Scholarships
To be considered for a Kingston Grammar School Scholarship, candidates should show a genuine enthusiasm for their chosen area and a willingness to play an active role in the life of the school. We look for students who are not only talented, but who are keen to contribute, get involved and make the most of the opportunities on offer. As with all applicants, they must also meet the academic expectations assessed through our entrance examinations and interviews.
Art Scholarships
Available at 11+ and 16+
A digital folder of artwork should be submitted in advance of the in-person assessment. A shortlist of candidates will be selected from these submissions and invited to attend a practical workshop.
A folder of work should be brought on the day of workshop assessment. This may contain the same work as submitted in the digital folder and should include up to a maximum of 12 drawings, paintings and other artwork completed in school and at home during the previous two years. There is no specific requirement for what the folder might contain but it should help to illustrate the candidate’s enthusiasm and talent in Art. Sketchbooks often provide a useful focus for discussion during the interview, which will take place on the same assessment day. Folders containing work should be clearly labelled with the candidate’s name and date of birth. Models, sculptures, wooden or glass-framed pictures will not be accepted; however, photographs of such artefacts are most welcome and worthy of inclusion.
Art Scholars are selected based on an excellent folder of work, workshop and interview. The folder of work is to be left after the scholarship assessment day and can be collected the following week.
Music Scholarships
Available at 11+ and 16+
Music Scholarships are awarded to those who show outstanding potential on an instrument, preferably orchestral. As a guide, candidates should have achieved a good pass at Grade 5 standard at age 11 and Grade 7 at 16. Ability to play a second instrument is desirable, though not essential.
Submission of a video recording playing a piece on their main study will be required. A shortlist of candidates will then be selected from these submissions and invited to an audition.
Auditions will consist of:
- Performance of one prepared piece for main instrument (an accompanist can be provided if required)
- Sight reading
- Aural tests, including singing
- Performance of prepared piece on second instrument or voice (if applicable). If a second instrument or voice is not being offered, two pieces on the main instrument should be prepared
- An interview with the Director of Music
Sport Scholarships
Available at 11+ and 16+
We are looking for students with athleticism, who will be role models in their year and demonstrate a passion for sport. Scholars will be offered mentoring, access to regular workshops, strength and conditioning provision and regular support as they represent the School and hopefully progress towards performance pathways. We are specifically looking at sports scholars who will excel in one or more of the sports we play at KGS: hockey, cricket, rowing, netball, football, tennis.
At 11+, students are invited to express their interest as part of the application process. Following the entrance examination, applicants will attend an initial assessment day where they are assessed on movement, hand-eye co-ordination, as well as communication and leadership skills. Candidates are then shortlisted for a second assessment, which is sport specific and will allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and aptitude in a variety of sports offered.
Talented tennis players joining at 11+ have the opportunity to be considered for our new Tennis Academy, launched in partnership with Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club. This exclusive programme is integrated into the school week and offers access to performance coaching, outstanding facilities and tailored support. Students selected for the Academy will be expected to show exceptional potential in tennis, a strong work ethic and a commitment to both their sporting and academic development.
Applicants at 16+ are able to express their interest in a Sport Scholarship and will be assessed on an individual basis depending on their chosen sports. Assessment will take place during the second half of the Autumn term.
Design and Technology
Available at 16+ only
Candidates are required to submit a digital portfolio of work and evidence of recent practical projects should be brought to the interview. This should contain a variety of designs and projects completed in school and at home and not just the current GCSE coursework project. The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate’s enthusiasm, experience and potential in Design & Technology. In the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to talk about the work in the folder and their passion for the subject.
Drama
Available at 16+ only
Awarded to those who show outstanding potential in acting, set design or as a technician. Candidates must submit a two-minute recording of a monologue of their choice (Shakespeare or contemporary). Shortlisted candidates will prepare two contrasting monologues; one pre-1800 and one post-1950, to be performed in person, followed by a short interview that will focus on the applicant’s knowledge of the chosen monologue. Set designers/technicians should prepare a portfolio that shows their work on two contrasting productions to present and discuss at interview.
