Scholarships and Aspire brochure 2026-27

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS & THE ASPIRE PROGRAMME 2026-27

B U I L D I N G C U R I O S I T Y, AMBITION AND GENEROSITY IN EVERY INDIVIDUAL – Sir William Perkins’s School has much to offer students who demonstrate outstanding talent and potential in their chosen field.

As part of our mission to develop, extend and nurture talent, we offer a range of scholarship programmes designed to recognise exceptional ability and provide rich opportunities for growth.

Alongside these, the Aspire Programme enables us to support students who demonstrate strong promise, commitment and enthusiasm, offering access to many of the sae enriching experiences.

The Scholarships and Aspire Programme at Sir William Perkins’s School are designed to recognise promise, support development and celebrate effort. Above all, they encourage students to grow in confidence, curiosity and generosity, preparing them to contribute positively to school life and beyond.

The school supports, develops and celebrates talent in Academic study, Sport, STEM, and Creative and Performing Arts at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.

A PROGRAMME TO REWARD, C E L E B R AT E A N D S U P P O R T E X C E P T I O N A L TA L E N T – At Sir William Perkins’s School, we recognise that talent develops in many different ways and at different stages. Our Scholarships and Aspire Programme exist to identify potential early, to encourage commitment and curiosity, and to support students as they grow in confidence and maturity.

These programmes are designed to be inclusive and aspirational.

Whether a student joins us as a Scholar or as part of the Aspire Programme, they are recognised for their strengths and encouraged to make the most of the rich opportunities available at SWPS. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding ability, promise and engagement within their chosen field. Awards are available at Year 7 and Year 9 entry and for those joining the Sixth Form across a range of disciplines: Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Rowing (Year 12 only), Sport, STEM (Year 7 & 9 only).

Academic scholarships are awarded following interview with the Head or Academic Deputy. Subject-specific scholarships are awarded through departmental assessment.

Where offered, scholarships may include a variable remission of academic tuition fees, alongside participation in a structured Scholars’ Programme.

Scholarships are usually held for the duration of a student’s time at the school, subject to sustained engagement and positive contribution.

THE SCHOLARS’ AND THE ASPIRE PROGRAMME – The Scholars’ Programme provides additional enrichment and challenge alongside the core curriculum. It is designed to encourage depth of interest, reflective learning and increasing independence over time.

Across all subject areas, Scholars benefit from: Carefully planned enrichment activities Guidance and mentoring from experienced staff Opportunities to develop leadership, oracy and peer support skills Belonging to a community of like-minded students We encourage Scholars to enjoy challenge, to reflect on their progress, and to contribute thoughtfully to the wider life of the school.

The Aspire Programme is an important pathway for students who demonstrate strong potential, motivation and commitment, but who may not be awarded a formal scholarship.

While Aspire does not include fee remission, it offers meaningful recognition and access to many of the same enrichment opportunities enjoyed by Scholars, where available. Aspire is designed to build confidence, sustain interest and allow talent to flourish over time.

Aspire students benefit from: Selected enrichment and co-curricular opportunities Subject-specific support and guidance Encouragement to deepen engagement and curiosity Being part of a community that values effort and growth Aspire students are encouraged to approach the programme with enthusiasm and to play an active role in school life.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS – ACADEMIC SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME The Academic Programme supports students who enjoy thinking deeply, asking questions and exploring learning beyond the classroom.

Opportunities may include: Academic Ambition forums, lectures and workshops Enrichment visits and subject-specific experiences Showcase and discussion events Mentoring and structured feedback Opportunities to develop presentation and discussion skills Academic scholarships may include tuition fee remission.

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E Students in the Academic Scholars’ and Aspire Programme are encouraged to: Engage thoughtfully with enrichment opportunities Develop independence and confidence as learners Share ideas and respond positively to challenge Support and inspire others within the academic community

ART SCHOLARSHIPS – ART SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME The Art Programme provides a creative environment in which students can experiment, take risks and develop their own visual voice.

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E Students are encouraged to: Participate actively in creative opportunities Share ideas, processes and outcomes

Opportunities may include:

Collaborate with confidence and generosity

Workshops led by departmental staff and visiting artists

Represent the creative life of the school with pride

Exhibitions, displays and online showcases Masterclasses in specialist techniques Involvement in set and prop design for school productions Creative leadership and mentoring opportunities Art scholarships may include tuition fee remission.

DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS – DRAMA SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME Drama Scholars and Aspire students are supported to develop confidence, expressiveness and collaboration through performance.

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E Students are encouraged to: Commit positively to rehearsals and performances

Opportunities may include:

Take increasing responsibility within the department

Roles in productions and showcase events

Reflect on progress and set personal goals

Workshops, lectures and practical masterclasses

Act as enthusiastic representatives for Drama at SWPS

Theatre trips and discussion forums Coaching and guidance for external opportunities, where appropriate Drama scholarships may include tuition fee remission.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS – MUSIC SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME The Music Programme supports students in developing performance skills, musical understanding and confidence as collaborative musicians.

Opportunities may include: Solo and ensemble performance opportunities with professional accompaniment Workshops, masterclasses and lectures Participation in co-curricular ensembles and trips Leadership and mentoring roles within the department Music scholarships may include tuition fee remission.

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E Music Scholars are encouraged to: Engage fully with the musical life of the school Perform at Scholars’ Recitals and key events with confidence and commitment Represent the department at Open Mornings and public occasions Attend at least one workshop or masterclass per term Participate in regular review meetings

SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS – SPORT SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME The Sport Programme supports students who demonstrate commitment, resilience and enthusiasm for developing both performance and character through sport.

We recognise that sporting journeys look different for every student, and that long‑term success depends on balance, wellbeing and teamwork as much as results.

Opportunities may include: Enrichment talks on topics such as nutrition, mindset and performance psychology Sport‑specific mentoring and structured goal‑setting Access to specialist coaching and strength and conditioning, where appropriate Leadership opportunities as captains, coaches, officials or mentors Flexibility to support external sporting commitments, where appropriate Sport scholarships may include tuition fee remission.

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E Students are encouraged to: Approach training and competition with commitment, humility and coachability Balance sporting ambition with academic engagement Communicate proactively about wellbeing, availability and injury Play an active role in building a positive, inclusive team culture Represent the school with integrity, sportsmanship and generosity of spirit Contribute to the wider school community Attend mentoring sessions and scholarship talks

STEM SCHOLARSHIPS – STEM SCHOLARS’ & ASPIRE PROGRAMME The STEM Programme supports students with curiosity, analytical thinking and a genuine interest in how science, technology, engineering and mathematics shape the world around us. It encourages exploration, problem‑solving and confidence in tackling complex ideas, both individually and collaboratively.

Opportunities may include: Subject enrichment activities, clubs and competitions Workshops, talks and masterclasses led by subject specialists Guidance and mentoring for projects, competitions and external applications Opportunities to develop presentation skills and explain complex ideas clearly Leadership roles promoting STEM engagement within the school community STEM scholarships may include tuition fee remission.awarded

W H AT W E E N C O U R A G E STEM Scholars are valued members of our learning community and are encouraged to: Participate actively in STEM co‑curricular activities, as agreed with their staff mentor Contribute articles or features celebrating STEM learning to the school newsletter or magazine Represent the school positively by taking a lead at assemblies, services and key events Attend at least one STEM workshop, trip or masterclass each term Demonstrate enthusiasm for their area of specialism and embrace their role as ambassadors for STEM at SWPS Take part in half‑termly review meetings with a STEM mentor to reflect on progress and plan next steps

Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BN 01932 574 900 ADMISSIONS@swps.org.uk swps.org.uk