At St. Francis’ College, we are dedicated to recognising and nurturing the unique talents of every student.
We strive to inspire each individual to discover their passions, develop their abilities, and realise their full potential.
Our Scholarship Programme is designed to identify excellence, foster commitment and resilience, and provide opportunities that both challenge and inspire.
Through this programme, we celebrate achievement in all its forms and encourage our scholars to pursue their ambitions with confidence and purpose.
We also hold our scholars to high expectations, as they serve as ambassadors for our school and role models who embody and champion our DREAMS values.
The purpose of the Scholarship Programme is to stretch students beyond the curriculum, celebrate their academic and creative achievements, and enrich the culture of intellectual curiosity and academic rigour within the College.
In addition to participating in activities designed for our More Able students, scholars have the opportunity to attend a series of talks and lectures delivered by a range of inspiring guest speakers.
This year’s theme is ‘Risk’ . Students will draw inspiration from our visiting speakers, each offering their own unique perspective on the theme. Scholars will then explore the concept of ‘Risk’ through independent investigation, creating an original piece of work in the medium of their choice whether a written article, a performance, or another creative expression which they will present at our Celebration Evening.
Mrs Julia Spence Head of St. Francis’ College
Mrs Julia Spence Head of St. Francis’ College
Scholarship applications are welcomed from current pupils and new applicants to the school.
It is acceptable to apply for more than one scholarship. However, a student may only be awarded a maximum of one scholarship.
Exhibition awards may also be offered. While these awards do not carry financial merit, they recognise applicants who have demonstrated a strong standard of achievement. In cases where an applicant meets the criteria for a scholarship but another candidate performs slightly higher, an Exhibition award acknowledges their accomplishment and allows them to benefit from the scholarship provision.
There are three application points, when Scholarship Applications can be submitted:
Year 6
For scholarships awarded from Year 7. Applications need to be made within Year 6.
Year 8
For scholarships awarded from Year 9. Applications need to be made within Year 8.
Year 11
For scholarships awarded in Sixth Form, across Year 12 and Year 13 applications needs to be made within Year 11.
Important Dates:
Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday 5 December 2025 th
Sixth Form DREAMS Presentations & Interviews: W/C 8 December 2025 th
Scholarship Assessment Days: Thursday 8 January (Sports Scholarship Applications only), Friday 9 January and Saturday 10 January 2026 (all remaining scholarship applications) th th th
Please note your daughter may be required for one or all of the dates. Please ensure availability for all dates.
The Academic Scholarship
Available to applicants in Year 6 and Year 8:
The Academic Scholarship examinations will consist of an English, a Mathematics and a Non-Verbal Reasoning Paper and will be held on Friday 9th January 2026.
Practice papers for the English and Mathematics examinations are available to download from the College website. Non-Verbal Reasoning practice papers are available to purchase online.
Please note external candidates and Prep students who take the January Entrance Assessments are automatically considered for an academic scholarship.
The Art Scholarship
The Art Department is looking for all candidates to demonstrate a diverse portfolio and show a desire to work independently. They would like to see an enthusiasm of the subject and evidence that the candidate has a strong desire to experiment and create unique artworks.
Year 6 Applicants:
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of between 10-15 pieces of work. This should include examples of observational pencil drawings and a selection of life drawings.
Year 8 Applicants:
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of between 15-20 pieces of work. This must include examples of observational pencil drawings and a selection of life drawings. All candidates need to present their portfolio to the panel on Friday 9 January 2026. th
The Classical Dance Scholarship
Year 6 Applicants:
Students applying should hold at least Grade 2 (with at least a 75% pass) in classical ballet, and be working towards taking the Grade 3 examination, which should be taken at the latest Summer Term of Year 6. Students should be studying at least one other genre at a minimum of Grade 3 level
The students should prepare two contrasting pieces of under one minute per piece. One can be a set piece from the syllabus or their teacher, the other should be choreographed by themselves without assistance.
They should also be prepared to improvise to a previously unheard piece of music.
Year 8 Applicants:
Candidates applying should hold at least Grade 4 Classical Ballet and be working towards the Grade 5 examination at the latest in the Autumn term of their entry year Candidates should be studying at least one other genre at a minimum of Grade 4 level.
The students should prepare two contrasting pieces of under one minute per piece. One can be a set piece from the syllabus or their teacher, the other should be choreographed by themselves.
They should also be prepared to improvise to a previously unheard piece of music.
The Drama Scholarship
Available to applicants in Year 6 and Year 8:
Candidates will need to learn a monologue from the list supplied which is age appropriate. This will be supplied once an application has been made. The chosen monologue needs to be learnt by heart. It is important that the monologue is understood and that the performer has thought carefully about what is happening in the scene in preparation for a performance and discussion with the assessor.
The Drama Department are looking for the candidate's ability to create the character, use facial expressions and to deliver the piece with varying tone and pitch.
If your daughter has LAMDA lessons in Speech and Drama the minimum entry requirements at Year 7 should be a Merit at Grade 1 (either Verse and Prose or Acting).
Candidates will need to submit their LAMDA achievements, including the disciplines and grades achieved.
The Music Scholarship
Year 6 Applicants:
It is desirable that musicianship and technical proficiency for applicants should be shown on two instruments (including voice). One instrument should be Grade 4 standard or above (Associated Board or the equivalent). A flair for performance and potential well above average must be recognisable on the candidate's main instrument. However, the College will audition a candidate if she only has one instrument at Grade 4 or above. If a candidate plays two instruments, she will be expected to play/sing one piece on each. If a candidate only has one instrument, she will be expected to play two contrasting pieces.
A reasonable standard of theoretical knowledge is expected and a keen interest in music in general is sought.
Copies of the piano accompaniment should be provided in advance.
Year 8 Applicants:
Musicianship and technical proficiency should be shown on two instruments. One instrument should be Grade 5 standard or above (Associated Board or the equivalent). A flair for performance and potential well above average must be recognisable on the candidate’s main instrument. (However, the College will audition a candidate if she only has one instrument at Grade 5 or above.)
If a candidate plays two instruments, she will be expected to play/sing one piece on each. If a candidate only has one instrument, she will be expected to play two contrasting pieces.
A reasonable standard of theoretical knowledge is expected and a keen interest in music in general is sought.
Copies of the piano accompaniment should be provided in advance.
The Sports Scholarship
Available to applicants in Year 6 and Year 8:
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of contribution to the main Sports offered on the School Curriculum namely Athletics, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball, Swimming, Tennis and Dance.
The Candidate must choose which of the sports listed above they wish to perform. It is expected that two sports will be shown.
The Applicant must be representing or working towards representing at County Level in their main sport.
The Candidate must prepare a presentation to give outlining and highlighting their achievements to date. Candidates may use whichever method of presentation they prefer.
The Candidate must prepare for an interview to discuss their suitability for Scholarship and be prepared to attend all team training sessions, matches, and competitions.
The Applicant must request and submit references for their nominated sports from outside Club/County/Regional/National coaches. These should clearly support the application and outline notable achievements and potential for further progression and development.
The Applicant must declare and provide details of any known/current injuries that may affect their performance and participation in the short or long term prior to any Interview or Assessment. This should be accompanied by official medical notes if relevant
The Candidate, if awarded a Sports Scholarship must demonstrate their commitment to School Sports from both a Performance and Development perspective and be seen as a role-model to all other pupils.
The Candidate must undergo Strength, Conditioning and Fitness Testing to establish current level of performance and to highlight any potential areas that may need to be addressed.
Sixth Form DREAMS Awards
Year 11 Applicants:
Brand new for 2026 – the launch of the Sixth Form DREAMS Award. This prestigious new programme celebrates those who embody our DREAMS values of Determination, Resilience, Empowerment, Appreciation, Motivation and Security.
Applicants are invited to showcase what makes them extraordinary their academic achievements, extra-curricular passions, personal growth and how they have encapsulated the DREAMS values to to achieve their goals.
The DREAMS Award recognises students who not only shine today but who have the vision and potential to make a real impact on the world after graduating St Francis’ College Sixth Form As the pinnacle scholarship at St Francis’ College, the DREAMS Scholars will help to shape the DREAMS curriculum. They will attend a leadership convention and will be ambassadors for the overall Scholars Programme.
Candidates are required to submit a 15 minute presentation in a format of their choice. They will then be interviewed by a Senior Leadership Panel to discuss their suitability for the award.
FAQ
Many common questions are addressed below, but should you require any additional information, please contact our Admissions team on: admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk or +44 (0) 1462 670511
1 Who can apply?
2 What does a scholarship include?
Scholarships are available to both internal and external candidates for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 (Sixth Form).
Scholars are recognised by award of a tuition fee remission and access to the specific development pathway associated with the scholarship(s) awarded. Scholars will receive additional support and opportunities to develop their passion for their subject or pursuit The Scholarship Programme will challenge Scholars to set and achieve ambitious goals, while supporting their wellbeing by providing guidance in time management skills.
3 Is there a scholarship assessment fee?
4 Can a child apply for more than one scholarship?
No. You only need to pay the general registration fee for entry at the point of initial application to St Francis’ College if you are a new applicant.
5 What do I need to supply with my scholarship application?
6 Can I appeal the decision not to award my child a scholarship?
Yes. It is possible to apply for more than one scholarship, provided the candidate meets the stated criteria for each. Successful pupils may hold the status of a multiple scholar Any candidate applying for more than one scholarship will need to attend assessments on more than one day. The tuition fee remission associated with scholarships is noncumulative; therefore, multiple scholarship holders will only receive the fee remission for one of their awards Exhibition awards may be granted for those reaching the standard for multiple scholarships.
Please read the application requirements carefully and ensure that all required references and portfolios are submitted with the application
No. There is no scholarship appeals process.
7 How much funding will I receive?
8 How long will the Awards last?
9 Can I negotiate or appeal the level of funding awarded with my child’s scholarship?
10 If my child’s scholarship application is not successful, will they have another opportunity to apply?
11 If my child’s scholarship application is not successful, will this impact on their chance of admission to St. Francis’ College?
St. Francis’ College academic scholarships carry a nominal tuition fee remission of up to 20% in recognition of excellence Scholarships in The Arts and Sports carry a nominal tuition fee remission of up to 10% and additional private tuition, in recognition of excellence. The Sixth Form DREAMS award carries a fee remission of up to 30%. Families are encouraged to apply for Bursary funding should they require additional financial support for their child to attend St. Francis’ College. Bursary Awards are granted on the basis of financial need For more information, please email admissions@stfrancis.herts.sch.uk
Once in receipt of a scholarship, a pupil is expected to retain the award for as long as they remain at St. Francis’ College and provided they continue to meet the requirements to keep their award. Scholarships are reviewed annually and pupil progress with respect to their scholarship is reported home
No. If additional funding is required, families are encouraged to seek Bursary support Additional information can be obtained from the Admissions team.
Yes If your child is unsuccessful in obtaining a scholarship for Year 7 or Year 9, they may apply for any of the available scholarships ahead of joining Year 9 or Year 12, as applicable Past applications are not considered when assessing pupils for Year 9 or Sixth Form DREAMS scholarships.
No. Admissions decisions and scholarship decisions are independent processes and are decided by separate panels.
Further details regarding the Terms and Conditions of St Francis’ College scholarships can be found in the Admissions Policy and in the Bursaries and Scholarships related document available on the School’s website at www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk or on request from the St. Francis’ College Admissions Team (admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk).
