Scholarships

Our Scholarships Programme

September entry

Our scholarships are open to both new and current pupils joining both Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.

Full details of the scholarships for Year 7 and Year 9, the entry criteria and how we assess your child's strengths can be seen below.

Scholarships to Downsend Sixth for 2025 entry will be available for applicants with strengths in their chosen area of study, Sport, Music, Drama and ADT. Our Admissions Team will discuss scholarship options with you upon application.

Music Scholarship

Mrs Nicole Allison, Head of Music

Pupils who are passionate about music-making and want to learn more about performance, composition and/or music technology.

• Grade 4 or above on one instrument
• Two instruments preferable (voice is considered an instrument)
• Aural and sightreading approximately grade 3 level
• An interest in learning about, talking about and participating in the making of music

It is not necessary for a pupil to have taken external grades in performance. We are looking for young people who are passionate about Music: keen to learn about it, talk about, listen to it and spend time perfecting their playing of it

Please submit a short written piece providing evidence for each of the entry criteria listed above. Please ensure you list the instruments played, approximate grade levels and the music your child enjoys playing most. Please ensure you include your child’s name and the scholarship they are applying for.

For prospective parents:
We ask that your written piece is submitted to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

For current Downsend pupils:
We ask that your written piece is submitted to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Scholarship Assessment Day.

Sat 22nd November 2025

On the day, pupils will be expected to:

• Perform a piece on each instrument of not more than 5 minutes in total.
• Participate in some sight reading and aural tests at approximately ABRSM grade 3 • Participate in a short interview.

Candidates will be given approximately ten minutes to warm up before the audition.

You are more than welcome to bring your own accompanist.

If you require accompanying please notify school as soon as possible. There will be the opportunity to rehearse briefly before the audition.

Please bring your instrument and sheet music.

KS3 (Years 7–8)
• Take weekly specialist tuition in instrument or voice.
• Perform regularly in termly recitals, lunchtime concerts, and ensemble showcases.
• Join at least one musicianship workshop per term (e.g., theory, jazz, Alexander Technique).
• Explore world music and protest music in the Global Perspectives Forum (Junior).
• Show Leadership in Action by leading sectionals, supporting beginners, and assisting with recital organisation.
• Create and present original compositions at Scholars’ Concerts.
• Attend fortnightly group mentoring and half-termly 1:1s with the Head of Music Scholars.

KS4 (Years 9–11)
• Continue to attend at least one musicianship workshop per term.
• Engage with industry partnerships through trips (e.g., Royal Opera House, West End, festivals) and workshops with professionals.
• Show Leadership in Action by directing ensembles, mentoring KS3 musicians, and supporting the planning and running of recitals.
• Contribute to the Innovation Challenge through cross-genre collaborations.
• Debate music’s role in society in the Global Perspectives Forum (Senior).
• Attend fortnightly group mentoring, half-termly 1:1s, and receive Futures support for work experience.

• Annual Scholars’ Gala Concert, celebrating musical achievement and performance.
• Recording Opportunities: access to the school studio for solo and ensemble work.
• Performing Arts Scholars’ Journal: publication of articles, reviews, and compositions alongside Academic Scholars.
• Scholars’ Lecture Series: termly talks from distinguished academics, creative industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
• Cultural Trips & Expeditions: UK and overseas visits linked to music and performance.
• Fee Remission in recognition of commitment and achievement.

Sport Scholarship

Mr Grant Lawrence, Director of Sport

Holders of Sports Scholarship are expected to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular sporting calendar.

Downsend School offers a breadth of sporting activities whereby the school competes locally and nationally in the following areas: Football, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Tennis, Swimming and Athletics.

Candidates who excel in at least one, preferably two, of the sports listed above to at minimum ‘A’ team standard are invited to apply for a scholarship. It will also be beneficial to candidates’ applications if they can demonstrate that they represent at district/county level or above in any of these sports. The level of representation will depend on the sport. Please contact Grant Lawrence, Director of Sport for more details (grant.lawrence@downsend.co.uk)

We are looking for the following individual characteristics:

• Be coachable and willing to quickly implement given feedback
• Have an excellent attitude towards learning both in PE and Sport lessons
• Demonstrate ambition and drive towards achieving a personal or team goal
• Be able to make calculated decisions when under pressure
• Be physically resilient and robust
• Have positive emotional intelligence and are able to bounce back from setbacks
• Be willing to take the lead and set an example to their peers
• Have good communication skills
• Have met the academic requirements of the school

Please provide a short written piece providing evidence for each of the above entry criteria. Please include your child’s name and the scholarship you are applying for.

Please also provide accompanying video evidence demonstrating playing/sports credentials.

For prospective parents:
Please submit your written piece to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

For current Downsend pupils:
Please submit your written piece to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Scholarship Assessment Day.

Sat 22nd Novemeber 2025

Pupils will be fitness tested on their cardiovascular endurance, speed and agility followed by an assessment in their Games performance (a generic Games based activity will be played).

Swimmers will be in the pool and will be timed on their two preferred strokes.

Holders of Sports Scholarship are expected to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular sporting calendar.

KS3 (Years 7–8)

• Participate in a breadth of sporting activities, including Football, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Tennis, Swimming, and Athletics.
• Excel in at least one, preferably two, sports to at minimum ‘A’ team standard; district/county representation is advantageous.
• Take part in weekly Skill Development Clinics with specialist coaches.
• Follow a Strength & Conditioning programme focusing on movement, agility, and injury prevention.
• Show Leadership in Action by captaining teams, leading warm-ups, and mentoring younger players.
• Attend Industry Inspiration sessions with sports scientists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists.
• Explore global sport, ethics, and equality in the Global Perspectives Forum (Junior).
• Join fortnightly group mentoring and half-termly 1:1s with the Head of Sports Scholars.


KS4 (Years 9–11)

• Maintain excellence in at least one, preferably two, sports while competing locally and nationally.
• Engage with Performance Pathways via links with clubs, academies, and national governing bodies.
• Access Advanced Conditioning, including fitness suites, video analysis, and personalised training.
• Show Leadership in Action by designing workshops, leading fixtures, and supporting charity sports events.
• Participate in the Innovation Challenge, exploring wearable tech, data analytics, and sustainability in sport.
• Attend University and Industry visits for masterclasses.
• Join fortnightly group mentoring, half-termly 1:1s, and receive Futures support for work experience.

• Annual Sports Scholars’ Dinner with guest athletes.
• Sports Tours: domestic and international fixtures to build cultural understanding and competitive resilience.
• Publication Opportunities: reports and interviews featured in the Scholars’ Journal.
• Performance Support: half-termly movement analysis and fitness testing, lectures on performance improvement, and access to physiotherapy/sports rehab sessions.
• Personal Mentorship: dedicated ‘superstar’ mentor tailored to individual scholar needs.
• Targeted Podcasts: guidance on mindset, wellbeing, and goal-setting.
• Professional Links: connections with National Governing Bodies and professional sports clubs.
• Fee Remission in recognition of commitment and achievement.

Drama Scholarship

Mr Christopher Bryant, Head of Drama

Applicants for Year 7 Drama Scholarships, whether internal or external, will have taken every opportunity to contribute to School Drama during Years 5 and 6 at their current school (e.g. school plays, LAMDA, clubs or competitions). They will show impressive attainment and positive attitude in curriculum Drama lessons. Applicants may also have had experience of Drama beyond school, but this is not necessary.

We are looking for the following individual characteristics:

• Enthusiasm
• Dedications
• A sense of fun
• An understanding of the importance of discipline
• Creative ambition
• Good team work
• A love of performance
• Good behaviour and attitude to learning

Please provide a short written application with evidence (videos, recordings) for each of the entry criteria. Please ensure you reference your child’s name and the scholarship you are applying for.

For prospective pupils:
Please provide a written reference from a previous Drama teacher.

For prospective parents:
Please submit your written piece and reference is submitted to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

For current Downsend pupils:
Please submit your written piece to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Scholarship Assessment Day.

Applicants will be asked to audition by learning and rehearsing a monologue (of their choice) and presenting it.

This will be followed by a group session with other applicants involving improvisation, devising and scripted work

Applicants will also have a short interview with the Head of Drama to discuss their experience so far, their hopes for the future and why they would make an excellent Downsend scholar.

Sat 22nd November 2025

Applicants will be asked to audition by learning and rehearsing a monologue (of their choice) and presenting it.

This will be followed by a group session with other applicants involving improvisation, devising and scripted work.

Applicants will also have a short interview with the Head of Drama to discuss their experience so far, their hopes for the future and why they would make an excellent Downsend scholar.

KS3 (Years 7–8)
• Performance Training in voice, movement, and improvisation.
• Take part in the annual Scholars’ Play.
• Show Leadership in Action by running warm-ups and assisting clubs.
• Explore world theatre traditions through the Global Perspectives Forum (Junior).
• Attend theatre visits and backstage tours.
• Join fortnightly mentoring groups and half-termly 1:1s with the Head of Drama Scholars.


KS4 (Years 9–11)
• Take on prominent acting or directorial roles in productions.
• Engage with industry partnerships (e.g., Yvonne Arnaud, GSA).
• Show Leadership in Action by directing, leading rehearsals, and mentoring KS3 actors.
• Contribute to the Innovation Challenge through original performance projects.
• Debate theatre and society in the Global Perspectives Forum (Senior).
• Join fortnightly mentoring groups and half-termly 1:1s, with Futures support for work experience.

• Fortnightly small group mentoring from Head of Drama scholarships scheme. Termly 1:1s
• Annual Scholars’ Gala Concert, celebrating musical and dramatic excellence.
• Performing Arts Scholars’ Journal: publication of articles, reviews, and original compositions alongside Academic Scholars.
• Scholars’ Lecture Series: inspirational talks from distinguished academics, creative industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
• Cultural Trips & Expeditions: UK and overseas visits linked to performance and the arts (e.g., West End, National Theatre, European arts festivals).
• Fee Remission for Performing Arts Scholars in recognition of commitment and achievement.

Academic Scholarship

Mr Peter Nathan, Head of Senior School

For new pupils: during academic assessments, pupils will be assessed using Cognitive Ability Tests. Each score will be assessed to determine high performers academically who would benefit from a scholarship.

For current pupils: the termly assessment results will be analysed to determine pupils who will be eligible for an academic scholarship.

Typically pupils will be scoring in the top 10th percentile in CAT scores to qualify for an academic scholarship

There is no formal application for this scholarship.

For prospective parents:

When you register, you will be asked to provide a reference from your child’s previous school. This and the CAT scores will be used to determine scholarship awards. There is no formal application process for this scholarship.

For current parents:

The termly assessment results will be analysed to determine pupils who will be eligible for an academic scholarship. There is no formal application for this scholarship.

CAT scores will help to identify possible scholars with a follow up interview with Head of Downsend Seniors

KS3 (Years 7–8)

• Attend fortnightly Curiosity Seminars on topics beyond the curriculum.
• Take part in P4C discussions to develop reasoning and debate skills.
• Complete one Mini Research Project per year, presenting at the Scholars’ Fair.
• Join Global Perspectives (Junior) debates and workshops.
• Attend Industry Inspiration Talks from guest speakers.
• Begin Leadership in Action by mentoring peers and running clubs.
• Take part in Cultural Capital Visits to museums, galleries, and universities.
• Attend fortnightly group mentoring and half-termly 1:1 meetings with the Head of Scholars.

KS4 (Years 9–11)

• Present essays, research, or projects at the annual Scholars’ Symposium.
• Join University & Industry Masterclasses for enrichment and insight.
• Mentor KS3 pupils through project leadership.
• Work on team-based Innovation Challenges tackling real-world issues.
• Take part in Global Perspectives (Senior) debates and model UN-style forums.
• Lead through Leadership in Action: Scholars’ Fair, assemblies, podcasts, and role-modelling.
• In Year 10, extend a project into an HPQ and/or complete Global Perspectives GCSE
• Attend fortnightly group mentoring, half-termly 1:1s, and receive Futures support for work experience.

• Scholars’ Lecture Series with leading academics, writers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
• Future Skills Challenges: whole-school interdisciplinary problem-solving days.
• Student-Led Podcast – The Scholar’s Voice, sharing debates and interviews.
• The Scholars’ Journal: termly publication showcasing research, essays, and creative work.
• Annual Scholars’ Fair: display of projects, HPQ and EPQ work.
• Cultural Expeditions: UK and overseas trips linked to academic study (e.g., Greece, CERN, UN Geneva).
• Completion of an additional GCSE – this will be in either Critical Thinking or Global Perspective.
• Fee Remission for Scholars in recognition of commitment and achievement.

Art, Design and Technology Scholarship

Mr Duncan Holding, Head of Art, Design and Technology

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a passion for ADT and must be able to display exceptional artistic understanding and a varied skill set, such as:

• Drawing
• Photography
• CAD/CAM skills
• Sculpture/model making
• Craft/making skills using variety of materials and tools

Alongside this we are looking for the following individual characteristics and requirements:

• Have demonstrated an independence developing their art and design skills, via sketchbooks and design projects.
• An ability to be disciplined, focussed and efficient with time.
• Have gone above and beyond in their love for ADT, such creating a piece of artwork for a competition or a community project or for a third party.
• Be prepared to take risks and push boundaries of creativity.
• Have positive emotional intelligence and able to bounce back from setbacks.
• Have good communication skills.
• Have met the academic requirements of the school.

In advance, we ask you to compile evidence of the following in a short written piece including details of the following:

• Evidence of sketchbook work
• Exhibitions attended
• Community projects

For prospective parents:
Please submit your written piece to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

For current Downsend pupils:
Please submit your written piece to admissions@downsend.co.uk by October half term.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Scholarship Assessment Day.

Sat 22nd November 2025

Pupils will be asked to produce:

• A still life study
• To provide design solutions to a specific brief

KS3 (Years 7–8)

• Take part in weekly Creative Labs (drawing, sculpture, design, digital media).
• Showcase work in termly exhibitions.
• Show Leadership in Action by mentoring peers in clubs and curating mini exhibitions.
• Explore global art and design traditions in the Global Perspectives Forum (Junior).
• Attend guest workshops from artists, engineers, and architects.
• Join fortnightly group mentoring and half-termly 1:1s with the Head of ADT Scholars.

KS4 (Years 9–11)

• Develop professional-standard portfolios for art and design.
• Contribute to the Innovation Challenge with cross-disciplinary design projects (e.g., sustainable fashion, eco-architecture, assistive tech).
• Engage with industry partnerships through collaborations with design studios, galleries, and universities.
• Show Leadership in Action by curating exhibitions, designing theatre sets, and mentoring KS3 pupils.
• Debate creativity and ethics in the Global Perspectives Forum (Senior).
• Join fortnightly group mentoring, half-termly 1:1s, and receive Futures support for work experience.

• Annual Scholars’ Exhibition & Design Expo, showcasing student work.
• Art & Design Expeditions: UK and overseas visits to galleries, design fairs, and architectural tours.
• Publication Opportunities: work featured in the Scholars’ Journal and school magazine.
• Practical Enterprise Experience: participation in ADT business projects to explore creating, producing, and selling work.
• Workshop Access: studio time to develop and refine skills.
• Professional Pathways: termly exploration of careers and education routes in art and design (e.g., product designer, freelance designer, illustrator).
• Community Engagement: involvement in clubs and projects to raise the profile of ADT (minimum one per term).
• Fee Remission in recognition of commitment and achievement.

Downsend School

Sixth Form Enquiries: 013723 85400
General: 01372 372197