Scholarships

Exceptional talent and outstanding achievement is celebrated and rewarded through our scholarship programme. We mentor our scholars to advance their talents and capabilities, providing a wide range of enrichment opportunities to help them achieve their potential.

We offer Academic, Creative & Performing Arts and Sport scholarships. All scholarships awarded in Year 7 and 9 are valid for the duration of Senior School and scholarships awarded in Year 12 are valid for the duration of Sixth Form. Students who are awarded a Creative & Performing Arts scholarship will be expected to take their field of expertise through to GCSE (for Year 7 and 9 awards) and Sixth Form (for Year 12 awards).

Nightingale Scholars' Society

All scholars are members of our distinguished Nightingale Scholars' Society. Students’ eyes are opened to what is possible by a range of visiting lecturers who are experts at the edge of their fields.

These specialists are often leading university researchers who are advising policy direction. Students have engaged with philosophers about the relationship between duty and desire, computer scientists on how AI can be used to catch illegal trade, lawyers who are advising the government on fraud laws to tackle the increase in online scams, and palaeontologists who have discovered new dinosaurs.

Academic Scholarships

Our academic scholars are ambitious and intellectually curious, excelling in all areas across the curriculum.

They are critical thinkers who have a thirst for knowledge and hunger to stretch themselves. Our broad academic programme ensures these agile minds are challenged.

Academic scholars benefit from completing an externally recognised project qualification that sees them delve into their personal interests and explore subjects beyond the scope of conventional qualifications while refining their project management and study skills. As well as attending our Nightingale Scholars’ Society lectures, they take advantage of a wide-range of stimulating curricular and co-curricular challenges, such as our politics society, competitive debating, public speaking competitions, STEM-Aeronautics, Embley Asset Management, Model United Nations and Greenpower Challenge. They can also take a leading role in our student voice, representing peers across committees such as education, environment, inclusion and service, which feed into our School Council.

Year 7 & 9 academic scholarships are awarded to new students based on academic merit and the results of our entrance assessments, interview and reference. All applicants are automatically eligible for consideration, so there is no need to apply.

New students wishing to join Embley Sixth Form will need to apply for our Year 12 academic scholarships. On completion of an application form and personal statement, students will be invited to sit a computer-based cognitive ability test and attend an interview with a member of our Senior Leadership Team.

Academic scholarships are also awarded to current students with the highest academic merit. All current students in Year 6 and 8 are automatically eligible for consideration and do not need to apply. Current Year 11 students will need to apply and attend an interview.

The Arts

Our Creative & Performing Arts scholars are the backbone of creative life at Embley. They benefit from bespoke workshops and holistic coaching with highly acclaimed artists and take a leading role in the organisation of performances, events and large-scale productions.

We invite applications for Art & Design, Drama and Music for Year 7, 9 and 12 entry. There is an expectation that scholars will take their field of expertise through to GCSE for Year 7 and 9 applicants and at A Level for Year 12 applicants.

Scholarships are awarded in open competition and only on merit. All applications must be supported by a personal statement from the candidate and a reference from the candidate’s current school. Scholarship assessments take place the January before September entry.

ART & DESIGN
Art & Design scholars demonstrate exceptional skill and ability in a range of artistic areas or a creative ability within design. Candidates will need to submit a digital portfolio of work, produced at home or school, in the January before September entry. A shortlist of candidates will then be invited to take part in a workshop and attend an interview where they will be expected to discuss their interest in the subject and explain their work.

ART & DESIGN

Art & Design scholars demonstrate exceptional skill and ability in a range of artistic areas or a creative ability within design. Candidates will need to submit a digital portfolio of work, produced at home or school, in the January before September entry. A shortlist of candidates will then be invited to take part in a workshop and attend an interview where they will be expected to discuss their interest in the subject and explain their work.

DRAMA
Drama scholarships are awarded to talented performers who are committed to playing a leading role in all aspects of Drama and performing arts at school and within the community. Drama scholars require focus, discipline, creativity and passion; as well as considerable talent. Therefore, we look at how candidates create, perform and respond in the audition, as well as their attitude and approach. Scholarships are awarded based on a candidate’s performance during an audition and interview with our Director of Drama. Candidates do not need acting or musical theatre grades to be able to apply. Candidates will be asked to submit a video of a monologue learned and prepared previously (a choice will be sent in advance to candidates). A shortlist will then be invited to join a group workshop which involves a range of practical activities (there is nothing to prepare in advance for this part of the audition).

DRAMA

Drama scholarships are awarded to talented performers who are committed to playing a leading role in all aspects of Drama and performing arts at school and within the community. Drama scholars require focus, discipline, creativity and passion; as well as considerable talent. Therefore, we look at how candidates create, perform and respond in the audition, as well as their attitude and approach.

Scholarships are awarded based on a candidate’s performance during an audition and interview with our Director of Drama. Candidates do not need acting or musical theatre grades to be able to apply.

Candidates will be asked to submit a video of a monologue learned and prepared previously (a choice will be sent in advance to candidates). A shortlist will then be invited to join a group workshop which involves a range of practical activities (there is nothing to prepare in advance for this part of the audition).

MUSIC
Our Music scholars have a natural flair for performing and/or composing and they will take a leading role in musical performances at school. Candidates applying for this award in Year 7 should have reached Grade 3 (minimum) and Year 9 candidates should have reached Grade 5 (minimum) or equivalent on their instrument of choice by the date of the scholarship assessment. At Year 12, candidates should demonstrate a musical ability to Grade 6+ or equivalent as well as have a proficient grasp of music theory. Musicians will be invited to an audition and interview with our Director of Music and they will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces of music

MUSIC

Our Music scholars have a natural flair for performing and/or composing and they will take a leading role in musical performances at school.

Candidates applying for this award in Year 7 should have reached Grade 3 (minimum) and Year 9 candidates should have reached Grade 5 (minimum) or equivalent on their instrument of choice by the date of the scholarship assessment. At Year 12, candidates should demonstrate a musical ability to Grade 6+ or equivalent as well as have a proficient grasp of music theory.

Musicians will be invited to an audition and interview with our Director of Music and they will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces of music

Performance Sports Award

Our Sports programme is designed to encourage the long-term athletic development of potential elite young sports people and ensure they are in the best possible position to enter competitive sports.It builds from generic skills and techniques to a tailored, sport-specific programme for each scholar. The basis of the programme is built of five strands: physical performance, training and nutrition, sport psychology, academic studies and health and wellbeing.

We offer three tiers of Sport scholarship which have the following benefits:

GOLD
Membership to Embley’s ‘Good to Great’ talent programme Sessions with visiting elite sports professionals Links to professional clubs Fortnightly sports clinic with our Heads of Sport Termly seminars on topics such as sports nutrition and physiological profiling 1:1 mentoring Up to three strength and conditioning sessions per week – with a sport specific training programme Priority access to physio sessions with Winchester Health Clinic

GOLD

Membership to Embley’s ‘Good to Great’ talent programme
Sessions with visiting elite sports professionals
Links to professional clubs
Fortnightly sports clinic with our Heads of Sport
Termly seminars on topics such as sports nutrition and physiological profiling
1:1 mentoring
Up to three strength and conditioning sessions per week – with a sport specific training programme
Priority access to physio sessions with Winchester Health Clinic

SILVER
Links to county and regional teams Half termly sports clinic with our Heads of Sport Termly seminars on topics such as sports nutrition and physiological profiling Up to two strength and conditioning sessions per week – with a sport specific training programme Access to physio sessions with Winchester Health Clinic

BRONZE
Links with local clubs Termly sports clinic with our Heads of Sport Termly seminars on topics such as sports nutrition and physiological profiling One strength and conditioning session per week – with a sport specific training programme

Sports scholars perform to a high standard in one or more sports, represent the school in a range of competitive sports (weekdays and at weekends), and they are usually of county or national standard or have the potential to reach a similar level. When considering applications, we focus on our main sports of rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, golf and sailing. However, applications from students offering other sports are welcome and shortlisting decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates will be invited to attend an assessment where we will assess their skills and techniques, knowledge and understanding, and fitness levels, across a range of activities.

Sailing scholarships

Our sailing scholarships are designed to support and inspire students who demonstrate outstanding sailing talent and dedication. Scholars benefit from expert coaching, competitive opportunities and a tailored training programme that helps them develop both on and off the water. Sailing scholars are encouraged to embody the values of sportsmanship, determination and commitment, while contributing positively to the life of the school.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate a strong level of sailing proficiency, ideally through competition results or certificates such as Royal Yachting Association qualifications. They should be able to provide evidence of race experience or team involvement, with particular weight given to those who have represented clubs, schools or associations at a regional, national or international level. However, students with clear potential for further development in the sport are encouraged to apply, even if they have limited competitive experience.

SAILING SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Membership to Embley’s ‘Good to Great’ talent programme Sessions with visiting elite sports professionals Termly seminars on topics such as sports nutrition and physiological profiling 1:1 mentoring Coaching clinics focusing on advanced tactics in team and match racing led by top-level coaches, including race strategies, boat handling and decision-making

Candidates will be invited to attend an interview with our Head of Sailing to assess their passion for the sport and commitment to developing their sailing skills.

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Scholarships