Scholarships & Bursaries

In order to obtain an Academic Scholarship, candidates should demonstrate a high level of academic skill in the classroom, have a good awareness of the world around them and will have an academic curiosity and general knowledge. The Academic Scholarship at Year 7 and Year 9 is assessed through a written paper consisting of three sections: English, Mathematics and a General Question.

Candidates at Lower Sixth are required to sit a General Question paper and two additional subject papers from the following: Mathematics, Computing, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Physics, History, Geography, French and Spanish.

All of the papers are designed to allow us to select pupils with the qualities required for Scholarship: the ability to solve problems, think through issues and use knowledge in unfamiliar situations. The papers give a level playing field to internal and external candidates who may have studied very different curricula and had different levels of experience.

In addition to the written test, all candidates have an interview with the Head of College. This gives the opportunity for the candidate to talk about their interests and passions. We would, where possible, encourage candidates to practise talking at home about their hobbies and current affairs, so that they can talk as freely as possible during the interviews.

All candidates for Year 7 must provide a reference from their Headteacher. At Year 9 and Lower Sixth, only external candidates must provide a reference from their Headteacher. All references must be supplied at the point of application.

Pupils enjoy opportunities such as meeting professional artists and taking inspiring trips to experience Art first-hand. We have all the equipment necessary to provide pupils with a rich and varied course and the college grounds and large studio space provide a wonderful environment for painting, printing, ceramics, photography and design and technology.

What is expected of an art scholar?

• To maintain an excellent work ethic
• To have a positive attitude and approach towards the subject
• To set high standards for others to aspire to
• To assist with and support departmental events, exhibitions and competitions
• To study Art/Photography at GCSE and A Level

Key skills/attitudes we are looking for:

• An experimental and creative approach evidenced in the candidates' work produced outside the classroom
• Creative and technical ability
• A capacity to work independently and express individual thoughts and ideas
• The ability to record from life and show a good understanding of the formal elements of drawing
• The ability to work competently with a range of materials and processes
• Confidence to formulate their own opinions when talking about their work and work of other artists

How do I prepare for the day?

Candidates should submit a reference from their current Art teacher or relevant tutor upon application and provide a portfolio of work 1 week before the assessment date. The portfolio should show the candidates' work created independently of their educational commitments. The work should also demonstrate potential and wide interest in the subject. This can include photographs of work completed (if delicate or fragile).

Portfolios should only contain current and recent work from the past 2 years. Annotations by the candidate to support their work is particularly useful and can provide the basis of discussion. It’s beneficial to the candidate if art is arranged in chronological order to ascertain how the candidate has progressed.

On the Scholarship assessment day, candidates will be asked to produce an observation drawing under examination conditions for which no preparation is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their portfolio with the Head of Art in an informal interview.

Rendcomb College’s Drama Department is located in the Griffin Theatre, which features a 350 seat auditorium, Drama classroom, Dance studio with sprung floor and additional prop, set and costume stores.

Drama Scholars are expected to develop skills in stagecraft both on stage as performers and off stage as stage managers, lighting technicians or props and costume managers. Hands-on training is given in all theatrical skills. Drama Scholarships are awarded to those who display significant talent and promise for the future.

What is expected of drama scholar?

• To show enthusiasm for all aspects of Drama and to maintain an excellent work ethic, inspiring and leading others.
• To study Drama at GCSE and A Level
• To be involved in all school productions in any capacity either on or off the stage
• To assist in departmental presentations and join the department on all trips to the theatre
• To widen their theatre going experience by visiting as many professional productions as they can

How do I prepare for the day?

• At least 2 references from the candidate’s current Drama teacher(s) or relevant tutor(s) must be provided upon application.
• A portfolio, to be submitted at least 1 week in advance of the assessment date, must be prepared for the Head of Drama containing evidence of the candidate’s performance history, such as photographs, programmes, awards or DVDs, and any external society achievements
• At Year 7, candidates should learn a two minute spoken monologue from a play, to be performed
• At Year 9 and Lower Sixth, candidates should learn two contrasting spoken monologues of two to three minutes, to be performed
• Candidates will attend a short interview with the Head of Drama where they will be asked to talk through their portfolio and perform their chosen monologues.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• An enthusiasm for, and understanding of, theatre. This will be shown through a discussion of their portfolio and theatre visits they have already undertaken
• A standard of performance which demonstrates dramatic ability and intellectual understanding above and beyond the candidate’s age
• An ability to take direction and think creatively; audition pieces will be discussed and alternative responses to the texts may be explored

The Music Department at Rendcomb College is a vibrant and thriving place. We offer Music Scholarships to help nurture talent, reward excellence and recognise musical potential.

Music Scholars are expected to act as ambassadors for the department. They are expected to practise instruments regularly and make consistent improvement. They must make themselves available for rehearsals and concerts as required by the Director of Music and continue to develop their musical abilities. They should study Music at GCSE and possibly Music at A Level.

All candidates must provide a minimum of 2 references from their current Music/instrument teacher(s) upon application. Candidates should forward a copy of any music to be performed along with the piano accompaniment scores to Rendcomb College no later than 1 week before their audition.

Lower Sixth Form Music  Scholarship, The Dutton Sixth Form Music Scholarship

The Dutton Sixth Form Music Scholarship is awarded to one student per year and applicants are assessed on their performing skills, composition ability and theoretical knowledge. Musicians interested in developing their composition or improvisation skills are encouraged to apply; applicants will be assessed as much on their creativity and musical potential as on their current grade level.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• The ability to communicate with expressive intuition
• Innate senses of pulse, rhythm and pitch
• Potential for musical development
• Proven commitment to music-making

As a guide:

• At Year 7, candidates should be working towards or beyond Grade 3 ABRSM standard on their first instrument
• At Year 9, candidates should be working towards or beyond Grade 4 ABRSM standard on their first instrument
• At Lower Sixth, candidates should be working on Grade 5 or towards Grade 6 ABRSM standard on their first instrument (Please see The Dutton Sixth Form Music Scholarship information above)

How do I prepare for the day?

During the audition assessment, warm up time and an accompanist will be provided. Sight-reading, aural awareness and music theory skills will be tested and the audition element will end with an unprepared discussion.

Year 7

Audition: Perform two contrasting pieces on first instrument and one piece on a second instrument/voice.
No written paper.

Year 9

Audition: Perform two contrasting pieces on first instrument and one piece on a second instrument/voice.
No written paper.

Lower Sixth

Audition: Perform two contrasting pieces on first instrument and one piece on a second instrument/voice.
Written paper: 40 minute written paper including theory, composition and an extended piece of writing.

The Sports Department provides high quality coaching to pupils and arranges competitive and enjoyable fixtures throughout the academic year. We place paramount importance on fostering our reputation for playing any sport in a manner that is true to its spirit. Pupils can learn a great deal about leadership, teamwork, team building, personal fitness and health through their involvement in the sports programme. It can also develop within them a sense of fair play and the ability to cope with success and failure in a competitive environment.

Sport Scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability, potential, determination and enthusiasm. Successful candidates should be of County standard in at least one sport, or have the potential to reach County level or above.

Scholarship holders will respond well to guidance, work well in a team and demonstrate good leadership skills whether by example or captaincy.

Candidates will be expected to contribute to team sports in at least two of the College’s major sports of the season:

• Rugby, Hockey, Cricket for boys
• Hockey, Lacrosse and Tennis for girls

Year 7 and  Year 9 Assessments

The scholarship assessment includes:

• Generic ball and spatial awareness
• Physical literacy, fitness testing and core sport sessions (Rugby, Hockey, Lacrosse, Cricket (boys), Tennis (girls))
• Specific sport testing

All candidates must supply at least 2 references from their current Sports teacher or coach(es) at the time of application.

Candidates at Year 7 and Year 9 could support their references and application with a sporting portfolio. This might include copies of certificates, photographs and information about events in which the candidate has taken part. This is not an essential element of the Scholarship, however it may serve to help discussion and provide information about the candidate’s skills and interests.

Lower Sixth Assessments

Candidates at Lower Sixth will be assessed through a 20 minute interview with the Director of Sport. Candidates must present an up-to-date sporting portfolio to be submitted at least 1 week in advance of the assessment date. The portfolio is to include photocopies of certificates, photographs and information about events and achievements in which the candidate has taken part. All candidates must supply at least 2 references from their current Sports teacher or coach(es) at the time of application.

What is expected from a scholarship holder?

Sport Scholars will be expected to be excellent ambassadors and to demonstrate a willingness to contribute fully to the sporting and general life of the school. At Year 7 and Year 9, Scholars will represent the school in all three major sports on an annual basis. At Lower Sixth, Scholars will represent the school in two major sports including after finishing public examinations. Scholars are expected to train and play with teams during periods of study leave or when no matches are scheduled.

Available only at Year 7 for pupils who attend a Gloucestershire State Primary School

The Head of College can award one 100% Scholarship each year to the candidate who achieves highly in their Year 7 Entrance Assessment. This Scholarship is only available to candidates from Gloucestershire State Primary Schools for whom financial circumstances would otherwise make an independent education unaffordable.

The Scholarship is in keeping with the Founder’s original educational vision and both the Head of College and the Chair of Trustees, Henry C W Robinson DL, shall monitor the progress of Rendcomb’s Noel Wills Scholars throughout their time at the College.

Candidates are not required to sit a Scholarship assessment for the Noel Wills Scholarship but are required to attend the Year 7 Entrance Day. All candidates have an interview with the Head of College; this gives the opportunity for the candidate to talk about their interests and passions. We would, where possible, encourage candidates to practise talking at home about their hobbies and current affairs, so that they can talk as freely as possible during the interviews.

Candidates should notify the Admissions Team if they wish to be considered for the Noel Wills Scholarship and all applicants will be required to submit financial information to be assessed by our Bursary service.

Additional items such as uniform, trips and transport will not be covered by the Scholarship.

Available only at Year 7 for pupils at Rendcomb College Junior School

The Head of College will be looking for candidates to display a range of skills and abilities but also to demonstrate other skills such as leadership, teamwork, ability to work with younger children and a desire to be of service in the school. Candidates will have shown evidence of this type of service during their time at Rendcomb College Junior School. The award will usually carry a value of up to 15% of the school fees. We advise that discussions should take place with the Head of Juniors before an application is made for this Scholarship.

How do I prepare for the day?

• A portfolio prepared by the candidate (30 pages maximum) showing a breadth of educational and extra-curricular abilities and interests to be submitted upon application
• Attend a short interview with the Head of Juniors where the portfolio is discussed
• Attend a group interview with the Head of College

Available for entry into Year 12 in September 2025

Up to 3 100% Scholarship places will be awarded to pupils who are anticipated to achieve at least 56 points from 8 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications based on the following table:

Applicants must take part in our Year 12 Academic Scholarship process as detailed in the 'Academic Scholarship' section of this page. A minimum of 5 must be predicted for English Language and for Maths even if these do not form part of the top 8 predictions. Places offered will be on a day pupil basis; however, pupils looking for a boarding place could still be awarded the Scholarship and choose to pay the boarding differential. The Scholarships are open to UK residents only.

Though not a prerequisite of application, preference will be given to candidates who fulfil the following:

• Pupils who offer an additional significant extracurricular contribution and will participate fully whilst at Rendcomb
• Pupils who take exams in one sitting at the end of Year 11
• Pupils who have always been educated in the state sector
• Pupils for whom independent education would be financially unachievable (means testing may be required)
• While places will be offered on predicted grades, should actual achieved grades fall below the predicted level we reserve the right to withdraw the offer of the Centenary Scholarship. Should this occur, the offer of a Sixth Form place with an Academic Scholarship award may still be available
• Additional items such as uniform, trips and transport will not be covered by the Scholarship

Available for 2025 entry for Year 4 

Up to two 100% Scholarships will be available for pupils of exceptional academic ability who are looking to enter Year 4. 

This award will only continue for the duration of a pupil’s time in the Junior School. Scholars will be eligible to apply for any Senior School Scholarship and/or bursary support. In addition, having attended the Junior School from Year 4, Scholars would receive an automatic 10% discount on Senior School fees.

Pupils wishing to apply for a Centenary Scholarship will be required to sit an assessment for which no preparation is required. Places will be offered on the basis of the assessment and a meeting with the Head of Juniors.

Though not a prerequisite of application, preference will be given to candidates who fulfil the following:

• Pupils who also offer an additional significant extracurricular contribution 
• Pupils who are either in the correct year group for their age or ahead by up to one year
• Pupils for whom independent education would be financially unachievable (means testing may be required)
• Pupils who have always been educated in the state sector
• Additional items such as uniform, trips and transport will not be covered by the Scholarship