SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
2025-2026
INTRODUCTION
Windermere School values talent and ability in all disciplines in the curriculum. We therefore offer a 75% Cumbria Award for entry into Year 7, 10 and 12 and a variety of other scholarships up to 50% to pupils starting in various other year groups.
Tenure of scholarships
All scholarships are valid until the end of Year 11 (except Sixth Form scholarships, which are valid until the end of Year 13) and reviewed on the basis of a pupil’s progress, commitment and behaviour. All scholars are expected to set an example to others in all that they do. Where the level of performance or behaviour falls below that expected, the school reserves the right to remove the scholarship and will give one term’s written notice of its intention to do so.
WHO CAN APPLY?
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
All external candidates should submit:
• A completed Enquiry Form
• A copy of their latest school report
• A reference from their current Headteacher
• A letter sharing how they can contribute to the life of the school
• A portfolio (where applicable) to support their scholarship application
• A £50 non-refundable registration fee.
All internal candidates should, in the first instance, contact their respective Head of Section, so that they can advise accordingly on the next step in the process. If all criteria are met, they will make a referral on your behalf.
Deadline for ALL applications: Monday 13 January 2025
Assessment Day for external candidates: Saturday 01 February 2025
Additionally, international candidates will need to complete an online supervised CAT 4 test, followed by an initial online interview with the Head.
UK external candidates will be interviewed on the designated Assessment Day.
SCHOLARSHIPS SUMMARY
Select the scholarship which most suits your circumstances, and then choose the specialist area your child wishes to apply with.
CUMBRIA AWARD (Year 7, 10 & 12 entry)
This award is for external pupils currently attending a state maintained school in Cumbria and who would benefit from the broad educational experience offered by Windermere School. It is designed to assist those pupils whose family circumstances would make this unattainable without a reduction of school fees (day or boarding). The offer of this academic award will be dependent on an excellent confidential report from the pupil’s current Head, a strong potential as demonstrated in scholarship examinations and a means - tested Bursary assessment. This Award is worth a 75% reduction in fees.
Please note that unsuccessful applicants may still be considered for a Westmorland Scholarship.
WESTMORLAND SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is for all year groups, internal (including our international pupils) and external UK pupils from state and independent schools, who would benefit from the broad educational experience offered by Windermere School. It is designed to assist those pupils whose family circumstances would make this unattainable without a means-tested reduction of school fees (day or boarding). The offer of the scholarship will be dependent on an excellent confidential report from the pupil’s current Head and a strong potential as demonstrated in examinations. Internal pupils can apply once per transition point, between key stages.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
As a Round Square school, with internationalism at its heart and an award-winning International Baccalaureate programme for Sixth Form students, Windermere has a long history of success for international families. This scholarship is for external international pupils across all year groups, who would benefit from the unique education and family-feel boarding experience offered by Windermere School. The offer of the scholarship will be dependent on an excellent confidential report from the pupil’s current Headteacher and a strong potential as demonstrated in examinations.
ROUND SQUARE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is for internal pupils in all year groups, who can demonstrate a true Round Square spirit. The offer of the scholarship will be dependent on an excellent confidential report from the pupil’s current tutor and a strong potential as demonstrated in the assessment and presentation.
SPECIALIST AREA
All candidates are required to initially complete a supervised CAT 4 test, and an interview with the Head and/or relevant senior staff, either online or in person.
ACADEMIC
Candidates must demonstrate excellence in at least 3 academic subjects. This can be evidenced in academic attainment in previous reports and a Headteacher’s reference.
For entry into Year 12, the scholarship will be confirmed after GCSE results have been published and shared with the school.
ADVENTURE & SAILING
Candidates must demonstrate a high level of achievement in a variety of outdoor activities or excellence in one and should present their results in any competitions within their portfolio. All c andidates are require The major competitive outdoor activity at Windermere School is sailing, however we accept applications for activities including rock climbing and windsurfing.
The interview will be conducted by a panel of Outdoor staff, who will watch the candidates in action where possible, however, video footage is acceptable. ne CAT 4 test
SPORT
Candidates must demonstrate a high level of achievement in a variety of sports or excellence in one. A condition is that scholars are expected to participate fully in the sporting life of the school. They should embody the values of Windermere sport: work ethic, integrity, dedication and team spirit.
The candidate should represent, or have the potential to represent, the county, region or country in their chosen sport, and this must be a sport in which the school regularly competes. The major competitive sports are Athletics, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball and Tennis. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio and/ or videos of their performances. There will also be an interview, by a panel, and PE staff will watch the candidates in action, where possible.
SPECIALIST AREA
All candidates are required to initially complete a supervised CAT 4 test, and an interview with the Head and/or relevant senior staff, either online or in person.
MUSIC
Candidates must demonstrate excellence within music and/or outstanding musical potential. All scholars are expected to participatefully in the musical life of the school and study the subject to GCSE or IB level. Candidates must prepare two contrasting pieces of a standard no less than Grade V (Year 10 entry) and Grade VI (Year 12 entry) of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or recognised equivalent. As part of the award, free musical tuition for one instrument is offered. The candidate will perform in front of a panel. There will also be sight-reading and aural tests commensurate with the level of entry.
CREATIVE ARTS
Candidates must demonstrate excellence within Drama or Art. Creative scholars are expected to support the relevant department outside of lessons and study their subject at GCSE or IB level.
· ART: Submit a portfolio of up to five pieces of artwork which may be in any medium. On the assessment day, applicants will be required to produce a piece of artwork in controlled conditions.
· Drama: Submit a portfolio and / or photographs of previous productions. On the assessment day, applicants will be required to perform, from memory, a twominute monologue of their own choice.
ROUND SQUARE
Candidates are required to deliver a presentation to a panel comprised of staff and pupils.
The presentation will be on three of the IDEALS and each one should be between 5-10 minutes, with the expectation that older pupils will be at the top end of this time frame. Two of the IDEALS topics will be chosen and the third can be chosen by the candidate. This year’s candidates are asked to speak on the topic of Internationalism and Environmentalism, with a third topic of their choice.
Our six overarching Round Square Pillars - IDEALS - are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Our Location
Manchester airport, offering connections to Europe and Asia, is only a 90 minute drive from the school, and we provide an escorted service to the airport on designated travel days.
There are plentiful interconnecting flights from all London airports. London is also reached by high-speed train in under three hours. There is a concierge service available at extra cost, please apply for details.
To find out how your child can join the Windermere School adventure, please call us on: +44 (0) 15394 46164 or email the Admissions team at: admissions@windermereschool.co.uk
To apply for our Scholarship Programme please follow the link below or click here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Admissions team. Please email admissions@windermereschool.co.uk
admissions@windermereschool.co.uk