SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS & THE ASPIRE PROGRAMME
2025-26
BUILDING CURIOSITY, AMBITION AND GENEROSITY IN EVERY INDIVIDUAL
Sir William Perkins’s School has much to offer individuals who demonstrate outstanding talents and potential in their chosen field.
In our mission to develop, extend and nurture talent, a range of scholarships are available to exceptional students who will benefit from the experiences and opportunities our scholars’ programmes offer.
We believe in developing our students’ talent, supporting them to become curious, ambitious and generous individuals, ready to take on life when they leave us.
The school supports, develops and celebrates talent in the fields of Academic, Sport, STEM and Creative and Performing Arts at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 though our range of Scholarship programmes.
A PROGRAMME TO REWARD, CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
We are proud to offer a range of scholarships designed to recognise outstanding ability and nurture students’ passions. Academic scholarships are awarded following a successful interview with the Head or Academic Deputy. These awards may come with a reduction in academic tuition fees and include access to our vibrant Scholars’ Programme.
Scholarships in Art, Drama, Music, Sport and STEM are granted based on each department’s assessment process, and like academic awards, they may also carry a variable level of fee remission.
Students who show great promise but aren’t awarded a full scholarship may be invited to join our Aspire programme. This special pathway offers access to many of the enriching experiences enjoyed by Scholars - such as peer mentoring, unique trips, and co-curricular opportunities - all in recognition of their talent and dedication. Whilst there is no fee reduction for the Aspire programme, it’s a prestigious and rewarding chance to develop your skills and interests even further.
All scholarships are awarded for the duration of a student’s time at the school, although certain departments may set conditions - such as continuing to study the subject at A Level. Awards are reviewed based on a student’s performance and level of commitment to the Scholars’ Programme. In return for these privileges and opportunities, Scholars are expected to give their best, take full advantage of what’s on offer, and play an active role in the life of the school.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Our Academic Scholars are offered a wealth of exciting opportunities designed to inspire and extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Scholars can take part in thought-provoking Academic Ambition forums, lectures, and workshops. These engaging sessions cover a variety of current topics - ranging from climate denialism and controversial art to online exams and artificial intelligence in the classroom - and offer a space to explore ideas and debate with like-minded peers.
Scholars also enjoy special trips, such as a visit to the British Library, and are invited to Academic Scholar events - a chance to share their academic interests and celebrate achievements over tea and cake.
To support individual growth, Scholars have regular mentoring and feedback sessions to ensure the highest level of scholarly progression.
Through the programme, students also develop valuable skills in leadership, oracy and peer mentoring - building confidence and character along the way.
Academic scholarships may include a reduction in tuition fees, in recognition of a student’s potential and dedication.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR ACADEMIC SCHOLARS
Being an Academic Scholar at SWPS is a chance to shine - and we encourage Scholars to make the most of every opportunity!
We ask Scholars to:
Fully engage with the Academic Ambition Programme, both in terms of attendance and leadership.
Take part regularly in forums, lectures, and trips designed to spark ideas and broaden horizons.
Represent the school and their fellow Scholars at events like the Scholars’ Showcase, and other exciting occasions.
Join in with co-curricular and supercurricular activities to enrich their learning experience, to complement their studies and to share with the wider community.
Show real enthusiasm for learning, aim high, and embrace the role of Scholar as an ambassador within the school community.
Participate in regular reviews to discuss academic progress and participation in the programme.
Help to shape the future direction of the academic journey of the school by contributing to work reviews and feedback sessions.
ACADEMIC ASPIRE PROGRAMME
The Academic Aspire Programme is a wonderful way for us to recognise and support students who show great promise in a particular subject area.
While Aspire does not include fee remission, it is nonetheless a prestigious programme that offers many of the same benefits enjoyed by our Scholars - such as academic enrichment activities, mentoring opportunities, and subject-specific tripswhere available.
Aspire encourages students to deepen their engagement, grow in confidence, and pursue their interests with real purpose. It’s a meaningful opportunity to be part of an inspiring academic community that celebrates passion, effort, and potential.
ART SCHOLARSHIPS –
ART SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Our Art Scholars are encouraged to immerse themselves in an exciting and creative environment, with opportunities designed to stretch and showcase their talents.
Take part in inspiring workshops led by practising artists - both from within the department and visiting professionals.
Share your work through regular exhibitions, displays, and our online gallery at www. artdesignswps.org.uk.
Enjoy masterclasses in specialist techniques, including printmaking, animation, darkroom photography, and digital imaging.
Get creative behind the scenes by helping to design and paint sets and props for our major school drama productions.
Develop important life skills such as leadership, communication, and mentoring.
In recognition of their commitment, Art Scholars may receive a remission of academic tuition fees.
Stay actively involved in Art and Design cocurricular opportunities.
Contribute content for the department’s website, including artwork, photos, writing or short films.
Proudly represent the school by displaying your work at events and exhibitions.
Collaborate with others to bring drama productions to life through set and prop design.
Attend workshops, trips and masterclasses as part of your artistic development.
Show a genuine passion for their subject and embrace their role as an ambassador for Art & Design at SWPS.
ART ASPIRE PROGRAMME
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR ART SCHOLARS
Our Art Scholars play a key role in the life of the department and wider school community. As an Art Scholar, we encourage you to:
The Art Aspire Programme is designed for students with strong creative potential who are passionate about Art & Design. While Aspire does not include fee remission, it offers many of the same exciting experiences as the full Scholars’ Programme - such as access to workshops, trips, and artistic opportunities - when available. This programme encourages students to take their artistic talents further, be recognised for their dedication, and become part of a thriving creative community.
DRAMA SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
At Sir William Perkins’s School, we take great pride in supporting students who show a passion and flair for drama. Our Drama Scholars’ Programme is designed to stretch their talent and build their confidence through a wealth of exciting opportunities.
As part of the programme, your child will:
Perform in a variety of productions and showcase events, with Year 7 Drama Scholars guaranteed a role in the School Musical (Years 8 - 13).
Attend termly workshops, lectures, and masterclasses to refine their performance skills and explore new creative approaches.
Enjoy theatre trips with fellow Drama Scholars from across the year groups.
Be part of the ‘Drama Scholars’ Forum’ - a space for discussion, planning, and creative exchange.
Take part in half-termly ‘Scholars’ Teas’ - a chance to celebrate progress and connect with others in the programme.
Benefit from a supportive Buddy Scheme, linking younger students with mentors in the Upper School.
Have priority access to school productions, enrichment trips and, from Year 9, GCSE and A Level Theatre visits when appropriate.
Receive one-to-one coaching for drama opportunities beyond school, such as auditions for the National Youth Theatre.
Build valuable skills in leadership, communication, and mentoring.
Be eligible for academic tuition fee remission, recognising their commitment and potential.
EXPECTATIONS OF DRAMA SCHOLARS
Drama Scholars are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the co-curricular life of the Drama Department. This includes:
Committing to rehearsals, performances, and events as agreed with the Head of Drama.
Contributing to the school newsletter with creative or reflective pieces related to Drama.
Representing the school through performance at key events and assemblies.
Attending at least one workshop, trip, or masterclass each term.
Taking part in the Buddy Scheme and meeting with their mentor regularly.
Actively engaging in the Drama Scholars’ Forum.
Showing genuine enthusiasm for theatre and acting as ambassadors for Drama at SWPS.
Participating in a termly review with a member of the Drama Department to reflect on progress and celebrate success.
DRAMA ASPIRE PROGRAMME
For students who show a strong interest and developing talent in Drama but do not hold a full scholarship, the Aspire Programme offers a meaningful and enriching
experience. While fee remission is not included, Aspire students may enjoy many of the same benefits as Drama Scholars, such as access to workshops, performance opportunities, and department activities - where space allows. the programme celebrates commitment and creativity, and helps students grow in confidence as they explore their potential in the performing arts.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
MUSIC SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
At Sir William Perkins’s School, we are proud to recognise and nurture exceptional musical talent through our Music Scholars’ Programme. It offers a wealth of experiences designed to stretch students artistically, build confidence, and support their personal growth.
As part of the programme, your child will:
Perform regularly as a soloist at Scholars’ Concerts each term.
Join termly masterclasses, workshops and lectures with visiting specialist tutors to expand their musical knowledge and skillset.
Be part of weekly co-curricular ensembles led by dedicated, expert tutors.
Receive support and encouragement through a Buddy Scheme linking them with experienced Upper School musicians.
Enjoy guaranteed places on exciting school music trips.
Develop leadership, communication and mentoring abilities that extend far beyond performance.
Benefit from fee remission in recognition of their commitment and musical excellence.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM MUSIC SCHOLARS
We encourage Music Scholars to fully engage with the musical life of the school.
This includes:
Performing at Scholars’ Recitals and key events throughout the school year.
Representing the school as a soloist at Open Mornings and other important occasions.
Participating in workshops or masterclasses at least once each term.
Taking an active role in the Buddy Scheme, meeting with their mentor each half term.
Maintaining a strong level of enthusiasm and dedication to developing their musical potential.
Taking part in a termly review with a staff mentor to reflect on progress and celebrate achievements.
MUSIC ASPIRE PROGRAMME
For students who show promising musical ability but are not in receipt of a full scholarship, the Music Aspire Programme offers a valuable opportunity to flourish.
Although the programme doesn’t include fee remission, Aspire musicians can often enjoy many of the same enriching experiences as Scholars - including access to workshops, ensembles, trips and department activities, subject to availability.
This is a wonderful chance for students to grow musically, connect with peers who share their passion, and feel truly supported in pursuing their creative goals.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
SPORT SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
At Sir William Perkins’s School, we are proud to support students who show dedication and promise in sport. Our Sports Scholars’ Programme offers a wide range of opportunities to help talented young athletes thrive—on and off the field.
As part of the programme, your child will benefit from:
Half-termly one-to-one mentoring sessions with the Head of Sport Scholarship Programme, helping them set goals and reflect on progress.
Engaging talks each half term covering topics such as nutrition, mindset, sports psychology, and the experiences of female athletes.
Weekly Strength and Conditioning sessions to build physical resilience and support performance.
A Buddy Scheme offering peer support from experienced athletes in the Upper School.
Flexibility to support participation in sport outside of school where applicable.
Opportunities to represent the school in a broad variety of sports throughout the year.
A place on the Lower School Sports Tour.
Access to specialist coaching from experienced and former international athletes.
Development of valuable leadership skills in roles such as team captain, coach, or official.
Tuition fee remission as recognition of their sporting ability and commitment.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR SPORTS SCHOLARS
Sports Scholars are ambassadors for the school’s sporting life and are expected to:
Represent SWPS in their main sport, while showing enthusiasm and openness to participating in a range of other sports.
Take part in school fixtures every term, unless competing at county level or higher externally.
Attend all Scholarship Talks and scheduled mentoring sessions.
Communicate proactively with staff if ever unable to participate, along with a plan for returning.
Participate in the Buddy Scheme with regular meetings.
Contribute to the wider SWPS sports community—whether through Open Mornings, tours, or school showcases.
Demonstrate drive, sportsmanship, and a genuine commitment to reaching their athletic potential, while showing coachability and leadership potential.
The Sports Aspire Programme recognises students with developing talent and strong potential in sport. Although the programme does not include fee remission, Aspire students may still benefit from
selected Scholar opportunities—such as attending enrichment talks and joining training sessions where possible, depending on availability. Aspire is a respected pathway that supports young athletes to grow, connect with others, and continue developing their passion for sport.
STEM SCHOLARSHIPS
STEM SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
At Sir William Perkins’s School, we’re excited to support students with a real passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through our dynamic STEM Scholars’ Programme.
As part of the programme which is available as part of an application to Year 7 or Year 9, your child will have the chance to:
Join exciting clubs and competitions, including F1 in Schools and the CREST Award.
Take part in weekly co-curricular STEM clubs and enjoy themed events such as Science Week and STEM Week.
Attend engaging masterclasses, workshops and lectures led by subject specialists.
Receive guidance and mentoring from expert staff to help with applications for prestigious opportunities like the Arkwright Scholarship.
Have priority places on enriching STEMrelated school trips.
Build confidence through leadership, public speaking and peer mentoring activities.
Receive academic tuition fee remission in recognition of their STEM potential.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR SPORTS SCHOLARS
STEM Scholars are valued members of our
learning community, and we encourage them to:
Actively participate in STEM co-curricular activities, as agreed with their staff mentor.
Contribute articles or features to the school newsletter or magazine that celebrate STEM learning.
Represent the school proudly by taking a lead at assemblies, services and key events.
Attend at least one STEM workshop, trip or masterclass each term.
Show enthusiasm for their area of specialism and embrace their role as an ambassador for STEM at SWPS.
Take part in a half-termly review with a STEM mentor to reflect on progress and plan ahead.
STEM ASPIRE PROGRAMME
The STEM Aspire Programme offers an excellent opportunity for students who show a strong interest and developing ability in STEM subjects.
Although the programme does not include tuition fee remission, Aspire students are still invited to take part in many of the enriching activities enjoyed by Scholars - such as clubs, trips, and workshops - depending on availability. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence, deepen subject knowledge, and feel part of a thriving STEM learning community.
