Scholarships

Candidates applying for an Academic Scholarship should be able to demonstrate a high degree of intellectual curiosity, along with an adaptive, adventurous approach to learning and problem-solving. Some candidates may show exceptional aptitude and interest in one particular area, while others bring a broad curiosity across many subjects. What we’re really looking for are self-motivated learners who habitually read or enquire into their interests well beyond the curriculum.

Assessment includes reports and references from the candidate’s current school, along with tests in English, Maths, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Candidates are also invited to write a short essay on a subject of their choice, and will be interviewed by the Head, the Deputy Head Academic, and a subject leader. These interviews are informal and designed to give candidates the space to discuss their ideas freely. Success doesn’t necessarily depend on high attainment across every element of the assessment.

Candidates applying for an Art Scholarship are naturally drawn to making, compelled to design, draw, paint or explore other forms of visual or plastic art. They may already be developing a personal style, or be passionately excited to explore a range of media and ideas.

Either way, they’ll be prolific in their output, creative risk-takers, and naturally curious about the world of art, the kind of child who craves a gallery visit and loves trying things out for themselves.

Assessment includes reports and references from the candidate’s current school, tests in English and Maths, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Candidates will also discuss their portfolio of work with the Head of Art and the Head.

In addition, candidates will spend time in the art studio, exploring ideas and demonstrating their drawing skills under instruction, so we can see how they respond to guidance and new ideas.

While an Art Scholarship at SPCS doesn’t guarantee a future scholarship to a senior school at 13+, we’re delighted to encourage that ambition.

St Paul’s Cathedral School can boast a very high level of music-making, with standards that are often world-class. Candidates applying for a Music Scholarship should be at Grade 6 standard in at least one instrument (or above Grade 4 in two instruments). For singing to count as one of these disciplines, candidates should already have considerable experience in a school, cathedral or district choir, along with excellent sight-singing skills.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in music-learning more broadly, and naturally gravitate toward music-making as a leisure activity at every opportunity. They may already have sought out regional or national music groups, and will be expected to contribute fully to the musical life of the school.

Assessment includes reports and references from the candidate’s current school, tests in English and Maths, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Candidates will be asked to perform one piece on each chosen instrument (or two contrasting pieces if offering only one instrument), complete aural and sight-reading tests on their principal instrument, and take part in an informal interview with the Head and the Director of Music.

While a Music Scholarship at SPCS doesn’t guarantee a future scholarship to a senior school at 13+, we’re delighted to encourage that ambition.

Sport Scholarships are awarded to individuals who bring excellence and dedication to St Paul’s Cathedral School through sport, and through their contribution to the wider school community.

Candidates should show exceptional promise in one sport, or strong all-round ability across two or three sports, at club or county level. Sports on offer at SPCS are Football, Hockey, Cricket, Netball, Athletics and Tennis, though other exceptional sporting talents will also be considered.

All Sport Scholarship holders are expected to commit fully and contribute positively to the school’s annual sporting programme, supported by the Head of PE and Games in becoming role models within the school.

Assessment includes reports and references from the candidate’s current school, tests in English and Maths, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Candidates should be able to provide evidence of their sporting credentials: medals, certificates, national rankings, newspaper coverage, academy acceptance letters, and so on.

Candidates will also be invited to a practical assessment day, completing a series of fitness tests and performing in their chosen sport. References from coaches or other sporting professionals can further support an application.

While a Sport Scholarship at SPCS doesn’t guarantee a future scholarship to a senior school at 13+, we’re delighted to encourage that ambition.