Clayesmore Prep School

For Academic Scholarships (for entry in Year 7), candidates of all ages sit age-appropriate papers in English, Mathematics, Science, as well as Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning.

Candidates for Music Scholarships (for entry in Year 7) will be assessed as much on their potential as on their current instrumental or vocal standard. They should offer two instruments, one of which may be voice. Two contrasting pieces should be prepared on each instrument, and the examination will be conducted in much the same way as an Associated Board instrumental exam, though with a greater air of informality, we hope! We are looking for young people who are reasonably passionate about their musical activities, who will flourish in the enhanced and musically rich environment at Clayesmore, and who will be ready to make a strong musical contribution here. Music awards may include free tuition on up to two instruments.

Art Scholarship candidates (for entry in Year 7) will be given various practical tests designed to demonstrate all-round ability and commitment to artistic ability. They should bring with them a portfolio of previous unaided work for discussion at the time of the scholarship interview. We will be looking for work that displays evidence of learning and progression rather than highly polished artefacts and specimens.

Candidates for Sports Scholarships (for entry in Year 7) should be of at least Regional County level or above in one sport and have team experience in two of our major games.

Successful candidates will be able to contribute widely to Clayesmore Prep’s sporting programme and represent our school teams whenever required to do so. Applications for Sports Scholarships should be supported by references or recommendations from team coaches and current teachers. Sporting aptitude and fitness will be tested on scholarship day and all candidates will be required to undertake a variety of sports skills and tests as part of their appraisal – this may include swimming.

All-rounder Scholarships (for entry in Year 7) are for boys and girls who demonstrate a breadth of ability that might not be fully represented in the more specialised scholarships already mentioned, and relies less on academic strength than a true academic scholarship. Musical prowess, artistic or dramatic ability, and enthusiasm for, and skill in, sports can compensate for the fact that an applicant might be a good, honest, mid-stream pupil rather than one from the top set. All-rounder applicants must offer themselves for assessment in two of Music, Art or Sport.

All Music, Art, Sports and All-rounder Scholarship applicants sit tests in English, Maths Science and Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning.
Scholarship awards that do not need a bursary range from 5% to a maximum of 10%.

Clayesmore Senior School Academic, Music, Sports, Art and All-Rounder awards are open to Preparatory School candidates. Please contact the Registrar at the Senior School for further details on 01747 812122.

Bursaries
The School appreciates very well that many parents will find the cost of private education daunting, or even impossible, for financial reasons.

The school will consider applications from parents for a means tested bursary before starting at the school or at any stage of education. Bursaries are awarded depending on the individual circumstances and are reviewed annually. Details can be obtained from the Director of Finance and Operations.

The School has a long and proud association with our Armed Forces and military bursaries are available, and sons and daughters of serving members of the Armed Forces normally qualify for a School Service Award. Details are again available from the Director of Finance and Operations.

Conditions
In all cases the Council of Governors of the school reserves the right to determine the number and value of the awards to be made.

Date of examinations
These are usually held in January of the year prior to September entry. Please contact the school office for details.