Rewarding Excellence and Potential Scholarships & Bursaries For the Academic Year 2026-2027
I am pleased to share with you the St Joseph’s College Scholarship programme, a cornerstone of our commitment to recognising and nurturing talent. Our core value of Aspiration is at the heart of this initiative, guiding us as we support students in reaching their full potential within an environment that fosters ambition and excellence. Our scholarships and bursaries attract a high number of applications each year. We also have high expectations for the recipients of our scholarships, and we ensure they are well positioned to make the most of the opportunities provided.
With warm regards
Mrs Danielle Clarke
Rewarding Excellence and Potential
We are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential and believe that offering scholarships is a key part of this mission. We offer Academic, Arts (Fine Art, Photography, Textiles), Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama), Technology (Engineering, Food Technology, Computer Science, Media) and Sport scholarships at Year 7, Year 9 and Lower Sixth entry. Scholarships typically offer up to 25 percent off tuition fees. Any award made will be based on merit, not financial need.
New Student Applications
Following registration, applicants may apply for one scholarship area in addition to the Academic Scholarship. The Academic Scholarship is determined using the result of the College’s entrance assessment. Please consider these options carefully as you decide which area best aligns with your child’s strengths and interests.
Academic Awarded based on entrance assessments
Visual Arts Fine Art, Photography, Textiles. Submission of portfolio or sketchbook and interview with the Head of Visual Arts
Performing Arts Dance, Drama, Music. Involves performance and improvisation
Technology Engineering, Food Technology, Computer Science, Digital/Creative Media. Based on presentation and interview.
Sports Cricket, Football, Netball, Rugby. Based on assessment
Principal’s Award Requires a presentation and assessment
HOW TO APPLY?
1 Register your child by submitting the Registration Form, two recent school reports and the registration fee.
2 Indicate interest in scholarships* or bursaries on the form.
3 Complete the scholarship application with the necessary documentation.
*Scholarships are awarded via a competitive assessment process and are made irrespective of financial means –they are limited in number and subject to review. Not all who apply, will be invited to attend for assessment and/or be awarded a scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Visual Arts
Fine Art • Photography
Textiles
Performing Arts • Dance • Drama • Music
Technology
• Engineering
• Food Technology
• Computer Science
• Digital/Creative Media
Principal’s Award X X
Sports
• Cricket
• Football
• Netball
• Rugby Sports scholarship covering at least one area of the College’s four performance sports Scholarship awarded in the applicant’s preferred performance sport with reference to any other performance sport played
Specialised application for at least one of the College’s four performance sports
Current Student Applications
Scholarship opportunities are also available to our current students.
‐ In Year 6 for transition to Year 7
‐ In Year 8 for transition to Year 9
‐ In Year 11 for transition to Sixth Form
1 2 3 4
REQUEST AN
APPLICATION FORM
COMPLETE AND RETURN APPLICATION FORM
TOGETHER WITH REQUESTED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
ASSESSMENTS TAKE PLACE
OUTCOME OF ASSESSMENT IS SHARED
FOUR OUTCOMES ARE POSSIBLE
1 The scholarship will be renewed at its current level
2 The scholarship will be reduced due to the scholar’s poor attendance, conduct or academic progress made in award area
3 The scholarship’s financial consideration may be increased
4 Due to the scholar’s attendance, conduct or academic progress, the scholarship will be removed, either on a temporary (at least one term) or permanent basis
Important Dates
For New Applicants and existing Scholars (Year 7, 9 and Lower sixth), Sept 26 Entry
Information Evening 16 October 2025
Entrance and Scholarship Assessment
• Friday 10 October 2025 (not Art)
• Friday 7 November 2025
• Friday 5 December 2025
• Saturday 6 December 2025 (for non-sport scholarship applications)
• Saturday 24 January 2026
• Saturday 28 March 2026
• Tuesday 14 October 2025
• Wednesday 15 October (Art)
• Tuesday 11 November 2025 (Remembrance Day)
• Wednesday 12 November (Art)
• Tuesday 2 December 2025
• Wednesday 3 December (Art)
• Saturday 6 December 2025 (for non-sport scholarship applications)
• Saturday 24 January 2026
• Saturday 28 March 2026
• Wednesday 5 November 2025
• Wednesday 3 December 2025
• Saturday 6 December 2025 (for non-sport scholarship applications)
• Saturday 24 January 2026
• Saturday 28 March 2026
What is a St Jo’s Scholar?
A St Joseph’s College scholar is someone who has been acknowledged for their potential to excel in a specific area of school life. Our scholars are dedicated to pursuing excellence. As role models for their peers, they exemplify the qualities of ambition and determination that we value deeply.
Scholarship Programme
The award of scholarships enables the College to identify and foster the potential of students and to ensure opportunity and guidance are given to recipients so they may develop their individual area of talent further. They are available for Year 7, 9 and L6 (Sixth Form) entry. All applicants must first be registered with St Joseph’s or be a current student before a scholarship application can be made. Scholarships are awarded via a competitive assessment process and are made irrespective of financial means. They are limited in number and subject to review. Not all those who apply will be invited to attend for assessment and/or be awarded one. Each scholarship area will typically provide a fee remission between 5-25% off tuition fees. For boarding students please be aware that scholarship is applied to tuition fee only. Honorary scholarships (in name only) may also be given. It is an honour to be in receipt of a scholarship at St Joseph’s College and with this honour, there are expectations of each recipient. Scholarships are based on merit and should not be viewed as an option to discount tuition fees. Parents experiencing difficulty in meeting the payment of tuition fees should request a means-tested bursary application form.
Applicants may only apply for one scholarship area beside Academic, which is awarded as a result of the entrance process.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Visual Arts Scholarship
FINE ART, PHOTOGRAPHY OR TEXTILES
Celebrating talent across creative disciplines
With a celebrated Arts department and a broad curriculum available at GCSE and A-level, St Joseph’s College welcomes scholarship applications for Art, Photography or Textiles.
WHAT WE OFFER AN ARTS SCHOLAR
• Weekly workshop sessions with the aim of diversifying artistic skills, promoting independence and self-direction
• Art Scholars’ Society
• Access to work across a range of Artbased disciplines, including Fine Art, Photography, Graphics, Textiles, Fashion, Digital Media, Animation and Sculpture
• A broad range of talks, seminars and workshops, and entry to both internal and external art competitions
• Access to facilities outside lesson time
• Access to expert-led workshops with leading industry professionals
TO APPLY
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM AN ARTS SCHOLAR
• Study at GCSE and A-level of the scholar’s specific interest (e.g. photography)
• Participation in all relevant exhibitions
• Support of the College’s Arts Festival
• Participation/attendance, as requested, at College events, including Open Mornings
PORTFOLIO OR SKETCHBOOK SUBMISSION
INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS
Applicants must demonstrate strong ability and enthusiasm in Fine Art, Photography, or Textiles. The application process includes:
Candidates must submit a sketchbook or portfolio showcasing recent work, development of ideas, and creative exploration.
Shortlisted candidates will:
• Discuss their submitted work.
• Talk about their interest in their chosen specialism.
• Share artistic goals and inspirations, including artists or movements that have influenced them.
We are looking for creative, thoughtful individuals with a clear passion for the visual arts.
FINE ART
Performing Arts Scholarship
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA, MUSIC & DANCE
The Performing Arts at our College are vibrant, dynamic, and deeply embedded in the life of our community. We are proud to nurture and celebrate the talents of young performers through a rich programme of music, drama, and dance. Our Performing Arts Scholars receive specialist support, professional guidance, and outstanding opportunities to grow artistically and personally. In return, we ask for energy, commitment, and a passion to contribute to the College’s cultural life.
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARS BENEFIT FROM
• Specialist coaching and mentoring in their discipline
• Workshops and master-classes with visiting professionals
• Performance opportunities in concerts, showcases, and the annual College Musical
• Customised development pathways for those seeking careers in the arts
• Entry to local and national competitions and festivals
• Opportunities to collaborate across drama, music, and dance
ALL SCHOLARS ARE EXPECTED TO
• Study their chosen discipline at GCSE and/or A-level
• Take an active role in College events, including Open Mornings and the Arts Festival
• Attend rehearsals, performances, and workshops as scheduled
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
In addition:
DRAMA SCHOLARS
• Participate in all major College productions, including the annual musical and Arts Festival
• Perform at College events and competitions
• Demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm across curricular and extra-curricular drama
MUSIC SCHOLARS
• Be actively involved in College ensembles (instrumental and/or vocal)
• Perform regularly, including an annual performance in chapel
• Bring enthusiasm and leadership to the College’s musical life
DANCE SCHOLARS
• Participate in the annual Dance Showcase and College Musical
• Show commitment to rehearsals and extra-curricular dance activities
• Engage with all performance and workshop opportunities
TO APPLY
DRAMA APPLICANTS
• Prepare and perform a monologue of their choice (max 3 mins)
• Prepare Puck’s final speech from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (provided on application)
• Take part in a short improvisation workshop
• Participate in a discussion about their passion for drama and favourite performers or shows
MUSIC APPLICANTS
• Perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument or voice
• Complete a set of aural exercises
• Discuss their musical journey and current interests
• Bring copies of sheet music and their instrument (if applicable)
• Entry Levels
‐ Year 7: Grade 3 standard
‐ Year 9: Grade 5 standard
‐ Year 12: Grade 7 standard
DANCE APPLICANTS
• Perform a solo dance (60–90 seconds) in any style
• Join an informal movement workshop
• Discuss their experience, training, and passion for dance
For further information or to begin the application process, please contact the Head of Performing Arts. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of artists to our vibrant community.
Technology Scholarship
AWARDED TO EXCEPTIONAL PROBLEM-SOLVERS WITH A PASSION FOR INNOVATION.
Technology at St Joseph’s is studied from Year 3 onwards, offering a dynamic, hands-on experience. For Level 2 (Years 10-11) and Level 3 (Lower and Upper Sixth) students need strong mathematics skills. Technology focuses on problem-solving, design and making. The Technology Scholarship recognises excellence in creative problemsolving, blending creativity with analytical skills. Applicants should demonstrate strong interest and capability in innovative thinking. For Year 9 and Lower Sixth, excellent grades in relevant subjects and entrepreneurial approaches are essential.
WHAT WE OFFER A TECHNOLOGY SCHOLAR
• Support with exploring passions and developing innovations and ideas through Development clubs and a half-termly meeting with a subject-specialist tutor
• Access to a range of trips and experiences across technology and engineering
• Support and encouragement to be a changemaker and make a difference, with the opportunity to be involved in several innovative programmes looking at the most important challenges we face
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM A TECHNOLOGY SCHOLAR
• Completion of projects, developing their own ideas and innovations
• Attending trips and experiences to broaden their knowledge and understanding and participation in academic competitions
• Engagement in the Technology co-curricular programme, including supporting / leading a club in their own area of interest
• Being a champion for the subject, mentoring younger students and acting as an ambassador within the College and externally
• Participation/attendance, as requested, at College events, including Open Mornings
TO APPLY
Students must prepare and submit a presentation that highlights their passion, skills, and achievements in one or more areas of Technology.
These areas may include: Engineering / Creative or Digital Media / Computer Science / Food Technology
Once we receive the applications, each student will have a 20-minute interview with the Head of the Technology Faculty. During the interview, students will:
Present their work or projects as described in their application
Discuss their interests, inspirations, and future goals in their chosen area(s)
Answer questions from the Head of Faculty to show their knowledge and enthusiasm
Presentations can be in the form of a slideshow, video, portfolio, prototype, or any other suitable format that best shows the student’s abilities and commitment to their chosen field(s).
We encourage applicants to be creative, confident, and genuine in showing why they are strong candidates for the Technology Scholarship.
Principal’s Award
HONOURING SIXTH FORM CANDIDATES WHO EMBODY OUR VALUES
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
This award is given at the Principal’s discretion for those entering Sixth Form only, whether as an external applicant or current student. It is to recognise those who embody the values of the College and display excellence in unique ways that are not covered by the other scholarship areas. It is not possible to apply for this award; students identified by the College will be invited to apply.
Sports Scholarship
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN CRICKET, FOOTBALL, NETBALL AND RUGBY
Sport is integral to life at St Jo’s, whether participating for enjoyment, within timetabled lessons or for developing and learning to be the best at one of the College’s four performance sports.
Each sport is led by a former professional player and/or coach. All have competed at the highest levels and are perfectly positioned to assess each applicant and ensure he/she reaches his/her full potential. Year 7 scholars are expected to show potential in at least one of the College’s performance sports. Year 9 scholars should be starting to specialise in one of the College’s performance sports, and those seeking a Sixth Form sport scholarship should be playing at regional/national level in one of the College’s four performance sports.
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP
WHAT WE OFFER A
SPORTS SCHOLAR
• Direct access to industry-leading coaching
• Individual mentoring, with tailored individualised development plans to accelerate development
• Excellent sports medicine provision, including injury assessment clinics, concussion management, and on-site physiotherapy treatment with rehabilitation programming and guidance
• Performance workshops and seminars covering nutrition, psychology, analysis, teamwork, injury management/ prevention, concussion and many more
• Opportunity to be selected for one of the College’s National Festivals: Rugby, Netball, Football, Cricket
• Regional and national competitions, multiple fixtures and festivals to build experience and exposure at competitive level
• Introductions and exposure to sports academies and professional sports clubs to support a career in professional sport, together with assistance in contract and placement management
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM A SPORTS SCHOLAR
• The maintenance of a consistently high standard of achievement
• A consistently high level of effort in all areas of training and match play
• A high level of attendance at training, including pre-season training, team matches and development clubs across all College Performance Sport
• Personal qualities of discipline, dedication and perseverance
• Consistently positive conduct both on and off the pitch/College campus and to be an excellent ambassador for St Joseph’s
• Participation/attendance, as requested, at College events, including Open Mornings
TO APPLY, ALL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE COLLEGE’S ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
LOWER SIXTH ENTRY
Candidates should be of county/national and/or representative standard or have the ability to develop into this in one of the College’s performance sports, as well as meeting the College aspiring athlete minimum athletic standards.
YEAR 9 ENTRY
Candidates should be aspiring to county/national and/or representative level and/or enrolled in a regional academy pathway with a professional club in one of the College’s performance sports. He/she should be playing regularly for local team(s) and to be looking to specialise in one of the College’s performance sports, as well as meeting the College aspiring athlete minimum athletic standards.
YEAR 7 ENTRY
Applicants should be showing promise and/or potential in one of the College’s performance sports and be playing for teams outside of school, as well as meeting the College aspiring athlete minimum athletic standards.
Each candidate will be assessed in line with a series of skill-based, technicalbased and physical-based tests. Only one sporting area will be assessed. Applicants may, however, reference other sporting participation on their application form. External and internal applicants will be considered at the same time, and each will have an interview with the Director of Sport and will participate in practical assessments relevant to their application.
Means-Tested Bursaries
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We understand that every family’s financial situation is unique and our goal is to make quality education accessible to as many students as possible.
Means-tested bursaries are specifically designed to provide financial assistance based on a family’s financial needs. This approach ensures that support is targeted where it is most needed, making it possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds to benefit from our exceptional educational programmes.
A bursary is conditional on the financial resources of a candidate’s parents or legal guardians. Parents/legal guardians are required to submit financial information and, in cases of divorce or separation, both households (including new partners) are required to submit an application. Bursaries are awarded on an annual basis and financial information must be supplied each year to ensure the support continues.
It is possible to hold both a bursary and scholarship. These do not compound and the maximum level of support is 50% off tuition fees only.
For a confidential conversation please contact the College’s Head of Finance, Miss Young, r.young@stjos.co.uk, 01473 690281
How to Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
NEW TO ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS NEW AND CURRENT STUDENTS
1 2 3 4 5
REGISTRATION
Register your child by submitting
• Registration Form
• Two recent school reports
• Registration Fee.
REGISTRATION FORMS DAY STUDENT
UK BOARDING STUDENT
NON-UK BOARDING
SHOW INTEREST
Please ✓ on the Registration Form if you wish your child to be considered for a Scholarship and/or if you need financial support via a means-tested Bursary
*Scholarships are competitive, and not all applicants will be assessed or awarded.
Parents requiring financial assistance should consider applying for a means-tested bursary.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Complete and return the Scholarship Application Form together with the requested references and information
*Applicants may only apply for one scholarship area, not including Academic, as this is awarded as a result of the entrance process.
ASSESSMENT AND INTERVIEW
All candidates sit the College’s entrance assessment and have an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. Those applying for a scholarship will be assessed following this and normally on the same day
Current students will be invited to interview by the relevant Head of Faculty for his/her assessment
OUTCOME
Following the entrance process, communication will be sent to parents explaining the outcome of their child’s application (place, scholarship and/or bursary decision)
Next Steps
Thank you for considering St Joseph’s College. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our school community.
At St Joseph’s College, we are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences and supporting our students’ diverse needs. Whether you are considering applying for a means-tested bursary or a scholarship, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available and choose the option that best fits your family’s situation.
CONTACT US
Speak to our Admissions team for personalised guidance and support throughout the application process. They are here to assist you every step of the way, call 01473 694576 or email admissions@stjos.co.uk
APPLY TODAY
Take the first step toward securing financial support by submitting your application. For bursaries, be sure to provide detailed financial information to ensure you receive the assistance for which you are eligible.
STAY INFORMED
We will keep you up to date with important deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
