioning programme Weekly Scholars gym sessions 1-to-1 specialist sports-specific coaching sessions Entry and support into National Competitions Half-termly mentoring & academic support Specialist nutrition workshops Biannual Sports Scholar trips Inspirational guest speakers – including GB Olympians

Drama Scholarships Becoming a drama scholar will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the performing arts and inspire you to participate in all the creative opportunities offered at Sibford School.

What needs to accompany an application for a Drama scholarship?

Anyone applying for a Drama scholarship needs to provide a written response to the following question: ‘Think of a professional performance you have seen and describe how one performer used their vocal and physical skills to convey their character to the audience?’

Applicants should include the following: What play it was and where you saw it? (digital performances can be used) Describe who the character was and what they were like.

Include a quote if you can remember a line that they said.

How will applicants be assessed?

Applicants will be expected to perform a 1-minute devised speech for the Head of drama, without script. There is no theme or topic, so applicants are encouraged to be creative and use their imagination.

There will also be a short interview with the Head of Drama which will centre around current commitment to Drama and the contribution that would be made to the Drama department should an award be received.

Drama Scholarships

Expectations of a Drama scholar To participate in all drama opportunities that are offered and to show a keen attitude toward the subject of Drama and have a willingness to go above and beyond when performing.

What does it mean to be a Drama scholar?

Becoming a Drama scholar will enable you to embrace the arts and to enhance your theatrical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates may be awarded weekly LAMDA lessons at school.

Music Scholarships

Candidates applying for a Music scholarship (instrumental or vocal award) should show musicianship, ability and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject: which is demonstrated in and outside the classroom.

What needs to accompany an application for a Music scholarship?

Anyone applying for a Music scholarship needs to provide the following with their application: Two references from a teacher/music professional.

How will applicants be assessed?

A short interview with the Head of Music which will centre around current commitment to music and the contribution that would be made to the Music department should an award be received.

Music Scholarships All applicants will be asked to perform a chosen piece and complete an aural and sight reading test with the Head of Music as follows: For entry in Year 7 Candidates will be expected to have reached the standard (though not necessarily to have sat the examination) of at least Grade 4 in their first instrument. They will be required to perform two contrasting pieces alongside grade appropriate aural and sight reading tests. (If two instruments are offered, then one piece per instrument.).

For entry in Year 9 Candidates will be expected to have reached the standard (though not necessarily to have sat the examination) of at least Grade 6 in their first instrument. They will be required to perform two contrasting pieces alongside grade appropriate aural and sight reading tests. (If two instruments are offered, then one piece per instrument.).

For Entry in Year 12 Candidates will be expected to have reached the standard (though not necessarily to have sat the examination) of at least Grade 7 in their first instrument. They will be required to perform two contrasting pieces alongside grade appropriate aural and sight reading tests. (If two instruments are offered, then one piece per instrument.)

Expectations of a Music scholar Music scholars will be ambassadors for the musical life of the school community and beyond.

Music scholars will play a leading role in all opportunities for performance including recital events, music meetings and whole school performances. All scholars are expected to take GCSE Music. Instrumentalists will be encouraged to play with the Sibford Community Orchestra.

What does it mean to be a Music scholar?

Music scholars will have the opportunity to fully develop their musical skills. They will have the opportunity of music making at many levels, leading musical ensembles and attending extra-curricular events such as concerts and recitals. Successful candidates may be awarded weekly Music lessons at school.

Art Scholarships Art scholars will be expected to display a keen interest in the subject and be able to articulate how they have been inspired by the work of established artists.

Scholars will be mentored and encouraged by our staff to develop their passion for art and be given opportunities to display and curate their work around the school. It should be their intention to pursue Fine Art or Textile Design as an examination subject, and they will be expected to take advantage of the many extra-curricular arts activities and spend a significant amount of time in the Art Department, collaborating with and inspiring others.

What needs to accompany an application for an Art scholarship?

A portfolio of work that demonstrates talent will need to be submitted. There is no restriction as to where this talent might lie, for example photography, digital media, drawing, painting, printmaking, or three-dimensional design. However, students must take care to ensure that the examples included in the portfolio are their own, unaided work.

How will applicants be assessed?

There will be a timed observational drawing task to be completed, and also interview with the Head of Art where applicants will be able to discuss the portfolio that has been submitted.

Expectations of an Art scholar Art Scholars are expected to take Art or Textiles at GCSE or Art, Textile or Photography if joining at A Level. It would be expected that an Art scholar would fully immerse themselves in the Art departments activities taking part in key Art events, helping with exhibitions, and celebration day.

What does it mean to be an Art scholar?

Being an Art scholar means students will be able to gain priority booking on Horizon slots for Pottery and Screen-Printing clubs They will take part in the scholars exhibition that takes place once a year and be entered into external exhibitions. Scholars will also be offered a place on the Visual Arts Department Trip.