scholarships 2023 - 2024

Scholarships

"At St Mary’s we value scholarships at every stage of your daughter’s learning journey. The spark that is ignited in Prep takes her throughout her school career to Sixth Form and into adult life. Our scholarship programme not only provides opportunities for those who are awarded scholarships but also extends to our whole community in the form of the unique masterclasses and learning opportunities to challenge and inspire" - Mrs Adams - Headmistress.

A St Mary’s Scholar

Whether her passions lie on the Sports field, in a Science Lab, standing centre stage in a Theatre or focusing on an art project, your daughter will show her St Mary’s Spirit in her own unique way through our scholarship programme

She will be focused on success, curious to explore and have the resilience to overcome setbacks and meet her next challenge head on

By securing and thriving in one of our scholarship programmes, the opportunities and specialist development your daughter will receive will equip her with the skills, confidence and mindset to follow her dreams, own her career and be as successful as she possibly can in her future

Through our application and assessment process, we aim to seek out the most deserving girls for a scholarship Awards will be based not only on talent and excellence but also potential, determination to succeed and outstanding knowledge in the subject in which she has applied. She will ooze enthusiasm, optimism and passion – the positive contribution she could make to school life will be immediately apparent

Your daughter's exceptional talent will be nurtured and celebrated and her excellence rewarded She will go on to be the very best version of herself in absolutely everything she does

We cannot wait to meet her as part of the application process this year

Academic Scholarships

Our Academic scholars have a natural love of learning and excel across our core subjects As a scholar, the stretch and challenge both in and out of the classroom will allow your daughter to access advanced materials, build skills in independent study and research, and gain the confidence and self-belief to present her work to her peers, staff and parents Her love of learning will extend beyond the classroom

Being an Academic scholar – the opportunities

Dedicated scholarship lunches with scholars from across the school Research projects that inspire and challenge her to be independent and creative

Access to trips and visits to help develop cultural capital and a wider knowledge of the world around us Scholarship Masterclasses tailored to her interests

What is expected of the scholars

To be motivated to deliver projects on time, meet deadlines and stay focused

To lead by example - consistently act as a role model to others in all areas of school life

To innovate and create – with research topics, presentation approaches, and exploration of new ideas

To be a team player - be adaptable and flexible when working with peers

The Application Process

Candidates who show particular academic potential in the entrance assessment will be invited back to sit the Academic Scholarship assessment papers and meet our Headmistress for an interview

Sports Scholarships

A Sports scholar at St Mary's is someone who regularly participates in one sport to a very high standard or takes part in a range of sports to a good level Your daughter will show full commitment in and an overwhelming passion for her sport(s) She will be eager to trying new things, and challenge herself, through co-curricular opportunities She will represent the school where she can in her chosen sport(s)

Being a Sport scholar – the opportunities

Opportunities to learn more about the wider world of Sport including enjoying sessions in nutrition, sports psychology and target setting

Participation in a range of specialist activities from shotput sessions through to Sports Leadership training hosted by local sports people

Trips and visits to allow her to grow her passion and understanding and broaden her knowledge

What do we expect in return?

A Sports scholar will act as a role model – she will be an ambassador for sport throughout the school who consistently contributes to sport at St Mary's Scholars will be allocated an older student as a mentor who will encourage and support her scholar journey In time, Scholars will train and become mentors themselves

The Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a Sports CV Shortlisted applicants are invited to St Mary’s for an assessment day to include sporting activities, a fitness test and interview

Let

Showcase events

Scholar workshops

Leadership opportunities

Scholarship lunches

Let her find her #SMSSpirit

Performance opportunities

Expert sessions with professionals

Scholar trips and visits

Recitals for parents and governors

Let her find her #SMSSpirit

Drama Scholarships

Our Drama scholars are inspired by all types of theatre – your daughter will have overwhelming confidence, a passion for performing and a love of watching live theatre She will be able to inspire others through performance, be a natural leader and have a creative mind She will have taken centre stage in and out of school productions and may have qualifications from external bodies

Being a Drama scholar – the opportunities

Create exclusive work to perform at in-house events, external festivals and competitions

Take part in workshops with external companies such as Splendid, Shakespeare's Globe, National Youth Theatre and visiting practitioners

Trips to a range of performances in London and Oxford and other local venues

1:1 support for audition pieces for competitions and drama schools

What do we expect in return?

Drama scholars will be consistently enthusiastic, active participants, and dedicated students who understand the benefit of drama and theatre in the wider world

The Application Process

Interested candidates should complete the online application form. Shortlisted candidates will prepare for the assessment at home. Those attending the audition, at St Mary's, will be asked to take part in a group workshop and perform a monologue. We will also ask you to supply a supporting reference from a relevant source.

Music Scholarships

Music scholars at St Mary’s have a fabulous talent for performing in at least one instrument. Your daughter will join a lively and welcoming, close-knit and supportive community, in the Music Department. We encourage, support and challenge each other to try new things – whether that’s an instrument, a composition style or a new type of performance Scholars will inspire and make a lasting impression on up-and-coming Music scholars from across the school

Being a Music scholar – the opportunities

To develop confidence in performing including at the Carol Service, Concerts throughout the year, assemblies, and Speech Day All Music scholars also perform a mini-recital in July

Various informal concerts held throughout the year at lunchtime or after school as well as the popular Open Mic sessions

Chance to enter competitions both in school and nationally

Specific scholar events including trips to concerts and West End shows and songwriting workshops with professionals from the industry

What do we expect in return?

All Music scholars are expected to take an active and prominent role in the life of the Music Department and volunteer to perform regularly Most scholars choose to take GCSE and A level Music Music scholars can enjoy leadership opportunities, helping with musical activities in the Prep Department or running singing sessions in Senior House

The Application Process

Candidates should be proficient in at least 2 instruments (this can include voice) and be a minimum grade 3 in at least one of them Interested candidat invited for an audition where they wil viva voce where they will be asked to p

Art Scholarships

As an Art scholar at St Mary’s, your daughter will work in collaboration with other supremely talented artists from across the school on a variety of creative projects We aim to foster an ethos of peer learning and aspirational leadership amongst our Art scholars Our scholarship programme will afford your daughter the opportunity to mix with others who share her passions.

Being an Art scholar – the opportunities

Working lunches to develop and create collaborative projects such as large-scale paintings for communal spaces, set design for school productions and much more Opportunities to work with visiting artists to build a variety of skills

Trips to London galleries, Kew Gardens and beyond

What do we expect in return?

Have exceptional ability in her craft, and be dedicated to improving her practice

Demonstrate leadership qualities and be confident to work with students from a range of year groups

Be wholeheartedly committed to the opportunities that the Art scholarship provides

The Application Process

Interested candidates should complete the online application form Ahead of shortlisting, candidates will be asked to submit an Art Portfolio Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a piece at home based on a supplied brief Candidates will be invited for interview and assessment at St Mary's

"The best part of being an Art Scholar is being able to work with the Art Scholars from other year groups and getting to know them We help each other with ideas and learn techniques from each other" - Jasmine

Scholarships at Sixth Form

Scholarship programmes at Sixth Form aim to reward excellence and nurture potential Scholars at St Mary’s have exceptional talent, have consistently high attainment, and have been involved in co-curricular opportunities throughout their school career

Becoming a scholar will give individuals the opportunities to develop their skills further and build on their love and understanding of the subject through additional opportunities such as trips, workshops, and guest speakers

Our scholarship programmes will build confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills. They will open up doors.

Sixth Form Scholars will be an exemplary role model for younger students – becoming their inspiration and someone they aspire to be.

Sixth Form Scholarships

We offer Academic scholarships, Expressive Arts scholarships in Art, Dance, Drama and Music or a Scholarship in Sport

An Expressive Arts Scholar will have achieved a high grade at GCSE in at least one of the Expressive Arts and would ideally be looking to study the subject at A Level Alternatively, students should demonstrate their talent and passion by having achieved a grade 6 or higher in their chosen discipline and be able to demonstrate their contribution to the subject during their Senior years

Sports Scholarship applicants should detail their achievements in a Sporting CV and will be invited for a fitness test and interview.

Academic scholars will show academic potential in all subjects across the curriculum and specific potential in those subjects they wish to study at A-Level.

For further information about the application and assessment process for each Scholarship, including key dates, please visit our website or speak to our Registrar Mrs Szczerbiak - registrar@st-marys bucks sch uk

“As a music scholar at St Mary's, I have had the opportunity to see amazing West End shows, perform frequently in school concerts, and gain experience with other musicians, which has helped me to make lots of friends. I have also seen my leadership skills grow as I have actively organised shows and events for the wider school community” - Holly, Year 13.