Scholarships & Bursaries
Rookwood School currently offers scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
We consider applications for means tested bursaries for pupils of any age.
Scholarships
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the need to ensure social distancing at school, our scholarship assessment process this year will depend on the number of applicants, their current school, their chosen scholarship specialism and the coronavirus regulations in force at the time.
Scholarship applicants must apply by Friday 8th January 2021. To apply, please complete the application form below and email it to admissions@rookwoodschool.org or return it to the main school office.
We expect to assess all scholarship applications by Friday 12th February 2021, subject to the caveat above.
Individual pupils may apply for a maximum of two practical scholarships in any one year. For example, a pupil may apply for Art and Sport (two practical), or Academic, Drama and Music (academic plus two practical), but not Art, Drama and Sport (three practical).
Most scholars will be offered a 10% discount on fees. A higher discount may be offered in exceptional circumstances, for example for an outstanding candidate or where a candidate demonstrates promise in two or more areas.
All scholarships last until the end of the Sixth Form, provided that the scholar upholds the standards expected of him/her. There is no need to reapply at 13+ or 16+ unless a candidate wishes to be considered for an additional scholarship.
The school reserves the right to withdraw a scholarship where it is considered that a pupil is not meeting the expectations of a scholar. Such an act will only be taken following consultation with the parents of the pupil concerned. A full term’s notice will be given for any removal of scholarship status.
Scholarship Application 11+ Form
Scholarship Application 13+ Form
Scholarship Application 16+ Form
Academic
Academic scholars are expected to display a positive attitude to their work across all subject areas. Academic scholars are expected to work hard in class, behave well and ensure that homework tasks are completed to a high standard. It is recognised that even scholars may struggle in certain subjects but in such cases it is imperative that they maintain a positive attitude.
At 11+, candidates sit written papers in English and Mathematics. The exams are based on the National Curriculum expectations for Year 6, and therefore these exams are accessible to children from any setting (i.e. state primary schools as well as other independent schools).
At 13+, candidates sit written papers in English and Mathematics. The exams are based on the National Curriculum expectations for Year 8 and also take into account the Common Entrance curriculum. Therefore these exams are accessible to children from any setting (i.e. state schools as well as other independent schools).
At 16+, the award of an academic scholarship is based on a student’s top eight GCSE predicted grades and their performance in their GCSE mock exams.
Art
Art scholars are expected to play a full role in the Art Department. They are expected to participate in and promote extra-curricular activities in art. Art scholars are ambassadors for art in and out of lessons and should show this through their effort and attainment in art lessons and in broader participation beyond lessons. It is possible that an art scholar can retain their scholarship even if they choose not to take art as a GCSE or A Level option. However the expectations to participate fully in the broader life of the subject remains and retention of the scholarship is dependent upon it.
At 11+, candidates are required to produce two pieces of work at home, unaided:
• A drawing using any dry colour media. For example, it could be pastel, fine-line pen, conte crayons, coloured pencils or charcoal. The drawing can be of any subject e.g. a landscape, portrait or still life and could be in colour or black and white
• A painting copying or interpreting a painting by a well-known artist. This can be done using any type of paint except oil. We recommend using good quality paper or canvas for this to achieve the best result.
On the assessment day, candidates will complete an observational still life pencil drawing in the relaxed environment of the Art Department. This will last approximately an hour. The purpose of this is as much to identify creative potential as well as to assess current ability.
At 13+, candidates are required to produce two pieces of work at home, unaided:
• A drawing using any dry colour media. For example, it could be pastel, fine-line pen, conte crayons, coloured pencils or charcoal. The drawing can be of any subject e.g. a landscape, portrait or still life and could be in colour or black and white
• A painting copying or interpreting a painting by a well-known artist. This can be done using any type of paint except oil. We recommend using good quality paper or canvas for this to achieve the best result.
On the assessment day, candidates will complete an observational still life pencil drawing in the relaxed environment of the Art Department. This will last approximately an hour. The purpose of this is as much to identify creative potential as well as to assess current ability.
At 16+, candidates are required to present a portfolio of their work, which should demonstrate a range of styles and/or media. External candidates will also be interviewed and may be required to sit an examination. The school reserves the right to interview/examine internal candidates (current Rookwood students).
Drama
Drama scholars are expected to play a full role in the Drama Department. They are expected to participate in and promote extra-curricular activities in performing arts. Drama scholars are ambassadors for performing arts in and out of lessons and should show this through their effort and attainment in drama lessons and in broader participation beyond lessons. It is possible that a drama scholar can retain their scholarship even if they choose not to take drama as a GCSE or A Level option. However the expectations to participate fully in the broader life of the subject remains and retention of the scholarship is dependent upon it.
At 11+, candidates will be required to perform one prepared monologue of their choice, lasting approximately two minutes. This monologue should be learnt by heart. Candidates will also be asked to perform a short monologue or poem which shall be given to them during the audition. Following the performances, there shall be a discussion with the teacher with regards to the role that drama plays in the candidate’s life. Candidates should also provide a drama portfolio which details any drama examinations that they have taken, roles that they have had in a play or drama clubs that they belong to.
At 13+, candidates will be required to perform one prepared monologue of their choice, lasting approximately two minutes. This monologue should be learnt by heart. Candidates will also be asked to perform a short monologue or poem which shall be given to them during the audition. Following the performances, there shall be a discussion with the teacher with regards to the role that drama plays in the candidate’s life. Candidates should also provide a drama portfolio which details any drama examinations that they have taken, roles that they have had in a play or drama clubs that they belong to.
At 16+, candidates should provide a drama portfolio which details any drama examinations that they have taken, roles that they have had in a play or drama clubs that they belong to. External candidates will also be interviewed and may be required to demonstrate their drama skills. The school reserves the right to interview/assess internal candidates (current Rookwood students).
Music
Music scholars are expected to play a full role in the Music Department. They are expected to participate in and promote extra-curricular activities in performing arts. Music scholars are ambassadors for performing arts in and out of lessons and should show this through their effort and attainment in music lessons and in broader participation beyond lessons. It is possible that a music scholar can retain their scholarship even if they choose not to take music as a GCSE or A Level option. However the expectations to participate fully in the broader life of the subject remains and retention of the scholarship is dependent upon it.
In addition to the discount in fees, Music Scholars will also receive the equivalent of one free peripatetic lesson per week during term time.
At 11+, candidates should have achieved at least Grade 3 in their chosen instrument (which could include voice). They will be required to play one prepared piece of their choice, play a piece at sight and complete some aural tests.
At 13+, candidates should have achieved at least Grade 5 in their chosen instrument (which could include voice). They will be required to play one prepared piece of their choice, play a piece at sight and complete some aural tests.
At 16+, candidates should have achieved at least Grade 7 in their chosen instrument (which could include voice). External candidates will also be interviewed and may be required to demonstrate their musical skills. The school reserves the right to interview/assess internal candidates (current Rookwood students).
Sports
Sports scholars are expected to play a full role in the PE Department. They are expected to participate in and promote extra-curricular activities in sport. Sports scholars are ambassadors for sport in and out of lessons and should show this through their effort and attainment in PE lessons and in broader participation beyond lessons. It is possible that a sports scholar can retain their scholarship even if they choose not to take PE as a GCSE or A Level option. However the expectations to participate fully in the broader life of the subject remains and retention of the scholarship is dependent upon it.
Sports scholars should either be exceptional in any sport (which does not need to be part of the school’s standard PE curriculum) or very good at a range of sports normally undertaken at Rookwood School.
At 11+, candidates should be involved in their chosen sport at local club level and/or school team standard. They will be asked to submit a brief resume of their sporting activities to date, and should also provide a letter of recommendation from their coach or PE teacher. The assessment includes a fitness test and a group sporting activity.
At 13+, candidates should be involved in their chosen sport at local club level and/or school team standard. They will be asked to submit a brief resume of their sporting activities to date, and should also provide a letter of recommendation from their coach or PE teacher. The assessment includes a fitness test and a group sporting activity.
At 16+, candidates should provide a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating their sporting success. This should include letters of recommendation from a coach or teacher. External candidates will also be interviewed and may be required to undertake a fitness assessment. The school reserves the right to interview/assess internal candidates (current Rookwood students).
Means Tested Bursaries
In line with the School’s Articles and the objectives of the Charity, Rookwood School offers means tested bursaries, subject to funds being available. Awards may cover up to 100% of fees, depending on the financial, compassionate or other pertinent circumstances of applicants.
Bursary awards are made on the basis of an assessment of a family’s financial circumstances, including their savings, investments and realisable assets, as well as their income, the size of their family, any other persons dependent upon them and other similar factors. Parents/guardians with a child at the School whose financial circumstances suddenly change may also apply for a bursary in the same way.
Within overall budget funding, the School will, in normal circumstances, set aside funds each year, for cases of sudden, unforeseen need or where applications meriting bursary assistance are received out of the normal calendar cycle. This sum will be set within budgetary constraints and such awards are subject to the availability of funding and cannot be guaranteed.
All bursary awards are subject to repeat testing of parental means each year and may be varied upwards or downwards depending on parental circumstances. For those previously in receipt of bursaries, the Headmaster and Bursar have the discretion to recommend to the Governors the reduction or withdrawal of an award not only where a pupil’s progress, attitude or behaviour has been unsatisfactory but also where the parents/guardians have failed to support the school, for example by the late payment of any contribution they are making to the fees.
The School respects the confidentiality of bursary awards made to families and recipients are expected to do likewise. Any breach in confidentiality may mean a reduction or withdrawal of the award.
To apply for a bursary, parents must return a completed school application form, including registration fee, and a means tested bursary application form:
Bursaries are normally allocated in February/March for the following September. Please note that applications after this time will still be considered but any award may be limited due to the constraints outlined above.
For further information please contact the Bursar at sbench@rookwoodschool.org or on 01264 325916