SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
BUILDING CURIOSITY, AMBITION AND GENEROSITY IN EVERY INDIVIDUAL
At Sir William Perkins’s School, we delight in young people who are curious about the world, ambitious for themselves, and generous in how they use their talents. Our Sixth Form Scholarships are designed to recognise exceptional potential while, just as importantly, nurturing confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning.
Choosing a scholarship pathway is an important decision. We aim to make the experience at SWPS both stretching and supportive, enabling scholars to thrive academically and personally, and to enjoy the journey as much as the achievement.
Our Scholars’ Programmes are not simply about recognition. They are about growth, exploration and contribution. At Sir William Perkins’s School, scholars are known, supported and encouraged to use their talents generously, both now, and long after they leave us.
A PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT TO NURTURE AND REWARD TALENT
We offer Sixth Form Scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding ability and commitment in their chosen field. Scholarships are available in Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Rowing and Sport.
Each award recognises talent while providing access to a structured Scholars’ Programme, designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage purposeful contribution to the wider school community. Where awarded, scholarships may include a variable remission on academic tuition fees.
The Scholars’ Experience
All Scholars benefit from being part of a supportive and stimulating scholarly community. While each programme is tailored to its discipline, scholars share common opportunities and expectations. Across all programmes, scholars can expect:
Subject-specific enrichment and challenge
Opportunities to develop leadership, oracy and mentoring skills
Structured academic, creative or athletic development
Guidance from experienced and passionate staff
Above all, scholars are encouraged to grow as thoughtful, motivated and generous individuals who make a positive difference to school life.
Scholarships are normally held for the duration of a student’s time in the Sixth Form, subject to continued engagement, performance and commitment.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Applicants may wish to indicate particular academic interests or strengths in their letter of application, for example in languages, humanities, STEM or interdisciplinary areas.
Academic Scholars enjoy a programme that deepens intellectual curiosity and strengthens independent thinking. Students are encouraged to explore ideas beyond the syllabus, develop an academic voice and share their interests with others.
Opportunities include:
Academic Ambition fora, lectures and workshops each term, exploring contemporary themes such as culture, ethics, technology, climate and the evolving role of AI in learning
Enrichment visits and subject-specific experiences, including trips such as visits to the British Academy where appropriate
Showcase events where students present work, lead discussion and celebrate academic achievement
Termly Academic Scholars’ Teas with the Head
One-to-one mentoring with senior staff, including guidance for competitive university applications
Opportunities to develop leadership, oracy and peer mentoring skills
Academic scholarships may include tuition fee remission, awarded in recognition of potential and commitment.
BEING AN ACADEMIC SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Academic Scholars are encouraged to engage fully with the programme and to enjoy intellectual challenge. Scholars thrive when they:
Attend and contribute positively to Academic Ambition sessions
Approach learning with curiosity, independence and openness
Take opportunities to share ideas and lead discussion
Act as positive academic role models within the school
ART SCHOLARSHIPS
ART SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Art Scholars are invited into a dynamic and supportive creative environment where ideas are explored boldly and individuality is celebrated.
Opportunities include:
Workshops led by practising artists, both within the department and visiting professionals
Regular exhibitions and displays of students’ work
Masterclasses in areas such as printmaking, animation, darkroom photography and digital imaging
Opportunities to contribute to set and prop design for major school drama productions
Development of leadership, communication and mentoring skills
Art scholarships may include tuition fee remission.
BEING AN ART SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Art Scholars play a valued role in representing the creative life of the school.
Scholars are encouraged to:
Engage actively in co-curricular Art and Design opportunities
Share creative work and processes through exhibitions and departmental platforms
Collaborate on creative projects, including productions and events
Attend workshops, trips and masterclasses with enthusiasm
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
DRAMA SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
The Drama Scholars’ Programme supports students with a passion for performance, helping them build confidence, creativity and presence on and off the stage.
Opportunities include:
Performance opportunities across productions and showcase events
Termly workshops, lectures and masterclasses
Theatre trips with Drama Scholars across year groups
Participation in the Drama Scholars’ Forum and Scholars’ Teas each term
One-to-one coaching for external drama opportunities, including National Youth Theatre auditions
Drama scholarships may include tuition fee remission.
BEING A DRAMA SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Drama Scholars are encouraged to immerse themselves in the life of the department by:
Committing to rehearsals and performances as agreed
Representing the school at key events
Attending at least one workshop, trip or masterclass each term
Taking part in regular reflection and review meetings
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
MUSIC SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Music Scholars are supported to flourish as performers and musicians, developing both technical skill and musical confidence.
Opportunities include:
Solo performance with a professional accompanist at termly Scholars’ Concerts
Termly masterclasses, workshops and lectures with specialist tutors
Access to weekly co-curricular ensembles
Guaranteed places on school music trips
Leadership, communication and mentoring development
Music scholarships may include tuition fee remission.
BEING A MUSIC SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Music Scholars are encouraged to:
Perform regularly at recitals and school events
Represent the department at Open Mornings and public occasions
Take part in workshops or masterclasses each term
Approach music-making with commitment, enthusiasm and ambition
ROWING SCHOLARSHIPS
ROWING SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
The Rowing Scholars’ Programme supports students balancing high-performance rowing with strong academic focus.
Opportunities include:
A comprehensive, year-round training programme led by former international athletes and elite coaches
Individually tailored training and strength and conditioning programmes
Education workshops on nutrition, psychology, wellbeing and female athlete health
Personalised academic support during mock and public examinations
One-to-one mentoring for athletes on the GB Rowing performance pathway
Guidance through the GB trials system
Overseas warm-weather Easter training camp
Development of leadership skills on and off the water
Academic tuition fee remission, where awarded
BEING A ROWING SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Rowing Scholars are expected to:
Immerse themselves fully in rowing while maintaining academic focus
Lead by example in the Senior Squad in attitude and performance
Represent SWPS Boat Club with integrity and excellence
Commit to the Senior Squad training programme throughout the year
Communicate proactively around wellbeing and injury
Act as ambassadors for the school and rowing community
Showcase sporting talent alongside humility, drive and the bravery to take risks.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
SPORT SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
The Sport Scholars’ Programme supports talented athletes across a wide range of sports, helping them develop confidence, resilience and leadership.
Opportunities include:
Termly mentoring sessions with specialist staff
Scholarship talks on topics such as nutrition, mindset and performance psychology
Weekly strength and conditioning sessions
Flexibility to support external sporting commitments
Access to specialist and former international coaches
Leadership opportunities as captains, coaches or officials
Sport scholarships may include tuition fee remission.
BEING A SPORT SCHOLAR AT SWPS
Sport Scholars are expected to:
Represent the school in their main sport while engaging positively with the wider programme
Attend scholarship talks and mentoring sessions
Communicate openly with staff regarding availability or injury
Contribute actively to the sporting life of the school
