Scholarships and Exhibitions
Downe House offers Scholarships and Exhibitions to girls with exceptional potential in Creative Arts, Music, Drama, Sport and Academics. Our Award Holders play an important role in the life of the School, inspiring others to strive for excellence and sharing a culture of endeavour whilst at the same time fulfilling their own potential.
Scholarship Awards do not carry fee remission but families can apply for assistance with fees through our bursary scheme.
Read on for further information about the Scholarships and Awards we offer.
Find out more about our Creative Arts, Music, Sport, Drama and Academic Scholarships and Awards
DISCOVERScholarship Examinations
Girls who apply for a Scholarship programme sit an examination and although no special preparation is required, girls must be registered before sitting for an Award.
Age of entry is normally in line with general Admissions ages – 11+, 12+, 13+ and 16+. Candidates must be under 12, under 13 and under 14 on 1 September following the examination. Girls sitting for entry to the Sixth Form must be in the final year of their GCSE studies or equivalent.
The title of Creative Arts Award Holder is both an honour and a privilege, offering recipients a significant role within the faculty and valuable leadership opportunities. Award Holders receive regular mentoring and enjoy access to a broad range of enrichment activities, including gallery visits, specialised workshops, and masterclasses, all designed to stretch their abilities and deepen their understanding of the creative world.
Responsibilities of a Creative Arts Award Holder:
- Attend a mentored weekly Club to expan their creative skillset.
- Participate in school-wide and external creative competitions.
- Undertake special Art, Textiles, or Design briefs at the discretion of the Head of Department.
- Support younger pupils with their creative work.
- Contribute to the School magazine and Creative Arts assembly reports.
Award Holders are required to study Fine Art, Textiles, or 3D Design at GCSE and, if continuing into Sixth Form with an extended Award, to maintain a significant contribution to the Creative Arts Faculty while pursuing A Levels in these subjects.
To learn more about the Creative Arts Scholarships and Awards, or for any further inquiries, please contact the Director of Creative Arts, Mrs. Kirsten Mortimer: mortimerk@downehouse.net
All Drama Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour and are valid for three years providing your daughter maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct and fulfils the duties required of a Drama Award Holder.
As a Drama Award Holder, your daughter may be required to:
- Be a model drama student in lessons, during theatre trips and when participating in drama-related events such as workshops and study days
- Be involved in extra-curricular drama productions and events as appropriate
- Be prepared to perform, make presentations and/or speeches at the discretion of the Head of Drama
- Exhibit a genuine interest in drama and theatre outside of Downe House by attending the theatre, and/or participating in drama courses and/or workshops, and/or auditioning for the National Youth Theatre or other appropriate extension programmes
In addition, Drama Award Holders would be required to take Drama and Theatre Studies at GCSE level and AS/A2 level as well as make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular Drama programme in the Sixth Form in order to retain their Award.
Read more here: Drama Scholarships and Awards
If you need any further information please contact Miss Kat Slaymark, Head of Academic Drama: slaymarkk@downehouse.net
Downe House has a thriving Music department with a strong reputation and our Music Award Holders are at the heart of this musical activity. They perform as a soloist and in chamber groups and are members of instrumental and vocal ensembles, playing with enthusiasm and showing musical leadership to others in the School. Every year many girls are awarded Music Scholarships and Exhibitions and go on to play a leading role in the musical life of the School.
There is a range of Music Awards available:
- Music Scholarship (open to all years of entry)
- Music Exhibition (open to all years of entry)
- Organ Scholarship (16+ only)
- Organ Award (open to all years of entry)
- Chilcott Choral Scholarship (internally awarded)
- Choral Awards (open to all years of entry)
The offer of an Award very much depends on the musicianship of the candidate, the standard on the instruments or voice offered, and, critically, their musical potential, flair and enthusiasm for music.
Benefits:
- Music Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on two instruments each academic year
- Music Exhibitioners receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on one instrument (not voice) each academic year
- Organ Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on the organ and on an additional instrument each academic year
- Organ Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free organ tuition each academic year
- Chilcott Choral Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free vocal tuition each academic year and fees for one Grade 8 performing examination
- Choral Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lesson free vocal tuition each academic year
Parents and schools of prospective candidates are urged to contact the Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon, in advance. It is recommended that all potential Scholars have a pre-audition which can be arranged up to a year before the Scholarship assessment.
Music Scholarships and Exhibitions may be awarded annually and are discretionary. The auditions and interviews take place at Downe House in February of the year of entry. The Awards are open to candidates at 11+, 12+ and 13+ entry, and at Sixth Form level.
Read more here: Music Scholarships and Awards
If you would like any further information please contact the Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon: exonc@downehouse.net
All Sports Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour. They are awarded at 11+ to external candidates and at 13+ to internal and external candidates.
11+ Awards are valid for five years (with a review after two years) and Awards at 13+ are valid for three years, providing Award Holders maintain a suitable standard for endeavour and achievement and fulfil the duties required.
As a Sports Award Holder, a Sports Scholar is required to:
- Represent the School in matches
- Maintain a high level of performance and attitude at all times
- Lead by example and promote sport throughout the School
- Attend bespoke strength and conditioning training sessions
- Attend the Sports Scholar enrichment programme including seminars and workshops
- Be prepared to participate in a range of sports when required
Read more here: Sports Scholarships and Awards
If you would like any further information please contact the Director of Sport, Mrs Katie Lauder: lauderk@downehouse.net
The position of Academic Award Holder is an honour and privilege. Award Holders benefit from regular mentoring and have access to enrichment opportunities and super-curricular opportunities unique to the Scholars’ Programme, which allow her to have her intellectual life enriched through stimulating and substantive academic endeavour.
The Scholars’ Programme aims to foster a culture of academic endeavour where enjoyment of learning is unlimited. Academic Award Holders have a wide range of choice and opportunities available to have their intellectual life enriched through stimulating and substantive academic endeavours, and they take a lead in encouraging and sharing their love of learning with their peers.
Benefits:
- A Scholar Mentor (in addition to their Academic Tutor) who will offer advice on appropriate opportunities within the Scholar Programme and provide support on maintaining a balance between academics and other enrichment activities.
- A Scholars’ Class Note Book and Teams page that directs students to opportunities to extend and deepen their academic interests and understanding, and to hone their academic skills (e.g. essay competitions, MOOCs, podcasts, wider reading, work experience opportunities).
- Access to a wealth of bespoke opportunities, such as the Twilight Lecture series, workshops, lectures or seminars.
- Academic Award Holders are expected to join the Elective Programme. In addition, Scholars will be given opportunities to improve their leadership skills, for example through running one of the academic enrichment societies.
- Academic Award Holders are expected to play a full and active role in lessons, and on the Scholars’ Programme through commitment, engagement and attendance at societies, clubs and lectures and where appropriate. They are encouraged to develop leadership by making presentations, leading discussions and sharing knowledge with peers (for example, the LV Scholars’ Research Seminar).
- The Scholars’ Programme encourages each girl to embrace opportunities to extend her learning beyond the classroom by presenting at Academic Conferences, entering essay competitions and scientific, maths or linguistics Olympiads, and undertaking sustained research into areas of their choosing, helping to refine highly desirable academic skills.
- The Scholars’ Programme offers the opportunity to belong to a community of like-minded individuals who share a love of learning for the joy of it, with many social events each term such as film and pizza evenings, book clubs (at Downe House and with other boys’ schools), quiz nights, board games evenings and trips (e.g. Bletchley Park).
Read more here: Academic Scholarships and Awards
If you would like any further information about Academic Scholarships and Awards please contact our Director of Scholars and Enrichment, Mrs Maria Reichardt - reichardtm@downehouse.net
The title of Creative Arts Award Holder is both an honour and a privilege, offering recipients a significant role within the faculty and valuable leadership opportunities. Award Holders receive regular mentoring and enjoy access to a broad range of enrichment activities, including gallery visits, specialised workshops, and masterclasses, all designed to stretch their abilities and deepen their understanding of the creative world.
Responsibilities of a Creative Arts Award Holder:
To learn more about the Creative Arts Scholarships and Awards, or for any further inquiries, please contact the Director of Creative Arts, Mrs. Kirsten Mortimer: mortimerk@downehouse.net
Responsibilities of a Creative Arts Award Holder:
- Attend a mentored weekly Club to expan their creative skillset.
- Participate in school-wide and external creative competitions.
- Undertake special Art, Textiles, or Design briefs at the discretion of the Head of Department.
- Support younger pupils with their creative work.
- Contribute to the School magazine and Creative Arts assembly reports.
To learn more about the Creative Arts Scholarships and Awards, or for any further inquiries, please contact the Director of Creative Arts, Mrs. Kirsten Mortimer: mortimerk@downehouse.net
All Drama Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour and are valid for three years providing your daughter maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct and fulfils the duties required of a Drama Award Holder.
As a Drama Award Holder, your daughter may be required to:
- Be a model drama student in lessons, during theatre trips and when participating in drama-related events such as workshops and study days
- Be involved in extra-curricular drama productions and events as appropriate
- Be prepared to perform, make presentations and/or speeches at the discretion of the Head of Drama
- Exhibit a genuine interest in drama and theatre outside of Downe House by attending the theatre, and/or participating in drama courses and/or workshops, and/or auditioning for the National Youth Theatre or other appropriate extension programmes
Downe House has a thriving Music department with a strong reputation and our Music Award Holders are at the heart of this musical activity. They perform as a soloist and in chamber groups and are members of instrumental and vocal ensembles, playing with enthusiasm and showing musical leadership to others in the School. Every year many girls are awarded Music Scholarships and Exhibitions and go on to play a leading role in the musical life of the School.
There is a range of Music Awards available:
- Music Scholarship (open to all years of entry)
- Music Exhibition (open to all years of entry)
- Organ Scholarship (16+ only)
- Organ Award (open to all years of entry)
- Chilcott Choral Scholarship (internally awarded)
- Choral Awards (open to all years of entry)
- Music Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on two instruments each academic year
- Music Exhibitioners receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on one instrument (not voice) each academic year
- Organ Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons of free tuition on the organ and on an additional instrument each academic year
- Organ Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free organ tuition each academic year
- Chilcott Choral Scholars receive up to a maximum of 30 lessons free vocal tuition each academic year and fees for one Grade 8 performing examination
- Choral Award Holders receive up to a maximum of 30 lesson free vocal tuition each academic year
All Sports Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour. They are awarded at 11+ to external candidates and at 13+ to internal and external candidates.
11+ Awards are valid for five years (with a review after two years) and Awards at 13+ are valid for three years, providing Award Holders maintain a suitable standard for endeavour and achievement and fulfil the duties required.
As a Sports Award Holder, a Sports Scholar is required to:
- Represent the School in matches
- Maintain a high level of performance and attitude at all times
- Lead by example and promote sport throughout the School
- Attend bespoke strength and conditioning training sessions
- Attend the Sports Scholar enrichment programme including seminars and workshops
- Be prepared to participate in a range of sports when required
The position of Academic Award Holder is an honour and privilege. Award Holders benefit from regular mentoring and have access to enrichment opportunities and super-curricular opportunities unique to the Scholars’ Programme, which allow her to have her intellectual life enriched through stimulating and substantive academic endeavour.
The Scholars’ Programme aims to foster a culture of academic endeavour where enjoyment of learning is unlimited. Academic Award Holders have a wide range of choice and opportunities available to have their intellectual life enriched through stimulating and substantive academic endeavours, and they take a lead in encouraging and sharing their love of learning with their peers.
Benefits:
- A Scholar Mentor (in addition to their Academic Tutor) who will offer advice on appropriate opportunities within the Scholar Programme and provide support on maintaining a balance between academics and other enrichment activities.
- A Scholars’ Class Note Book and Teams page that directs students to opportunities to extend and deepen their academic interests and understanding, and to hone their academic skills (e.g. essay competitions, MOOCs, podcasts, wider reading, work experience opportunities).
- Access to a wealth of bespoke opportunities, such as the Twilight Lecture series, workshops, lectures or seminars.
- Academic Award Holders are expected to join the Elective Programme. In addition, Scholars will be given opportunities to improve their leadership skills, for example through running one of the academic enrichment societies.
- Academic Award Holders are expected to play a full and active role in lessons, and on the Scholars’ Programme through commitment, engagement and attendance at societies, clubs and lectures and where appropriate. They are encouraged to develop leadership by making presentations, leading discussions and sharing knowledge with peers (for example, the LV Scholars’ Research Seminar).
- The Scholars’ Programme encourages each girl to embrace opportunities to extend her learning beyond the classroom by presenting at Academic Conferences, entering essay competitions and scientific, maths or linguistics Olympiads, and undertaking sustained research into areas of their choosing, helping to refine highly desirable academic skills.
- The Scholars’ Programme offers the opportunity to belong to a community of like-minded individuals who share a love of learning for the joy of it, with many social events each term such as film and pizza evenings, book clubs (at Downe House and with other boys’ schools), quiz nights, board games evenings and trips (e.g. Bletchley Park).
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