Scholarship Pathway Programme

Academic Scholarship Pathway Programme

Under the guidance of our Master of Scholars and those in the scholarship team in each of our schools, we offer opportunities for pupils to be active participants in the intellectual life of the school. There will be a wide range of suggested competitions, iPQs, HPQs, LAMDA and MOOCS, speakers, reading suggestions, and academic challenges offered throughout the year allowing each Scholarship Pathway Student the opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity. There will be regular scholars’ sessions in addition to Marmite and other extension activities already on offer.

We would usually expect those on our Scholarship Pathway Programme to have a CAT 4 average of 125 and above. In cases where this is not the case, then we would expect to see a significant strength in a particular area.

Art and Design Scholarship Pathway Programme

The Art and Design scholarship pathway programme offers talented artists and designers an environment where they can create and exhibit their artistic skills. Pupils will be given opportunities to attend workshops and life drawing classes for Sixth Formers as well as visiting exhibitions and meeting talented artists and designers. Under the guidance of our Heads of Art and Design and Technology, those on the Art or Design Scholarship Pathway programme will be expected to play a full part in the Art and DT life of the School and to be able to articulate and demonstrate a passion for Art and Design.

Candidates are asked to bring examples of their art work, in any medium, with them to the examination. These pieces should demonstrate a high level of competence in at least one discipline. They should be pieces that the candidate is proud of and candidates must be prepared to analyse their own work during interview with the Heads of Art and Design technology. Candidates will also take part in a practical task in their chosen media.

Sports Scholarship Pathway Programme

Under the guidance of our Directors of Sport and Heads of Boys’ and Girls’ games in our schools, we offer pathways and links to surrounding county and academy programs. As one of the top performing Sports schools in the country – currently ranked at number 7 out of all UK schools over 26 sports – we offer a testing fixture list in all sports plus national and international tours. We have proven success and experience, regularly competing for National titles as well as producing professional sports people across multiple sports. To support those on the sports scholarship pathway programme we offer support through sports analysis, a physiotherapist, a Head of Athlete development, nutritional and lifestyle advice as well as specialist coaching from our Directors of Sport and external professional coaches. We take a holistic approach balancing both academic and sports needs of each child on the programme.

Places on the Sports Scholarship Pathway programme are awarded to those who demonstrate suitable athletic ability, potential, determination and enthusiasm. We expect those on the Pathway programme to commit to School sport during all three terms, to respond well to guidance, to lead by example as a sporting ambassador of the School and be a positive role model.

The principal sports at School are hockey (boys and girls), rugby, netball and cricket. Applications from national level performers in swimming, athletics, cross-country and tennis are also welcome. All candidates are expected to meet our academic standard of entry. 
13+ Candidates are expected to have demonstrated a very high level performance in at least one sport, preferably to county level.

Drama Scholarship Pathway Programme

Under the guidance of our Director of Performing Arts, we offer opportunities to those talented in drama to play an active role in the performing arts life of the School, performing in School productions and events. We want pupils on the Scholars Pathway Programme to grow in confidence and develop their skills not only through additional acting and performance opportunities, outside of our main productions and House Drama, but also through taking key mentoring roles within the department, in addition to participating in debating and public speaking.

At audition, candidates will be expected to perform a pre-prepared two minute piece and perform a brief, unseen passage. They will undertake a short panel interview with the Director of Performing Arts and the Heads of Drama from both the Preparatory and Senior Schools.

Music Scholarship Pathway Programme

Under the guidance of our Director of Music, we offer opportunities for those talented in music to play an active role in the musical life of the School, performing in School concerts, productions, recitals and other School events such as Open Mornings. We offer Scholarship Pathway places to those who are likely to become leading contributors to Bromsgrove music. Singers, organists and instrumentalists may apply. “Shortage” instruments may be favoured. Those who are accepted onto the Music Scholarship Pathway may be offered, at the discretion of the Director of Music in the Senior School and the Head of Prep School music, one music lesson a week by our music teachers in a specific instrument. We expect those accepted onto the Scholarship Pathways Programme to contribute fully to the musical life of the School, perform regularly as a soloist and act as an ambassador for the department. Many of our current Music Scholars go on to accept Scholarships at University, such as Oxbridge Choral and Organ awards, or at other prestigious Universities that offer Scholarships, irrespective of academic study subject.

Required standards for Scholarship Pathways applicants:
At 11+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 4 standard in a principal instrument. It may be in the candidate’s interest to offer a second instrument or voice at audition
At 13+ a minimum of Associated Board Grade 5 in a principal instrument or voice and the ability to offer a second instrument or voice

At Audition candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument or voice and perform one piece on any additional instruments, or voice. Take an aural test; sight reading and scales relating to the candidate’s most recent grade may be asked for. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their musical aspirations and experiences in a discussion which will include general musical knowledge, music theory and the candidate’s interests.

Foundation Scholarships

Bromsgrove maintains a number of places for Foundation Scholars at 13+. These awards only operate in respect of day places for those entering the Senior School and preference is given to candidates from Bromsgrove town and the surrounding area. Foundation Scholarships are awarded to very able pupils in need of financial assistance. The maximum award is 50% of the day fee (means-tested), which may be augmented by a further means-tested bursary. Candidates wishing to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship should apply in writing to Miss Rachel Scannell, Assistant Head, at the Senior School. We award one or two Foundation Scholarships a year.

Old Bromsgrovian Award

An Old Bromsgrovian means-tested bursary is on offer to children or grandchildren of an Old Bromsgrovian. Candidates wishing to be considered for an Old Bromsgrovian Bursary should apply in writing to Miss Rachel Scannell, Assistant Head, at the Senior School.

Bursary Information

For decades Bromsgrove has been committed to helping those pupils who would benefit from a Bromsgrove education but whose parents or guardians cannot afford full fees. These annual awards are means-tested and reviewed on an annual basis.

This academic year we are going to prioritise the bursary funds to those families already at the School who face financial pressures and/or hardship due to the impact of VAT being added to School fees in January. Priority will be given to those in examination year groups.