Awards and Scholarships
The maximum Scholarship is usually 10% of the school fees. In exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Principal, higher awards may be awarded. The Incents Scholarship is awarded to talented pupils who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend Berkhamsted, and the award can be up to the full value of the tuition fees. Exhibitions may also be awarded, where the amount is at the discretion of the Principal. Scholarships and Exhibitions are only awarded on entry to Berkhamsted (at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+) and thus are not available to pupils within the School.
There are three kinds of Award:
1. Academic Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit alone. Students qualify from their performance in the Entrance Examination and are invited to sit an additional Scholarship examination. The maximum value of the Award is 10% of the tuition fee with additional funding available for the Major Open Scholarships or up to full tuition fees for the Incents Scholarships. The Barbara Russell Scholarship, funded through donations to the Berkhamstedian Foundation, is available for Sixth Form entry.
2. Art, Music, Drama and Sports Scholarships may be given for artistic, musical, dramatic or sporting ability, to those who have been examined and assessed for entrance to the School. They are awarded at the discretion of the Principal.
The Art Scholarship is determined by merit on the basis of the presentation of a portfolio of work, a practical test and an interview. The award is renewable annually dependent on continued commitment to the subject. It is expected that the award holders will study Art to at least GCSE level. The Head of Art will be pleased to see prospective candidates or answer any enquiries.
The Music Scholarship is assessed by audition, which will consist of a performance of two contrasting pieces on two instruments. In addition there will be aural tests, sight-reading (instrumental and singing), and an interview. Choral experience will be taken into account. It is expected that the award holders will study music to at least GCSE and make a full contribution to the musical life of the School. The Director of Music will be pleased to see prospective candidates or answer any enquiries.
The Drama Scholarship is assessed on the basis of an audition, a Drama workshop and evidence ofprevious commitment to and achievements in Drama. The candidate is expected to study drama to at least GCSE level and would be expected to provide evidence of commitment to Drama in a school context. The Head of Drama will be pleased to see prospective candidates or answer any enquiries.
The Sports Scholarship is determined by merit on the basis of the presentation of a portfolio of achievements in any one sporting area. The candidate is expected to have representative experience or its equivalent at County level or above and provide evidence of commitment to sport. The Directors of Girls or Boys Sport will be pleased to see prospective candidates or answer any enquiries. The Ian Player Scholarship, funded through donations to the Berkhamstedian Foundation, is available for Sixth Form entry.
3. Bursaries are awarded for academic or other merit, taking into account parental income and pupil's needs.
Scholarships may be supplemented with a Bursary, when the Scholarship alone would be inadequate. All Scholarships and Bursaries may be withdrawn if it becomes apparent that the pupil to whom an award was made is not putting it to proper use.
Bursaries may be awarded either to supplement a Scholarship or to help parents in financial need or to enable pupils to become boarders.
The Old Berkhamstedians also offer a number of bursaries, with preference is given to children of Old Berkhamstedians.
All awards may be varied at the absolute discretion of the Principal.
More information about Scholarships and Bursaries may be obtained from the Director of External Relations on 01442 358001 or admissions@berkhamstedschool.org