Scholarships & Bursaries

Academic Scholarships - Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+

At King’s we are justly proud of our Academic Scholars and their achievements. Academic Scholarships are awarded to candidates who are excelling academically.

What is expected of an Academic Scholar at King’s?

• Continue to develop academically, maintaining high levels of performance and interest in studies
• Serve as a role model for their peers at the School
• Participate in Academic Enrichment sessions
• Achieve high grades in public examinations

Assessment for 11+ Academic Scholarships

Assessments for 11+ Academic Scholarships will take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6. We recommend that candidates should be working at the top end of the ability range for their peer group in the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. The assessments consist of English and Maths papers and an Aptitude test. Candidates will also be required to bring a piece of their current schoolwork with them and have an interview with a member of academic staff. Further information from your child’s current school report will also be taken into consideration.

Assessment for 13+ Academic Scholarships

Assessment for 13+ Academic Scholarships will take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8. We recommend that candidates are working at the top end of the ability range for their peer group in the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. The assessments consist of English and Maths papers and an Aptitude test. Candidates will also be required to bring a piece of their current schoolwork with them and have an interview with a member of academic staff. Further information from your child’s current school report will also be taken into consideration.

Assessment for 16+ Academic Scholarships

Assessments for 16+ Academic Scholarships will take place prior to February half-term when candidates are in Year 11. Candidates should be predicted to achieve an excellent set of GCSE grades, with a minimum of seven subjects at grade 9-7 (A*-A). Candidates for 16+ Academic Scholarships need to submit their predicted GCSE grades and choose one subject in which to demonstrate their academic potential; this must be a subject that they intend to study to A Level.

All candidates are asked to submit a piece of academic work, for example, an essay or past examination paper, completed in Year 11 and marked by their current teacher, which demonstrates their ability in the chosen subject. Candidates will then be invited to attend an interview with senior academic staff, where their submitted work and academic interests will form the basis of discussions. Scholarship awards are conditional upon the required GCSE results being achieved. 

Art Scholarships - Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+

Creativity flourishes at King’s; teachers in our Art Department have expertise in a host of disciplines
providing expert tuition in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, textiles and ceramics.
Candidates must demonstrate an outstanding ability in Art and a passionate interest in the subject as a whole.

What is expected of an Art Scholar at King’s?

• Show significant commitment to their artwork and contribute creatively to the School’s artistic life
• Holders of an Art Scholarship at 13+ will be expected to take Art as a GCSE subject
• Holders of an Art Scholarship at 16+ will be expected to take Art as an A Level subject

Assessment for 11+ Art Scholarships

Assessments for 11+ Art Scholarships take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6. Candidates will be required to bring with them a portfolio of work from home and school which demonstrates their artistic abilities. They will then be invited to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Art, alongside completing a short assignment on the day of the Art Assessment.

Assessment for 13+ Art Scholarships

Assessments for 13+ Art Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8. Candidates will be required to bring with them a portfolio of work from home and school which demonstrates their artistic abilities. They will then be invited to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Art, alongside completing a short assignment on the day of the Art Assessment.

Assessment for 16+ Art Scholarships

Assessments for 16+ Art Scholarships take place prior to  February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11. Candidates will be required to bring with them a portfolio of work from home and school which demonstrates their artistic abilities. They will then be invited to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Art.

Choral Scholarships - Entry between the ages of 6 and 9 years

The King’s School has enjoyed a long history with Gloucester Cathedral and the Abbey that preceded it. For the last nine hundred years, we have been linked with the Choristers of the Cathedral, a relationship that is still strong today, as King’s has educated the boy Choristers of the Cathedral Choir. In an exciting new chapter of the Cathedral Choir’s history, girls’ full Choral Scholarships will be available from September 2021, bringing equality to boys and girls.

Boys and girls who enter the School as a Chorister will play a central role in the day-to-day life within the Cathedral, and feel privileged to sing in a beautiful and historic setting. Choristers have the opportunity to gain in confidence, as well as acquiring a musical knowledge and understanding of which many adults would be proud.

With a Choral Scholarship comes a significant reduction of the School fees. When the boys and girls come to the end of Year 8, they leave the Cathedral Choir. They are then able to apply for our 13+ Music Scholarship and may be eligible for bursaries from the School and outside agencies to enable them to continue their education at King’s right through to 18 years of age.

What is expected of a Cathedral Chorister at King’s?

• A genuine passion for music
• Chorister duties take priority over other school and social activities
• When a Chorister leaves the Cathedral Choir they are expected to be involved in choral singing within the School

Assessment for a Choral Scholarship

Voice trials are held annually in the Spring Term, but prospective candidates can heard at any time of the year when special arrangements are made between King’s and the Cathedral’s Director of Music. The Cathedral’s Director of Music conducts all voice trials; no special coaching or voice training is required or expected of candidates. A prospective Chorister is asked to bring along a song that she or he enjoys singing; this can be a hymn or a carol. Tests will also include those to measure the quality of the voice, the accuracy of the ear and the ability to pitch a note. Reading aloud is part of the assessment, as all Choristers must be able to read aloud with reasonable confidence.

Candidates for Choral Scholarships will be required to meet the entry criteria for the Junior School and will be asked to complete a Taster Day before a place is offered.

Further information about life as a Chorister can be found here

Design Technology Scholarships - Entry at 13+ and 16+

The Design and Technology department is equipped with both state-of-the-art and traditional equipment, allowing pupils to gain an all-round experience of design and engineering. Design and Technology Scholarship candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the subject, as well as showing experience of working with a range of media.

What is expected of a Design Technology Scholar at King’s?

• Show significant commitment to their Design Technology work and contribute creatively to the School’s artistic life
• Holders of a Design Technology Scholarship at 13+ will be expected to take Design Technology as a GCSE subject
• Holders of a Design Technology Scholarship at 16+ will be expected to take Design Technology as an A Level subject

Assessment for 13+ Design Technology Scholarships

Assessments for 13+ Design Technology Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8.  Candidates will be required to present a portfolio of work which demonstrates their design abilities. They will then be invited to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Design Technology.

Assessment for 16+ Design Technology Scholarships

Assessments for a 16+ Design Technology Scholarship take place prior to February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11. Candidates will be required to present a portfolio of work which demonstrates their design abilities. They will then be invited to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Design Technology.

Drama Scholarships - Entry at 11+. 13+ and 16+

Our Drama programme immerses pupils in a wealth of dramatic experience – from the classics to the best in contemporary theatre and new writing. Drama Scholarships are offered to foster and enhance the strong tradition of Drama within the whole School. Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for Drama are paramount and should be demonstrated during the application process.

What is expected of a Drama Scholar at King’s?

• Involvement in School productions and House Drama events
• Share enthusiasm for Drama within the School community

Assessment for a 11+ Drama Scholarship

Assessments for 11+ Drama Scholarships take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6.
Candidates will be asked to perform a prepared piece from a play or a monologue and some short, unseen lines. This will be followed by an interview with the Director of Drama. It is expected that candidates will have previously taken part in drama productions.

Assessment for a 13+ Drama Scholarship

Assessments for 13+ Drama Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8.
Candidates will be asked to perform a prepared piece from a play or a monologue and some short, unseen lines. This will be followed by an interview with the Director of Drama. It is expected that candidates will have previously taken part in drama productions.

Assessment for a 16+ Drama Scholarship

Assessment for 16+ Drama Scholarships will take place prior to February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11. Candidates will be asked to perform a prepared piece of drama either written by himself/herself or by someone else. This piece should be at least two minutes in length, and could be from a play or a monologue. Candidates will also be asked to perform some short, unseen lines and will have an interview with the Director of Drama. It is expected that candidates will have previously taken part in several drama productions and will have an idea
of the types of roles they may like to take up in the future.

Music Scholarships - Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+

King’s is renowned for its strong tradition of Music, and was originally established to educate the Choristers of the Cathedral. The historic setting of Gloucester Cathedral provides us with a wonderful venue for concerts and recitals, its acoustics are second-to-none and our pupils relish the chance to perform in such a beautiful setting. Candidates at 11+ should be at Grade 3 standard or above, 13+ candidates should be at Grade 5 standard or above. Sixth Form candidates should have gained at least Grade 6 standard in one or more instruments. Music Scholarship holders will receive free tuition on one instrument.

What is expected of a Music Scholar at King’s?

• Participate fully in the musical life of the School
• Take a leading role in choirs, orchestras and ensembles according to their interest and expertise
• Attend and perform at concerts held by the school Assessment

Assessment for an 11+ Music Scholarship

Assessments for 11+ Music Scholarships will take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6. At the Music audition, candidates will be asked to perform up to two pieces on their main study (instrument or voice) and one piece on their second study (if applicable). Sight-reading and musicianship tests, appropriate to the candidate’s abilities, will be given and the audition will end with an interview with the Director of Music.

Assessment for a 13+ Music Scholarship

Assessments for 13+ Music Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8.
At the Music audition, candidates will be asked to perform up to two pieces on their main study (instrument or voice) and one piece on their second study (if applicable). Sight-reading and musicianship tests, appropriate to the candidate’s abilities, will be given and the audition will end with an interview with the Director of Music.

Assessment for a 16+ Music Scholarship

Assessments for 16+ Music Scholarships take place prior to February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11. At the Music audition, candidates will be asked to perform two pieces on their main study (instrument or voice) and one piece on their second study (if applicable). Sight-reading and musicianship tests, appropriate to the candidate’s abilities, will be given and the audition will end with an interview with the Director of Music.

Performing Arts Scholarships - Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+

Performing Arts Scholarships are open to those who have particular talents in Dance, Drama and Music. Candidates are able to choose either two or three of these disciplines to be assessed in, and are expected to excel in those chosen areas.

What is expected of a Performing Arts Scholar at King’s?

• Involvement in School productions and/or concerts
• Become an excellent ambassador for their chosen disciplines
• Play a leading part in House events

Assessment for a Performing Arts Scholarship at 11+

Assessments for 11+ Performing Arts Scholarships take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6. Candidates will be assessed in two or three disciplines from Dance, Drama and Music. Details of the assessment criteria in each discipline are outlined below.

Assessment for a Performing Arts Scholarship at 13+

Assessments for 13+ Performing Arts Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8. Candidates will be assessed in two or three disciplines out of Dance, Music and Drama. Details of the assessment criteria in each discipline are outlined below.

Assessment for a Performing Arts Scholarship at 16+

Assessments for 16+ Performing Arts Scholarships take place prior to February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11.

Candidates will be assessed in two or three disciplines out of Dance, Music and Drama. Details of the assessment criteria in each discipline are outlined below.

Drama: Candidates will be asked to perform a prepared piece from a play or a monologue and some short, unseen lines. This will be followed by an interview with the Head of English and Drama. It is expected that candidates will have previously taken part in drama productions.

Dance: For the Dance audition, candidates will be asked to prepare a short dance in the genre of their choice, which will be followed by an interview based on a portfolio of their previous achievements.

Music: At the Music audition, candidates will be asked to perform up to two pieces on their main study (instrument or voice) and one piece on their second study (if applicable). Sight-reading and musicianship tests, appropriate to the candidate’s abilities, will be given and the audition will end with an interview with the Director of Music.

Sports Scholarships - Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+

Sport has a high profile at King’s and we are proud of our pupils’ achievements. Each year we award a number of Sports Scholarships to those who demonstrate the ability to progress and achieve high levels of success within their chosen sport. Candidates should have the potential to reach, or already be playing at, County level. Successful candidates will be expected to make a contribution to our main School Sports. For boys these are rugby, hockey, athletics and cricket. For girls these are hockey, netball, athletics, cricket and rounders.

What is expected of a Sports Scholar?

• Be fully committed to School teams throughout the academic year
• Respond well to guidance, work well in a team and demonstrate good leadership skills, whether by example or captaincy
• Participate in the Gifted and Talented Sports Programme
• Participate in all House Sport events

Assessment for a Sports Scholarship 11+

Assessments for 11+ Sports Scholarships take place in the November when candidates are in Year 6.
Candidates will be invited to a Sports assessment morning, which will involve a full programme of activities. They will be assessed in a series of physical activities including agility, hand-eye coordination, fitness and the ability to adapt to specific sporting situations.

Assessment for a Sports Scholarship at 13+

Assessments for 13+ Sports Scholarships take place in the January when candidates are in Year 8.
Candidates will be invited to a Sports assessment morning, which will involve a full programme of activities. They will be assessed in a series of physical activities including agility, hand-eye coordination, fitness and the ability to adapt to specific sporting situations.

Assessment for a Sports Scholarship at 16+

Assessments for 16+ Sports Scholarships take place prior to February Half Term when candidates are in Year 11. Candidates for a Sports Scholarship at 16+ will be asked to submit a Sports CV outlining their achievements to date, and have an interview with the Director of Sport. They may be asked to and attend a relevant training session as appropriate.