13+ Scholarships

Academic Scholarships: 10-20% of fees.

These are awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster to a few pupils who perform at the highest level in the entrance exam and at interview. Candidates do not apply for academic scholarships. All candidates are eligible for Academic Scholarships which may be awarded in conjunction with a Bursary or other Scholarship and are held for the duration of a pupil’s time at the School subject to sustained levels of performance and participation.

Art Scholarships – Typically 10% of fees

We are fortunate to have a wonderfully well equipped Art department with a team of talented artists who are committed to encouraging and inspiring our students to make extraordinary Art.

Our Art department provides students with the opportunity to work in a vast range of media including but not limited to graphic design, screen printing, ceramics, textiles, and photography. All Art and Design students benefit from our small class sizes and at GCSE level and A Level, we mainly work one-to-one with our pupils forming a partnership of creativity aiding students in advancing their individual style and approach. 

The overall experience in Art and Design, is strengthened and extended through our lively programme of cocurricular activities where pupils can enhance their learning through clubs and pop up classes such as life drawing and artist-led workshops.

What are we looking for in an Art Scholar?

We are looking for students who are enthusiastic and committed and who regularly make and view artwork outside of school. We want to encourage students who relish challenges and enjoy trying new techniques and styles.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate: 

• skill and interest in more than one material, creating art/design work which demonstrates complexity and sensitivity beyond the level expected for your year group
• self-direction and further engagement with the subject matter both in and outside of the classroom
• the ability to analyse artwork and communicate ideas with thought and insight. 

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Candidates should submit a portfolio of six to twenty pieces in a simply presented digitalised format, e.g. a power point. We will look at the candidate’s potential rather than expecting highly finished work and welcome “work in progress” as part of the submission. 

The portfolio should include current (completed within the last two years) examples of the candidate’s independent:

• observational drawing
• use of colour media
• ideas and compositions 
• written analysis of art or design work/s which inspire the candidate’s own work
• brief annotations explaining each piece or collection of pieces.

Applicants are also asked to prepare a short candidate statement containing the following elements.

• Please tell us about your Art journey so far. For example, what inspires you, what are your favourite media and materials?
• If you were awarded an Art scholarship, what impact will you have on Art at Habs?  

Portfolios and the candidate statement should be submitted by email to admissions@habsboys.org.uk by Friday 17 November 2023. 

 

Stage 2 

After the entrance exam, the Head of Art will select candidates, from those who have reached the required academic standard and demonstrated their potential as an Art Scholar to be invited for an interview. This will take place in January 2024. 

During the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to talk about their work and will be asked questions about it. They should attend with their physical portfolio although large scale pieces which are difficult to transport can be presented through photographs. In addition, candidates will undertake a short practical task.

Design and Technology Scholarships - Typically 10% of fees

Studying Design and Technology at Habs Boys gives students the opportunity to develop their creative thinking and understanding of the manufactured world. Students are able to develop their ideas across all material strands, including woods, metals, plastics and modelling materials.  

The department is a hive of activity with students taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to pursue personal projects and ideas and participate in competitions such as Formula One in Schools and VEX Robotics. 
 

What are we looking for in a Design and Technology Scholar?

To qualify for the Design and Technology Scholarship, candidates must demonstrate an enthusiasm for the design and creation of three dimensional, functional products. 

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• a clear interest in the subject and have evidence of their pursuing designing and making activities outside of the classroom.
• innovation -a clear ability to look beyond obvious solutions and solve design problems in unexpected ways
• knowledge of a range manufacturing techniques and handcraft skills. 

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Candidates should submit a portfolio of selected pieces in a simply presented digitalised format e.g. a power point, to the Design and Technology department for review. We will be looking at the candidate’s potential rather than expecting highly finished work and welcome “work in progress” as part of the submission.

The portfolio should demonstrate activities students have undertaken in their own time and might include:

• Products made from woods, metals, plastics or modelling materials
• Sketches and notes where students have developed their creative ideas to produce design work that demonstrates their creative flair
• written account of activities which demonstrate their wider interest in the way things work.

Applicants are also asked to prepare a short candidate statement containing the following elements.

• Please tell us about your D&T journey so far. For example, what inspires you, what are your favourite techniques and materials?
• If you were awarded an D&T scholarship, what impact will you have on D&T at Habs?  

Portfolios and the candidate statement should be submitted by email to admissions@habsboys.org.uk by Friday 17 November 2023. 

Stage 2

After the entrance exams, the Head of Design and Technology will select candidates from those who have reached the required academic standard and demonstrated their potential as a Design and Technology Scholar, to be invited for an interview. This will take place in January 2024.

During the interview candidates will be asked to talk through their previously submitted portfolio. Candidates will also be asked to respond to a design problem-based question to evaluate their problem-solving skills.

Drama Scholarships – Typically 10% of fees

As one of the most exciting and forward-thinking departments in the country, Drama at Habs aims to redefine traditional school practice to make bold, high-quality and transformative theatre in line with the UK’s other leading Youth Theatre companies. 

Across both academic and co-curricular drama we train students as dynamic theatre makers with an emphasis on process - challenging pupils to be storytellers, to take risks and discover their own voice, to create innovative, authentic and socially conscious work. 

Each year we produce an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of work from large scale productions to studio shows, writing projects and collaborations with external partners. Students have opportunities to work alongside an incredible range of professional artists, including some of the country’s leading theatre makers, movement directors and writers. 
 

What are we looking for in a Drama Scholar?

We are looking for students who have the instinct and potential to develop as young performers. We are definitely not looking for the finished article but enthusiasm for all aspects of theatre, along with a willingness to commit to and participate in drama activities both in and outside of lesson time. 

We would expect Drama scholars to display the following;

• good natural instincts as a performer
• the ability to listen, to affect the other person and be in the moment
• great energy, presence and playfulness
• openness to take risks and test themselves
• collaboration and ability to work as part of a group
• an authentic voice, to demonstrate an interest in telling stories
• an interest in the world around them and engaging their imagination
• a desire to create their own work
• a passion and curiosity about theatre, films, reading and other art forms

 

Being a Drama Scholar

In addition to being an ambassador for the department in terms of pro-active engagement and enthusiasm, a Drama Scholar will:

• take academic drama to at least GCSE level and hopefully on to A Level
• take part in at least one large-scale production each year for their appropriate age group
• take part in at least one additional co-curricular activity - New Views / Film-making / Open mic nights
• take part in all appropriate House Drama events
• attend workshops, talks, theatre visits and enrichment opportunities

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Please complete the Drama Scholarship application form below.

Drama scholarship application form and reference request form

Applicants must also obtain a reference from a drama teacher, class teacher or the director of a production they have been involved in. References should refer to recent experience ideally within the last two years. Please send the link above to your selected referee and ensure that it is completed by Friday 17 November 2023.

Stage 2
After the entrance exam, the Head of Drama will select candidates from those who have reached the required academic standard and who have demonstrated their potential as a Drama Scholar, to be invited for a workshop audition. This will take place in January 2024. 

Music Scholarships – Typically 10% of fees

The Music department at Habs is among the strongest in the country, and we aim to ensure that all have an opportunity to experience music throughout the school. Over 600 pupils of all ages learn instruments, and support a wealth of ensembles including four orchestras, three wind bands, a big band, jazz ensemble, many guitar and percussion groups, chamber groups and choirs. Concerts at venues such as the Barbican are a regular feature of the diary, as are tours in the holidays.

There are two types of music award – scholarships and exhibitions:

• A scholarship typically includes 10% remission of fees and free tuition on one instrument in school
• An exhibition gives free tuition on one instrument.

 

What are we looking for in a Music Scholar?

Music awards are offered to students who show exceptional potential and innate musicianship. 

We would expect students to demonstrate enthusiasm for Music together with stylistic awareness and interpretative understanding: music scholars should exude an enthusiasm for all types of music. They should enjoy discovering new music and be itching to discuss it

Candidates may be at any level on their instrument(s) and may have one or more instruments to offer. While most successful applicants are already at or above Grade 6 on an instrument upon application, the department places significant value on rate of progress: candidates who have achieved Grade 4 or 5 in a very short space of time have also been successful in the past.

Application Process

Stage 1

Please complete the Music Scholarship application form below. The deadline for submission is Friday 3 November 2023.

music scholarship application form and reference request form

Candidates have the opportunity as part of the application to write briefly about what it is that excites them most about their music. In mid-December candidates receive notice of whether they are to be called for audition. Applicants must also send this link to their reference. References should refer to recent experience ideally within the last two years. It is the responsibility of the applicant to forward this link and to ensure the reference is completed by Friday 17 November 2023.

Stage 2

After the entrance exam, the Director of Music will select candidates from those who have reached the required academic standard and who have demonstrated their potential as a Music Scholar, to be invited for an audition. This will take place in January 2024. 

Sports Scholarships – Typically 10% of fees

Involvement in sport and physical activities creates team spirit, positive relationships, and pride in individual and team achievements beyond the classroom. Our teams compete exceptionally well at local, regional, and national level and students regularly achieve county and national selection in a range of sports. 

We are immensely fortunate on our 100-acre-site to offer outstanding sports facilities including: seven rugby/football pitches; two all-weather hockey pitches (both floodlit) which become 18 tennis courts in the summer; three grass cricket squares; three artificial Cricket wickets (plus grass and artificial Cricket nets); the Solai indoor cricket centre; a double size sports hall; 400 metre grass running track with synthetic sprint track and jump/throw areas.  

Our state-of-the-art indoor sports complex complements the outdoor facilities and includes: a 25 metre eight lane swimming pool with variable depth capability, fitness suite; gymnasium; squash courts; multi-use space and climbing wall. 

What are we looking for in a Sports Scholar and who should apply?

Sports Scholarships are awarded to candidates in recognition of sustained sporting excellence, talent and future potential. Candidates will be active members of their school sports teams and are likely to be involved in sporting clubs outside of school with representative experience or its equivalent at county level or above.  

Award holders will be ambassadors for Sport who will make a full contribution to the sporting life of the School. Scholars will be allocated a mentor, an older student, who will encourage their sporting participation. In time, Sports Scholars will become mentors for younger award holders.  

Candidates will be encouraged to show potential in at least one of the school’s focus sports. They are: Football, Hockey, Cricket. It must be emphasised, however, that outstanding expertise in any sphere of sport will be considered. Candidates able to offer ability in a combination of sports are encouraged to apply, as are those who have outstanding potential in one sport. 

At 13+  

These awards are about developing potential rather than current performance levels. However, as a guide the following criteria can be used. To have a realistic chance of an award a candidate is likely to be doing one or a combination of the following 

• To be playing in their school first team for most if not all sports. 

• To be playing a good standard of club sport 

• To be playing at least one sport to county level  

 

What will the successful candidate(s) receive?

• Access to a strong regional fixture list  

• Involvement in the partnerships we have with local clubs, academies and development pathways within the county and region 

• High quality coaching from teaching staff and employed professionals

• Membership of our High Performance Programme for students showing the potential to perform in elite sports. 

• Membership to Rewire Fitness which provides app-based support and a neuro-training programme aimed at elite athletes 

• Access to a range of online seminars aimed at supporting sports scholars hosted by Independent Coach Education. 

• 1:1 Mentoring with staff and/or senior students involved with the sports scholarship programme at Habs 

• Sport Psychology seminars and online training through the Believe Perform online platform 

• Sports Nutrition seminars 

• Strength and Conditioning assessment and development  

• Tactical and Leadership Seminars  

• Video analysis  

• Small group scenario training 

• University visits to include lab testing and opportunities to explore links with business opportunities in relation to future career pathways 

• Regular high-quality sports tours and visits within the UK and abroad 

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Applicants should complete the form below detailing previous sporting experience. Applicants must also obtain references from two of the following: Sports Coach, Headteacher, Director of Sport or PE Teacher. Please send the link below to your chosen referees.Sport scholarship application form and reference request

Please note: the applicant is responsible for sending the above link to their referees and for ensuring that they are completed by Friday 17 November 2023.

Stage 2

After the first round entrance exam, the Director of Sport will select candidates from those who have reached the required academic standard and invite them to a practical session and interview, which will be in addition to the usual student interviews.  

The practical session will include a sport aptitude test as well as activities relating to the candidate’s main sport.