Scholarships

Allow her to find her #SMSSpirit

"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 apparent from the off

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 Allow

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 school 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 PE 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

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

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 Candidates 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 in 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 for others including at the Carol Service, Concerts through the year and Speech Day All Music Scholars also perform a mini-recital in July

Various informal concerts held throughout the year at lunchtimes 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 candidates should complete the online application form Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an assessment where they will be asked to perform a prepared piece, complete a sight reading activity and viva voce

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 will you do 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

Allow her to find her #SMSSpirit

“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, Year 10