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Scholarships & Bursaries

ACADEMIC AND SUBJECT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YEAR 7 ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 2027

At King’s High we celebrate achievement in all areas. To recognise and reward some of the exceptional pupils who come to our school, we offer a range of different scholarships at 11+ that are awarded based on excellence, enthusiasm and potential to develop further in the scholar’s area of expertise. All scholarships will continue throughout the scholar’s time at the school, provided the recipient remains enthusiastic and committed to the field in which they have been recognised, and maintains the standards of excellence against which the award is offered.

To apply for a scholarship, please ensure you have the information you require to submit to us when you make your application to King’s High School as you will be asked to submit this at the same time.

For girls who are currently at Warwick Preparatory School, you will be sent a scholarship form directly – please do not use the registration form to apply for a scholarship.

All candidates who sit the entrance examination are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship. 

Candidates may apply for up to two Scholarships.

These scholarships are awarded in recognition of exceptional ability and potential and are, above all, honorary awards. However, they carry a financial remuneration, generally of up to 10% of fees. In the case of pupils who have a particularly strong all-round profile, we will also sometimes award selected pupils an All-Rounder Scholarship.

Scholarships are also offered in the following subjects:

Academic 

Academic Scholarships for overall achievement

These are awarded to the highest achieving candidates in recognition of exceptional ability and with regard to academic potential. They are, above all, honorary awards, however, they do carry a financial remuneration of up to 20% of full fees. Potential Academic Scholars will be invited to an interview following their performance in the School’s entrance examination. They will be asked to talk about their academic interests both within and beyond school. We prize creativity and independent thinking at King’s High, and are impressed to hear from pupils who are curious about ideas and want to explore new, exciting topics.

Art 

Criteria for application

Candidates for the Art Scholarship will need to demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for Art and to have developed their ability to use a range of media. We are looking for pupils who are able to think creatively and approach the production of art with a personal style of their own. Successful candidates will be expected to show a high level of technical skill, as well as commitment to being creative and original.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Exceptional ability across a range of materials
  • The ability to analyse artwork, interpret hidden meaning, convey opinion and communicate ideas at an advanced level
  • Active involvement in Art outside the classroom, for example through visiting exhibitions, attending art workshops, and self-directed study

The application process

Stage 1

Along with the completed Scholarship form, candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio of 10 pieces of work in a digital format such as a PowerPoint. Five of these pieces must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to draw the following:

  • One A4 tonal drawing of a glass, half filled with water, with a teaspoon inside.
  • One A4 colour drawing of a sliced red pepper (life-size).
  • One A3 tonal drawing of a pair of old shoes.
  • One A4 tonal self-portrait.
  • One A3 watercolour painting of the view from your bedroom window.

The remaining five pieces should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to experiment, to tackle problems, and to use a variety of media.

Stage 2

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to come into school for an interview and to carry out an assessment task, as follows:

  • Candidates will have the opportunity to present and discuss their portfolio of carefully selected pieces of work in a range of media. We are especially interested in work that displays the candidate’s independent development rather than projects or tasks set at school or art clubs/workshops.
  • Photographs of any three-dimensional work that is too difficult to transport may be included as part of a portfolio. However, we would prefer to see originals wherever possible.
  • The portfolio should clearly demonstrate imagination and an interest for Art.
  • All work must be entirely original. (Not, for example, copies of any existing work or models produced from kits.) Sketchbooks of ideas/drawings may be included within the portfolio.

Candidates will be able to collect their portfolios on the day of their assessment/interview. Successful applicants would be expected to:

  • Contribute to the co-curricular schedule of the Art Department
  • Take part in Art clubs and exhibitions throughout their time at King’s High
  • Seek a variety of opportunities to develop their skills
  • Assist with Art events and activities We are always pleased when Art Scholars pursue their love of the subject through academic routes such as GCSE or Advanced Level

Please note the digital portfolio must be submitted, together with the relevant Scholarship evidence, by Sunday 6 September 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this scholarship, please contact Admissions.

drama 

Criteria for application

Candidates for the Drama Scholarship will need to demonstrate passion for Drama and to have developed their abilities in a range of areas. We are looking for pupils who are able to perform creatively and adaptively, with an emerging style of their own. Successful candidates will demonstrate technical competence as well as the ability to engage their audience with their creativity and skill.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Exceptional ability as an adaptive and creative performer
  • The ability both to perform prepared pieces and to respond to prompts in the moment
  • Active involvement in Drama beyond school, for example attending workshops and classes and taking part in performances

The application process

Stage 1

Along with the completed Scholarship form, applicants will need to prepare a monologue of approximately 15-20 lines, to be memorised, performed and sent into school in video form. The monologue may come from any play and the performance should clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to create a convincing character.

Stage 2

Shortlisted candidates will be invited into school to take part in the following:

  • Group workshops
  • An audition, during which candidates re-perform their Stage 1 monologue live. Again, we will be looking for the creation and development of character in this performance
  • A short written task
  • An interview Successful applicants would be expected to:
  • Make a full contribution to the theatrical life of the school
  • Take part in Drama clubs and productions throughout their time at King’s • Actively seek opportunities to develop their skills.
  • Volunteer to assist with Drama events and activities taking place
  • Act as a subject mentor/ambassador, as and when appropriate

We are always pleased when Drama Scholars pursue their love of the subject through academic routes such as GCSE or Advanced Level.

Please note the video must be submitted, together with the relevant Scholarship evidence, by Sunday 6 September 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this scholarship, please contact Admissions.

music 

Criteria for application

Applicants must:

  • Ideally, be proficient on two instruments (one of which may be voice). We may, however consider talented applicants who have specialised in only one
  • Be of Grade 4 (ABRSM) standard or higher in their first study instrument • Provide copies of their examination mark sheets, if applicable, alongside their video submission • Provide a reference from their current music teachers
  • Have a good standard of sight reading • Have evidence of previous commitment to learning their instrument and contributing to musical performances

The application process

Stage 1

Along with the completed Scholarship form, applicants should perform and record a one-minute sample of their playing or singing, sending in the performance as a video file. When shortlisting applicants, we will be looking for candidates with strong performance technique, a high level of musicianship and a love of Music and Music performance.

Stage 2

Shortlisted applicants will be invited into school for the following assessments:

  • Applicants should prepare two performance pieces on their instrument(s), one of which may be voice. This can be one piece on two different instruments, or two contrasting pieces on one instrument. A piano accompanist will be provided. The total combined performance time must not exceed five minutes.
  • We will be looking for candidates with strong performance technique, a high level of musicianship and a love of Music and Music performance.
  • Aural tests at an appropriate level will be given. This will include singing if the applicant has not used voice as one of their instruments.
  • There may be a sight reading test on their first study instrument at an appropriate grade level. • Some unaccompanied singing may be asked for.
  • An interview with the Director of Music and another Music specialist.

Successful applicants would be expected to:

  • Make a full contribution to the musical life of the school.
  • Take part in appropriate Music activities and concerts throughout the year
  • Act as a subject mentor/ambassador as and when appropriate
  • Sing in the Junior Choir and/or play in the Intermediate Orchestra and be willing to take on leadership roles in these groups

We are always pleased when Music Scholars pursue their love of Music through academic routes such as GCSE or Advanced Level.

Please note the video must be submitted, together with the relevant Scholarship evidence, by Sunday 6 September 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this scholarship, please contact Admissions.

sport 

Criteria for application

  • A proven track record in team and/or individual sports, including playing in school and club teams.
  • A keen interest in, and commitment to, developing their own sporting ability and encouraging others to do the same.
  • Developed ability in at least one of the major school sports at King’s High. These sports are Hockey, Netball, Tennis and Swimming.

The application process

Stage 1
  • Applicants are invited to complete an application form. Successful applicants will be invited to a practical assessment day.
  • Successful applicants will be invited to attend the practical assessment day and will be expected to take part in physical proficiency testing as well as two of the scholarship sports on the day, (Netball, Hockey, Tennis and Swimming). Pupils will not be able to take part in all of the sessions and should choose carefully which two out of the four they wish to be assessed in.
Stage 2

Successful applicants will be invited back for a further practical assessment, if required.

Stage 3

Following the practical assessment, successful applicants will be shortlisted to attend an online interview. This will be an opportunity to discuss further their current sporting performance. Sporting performance is as much about determination and commitment and this interview will form an integral part of getting to know shortlisted applicants.

Successful applicants would be expected to:

  • Contribute to the sporting life of King’s High School throughout their time at school • Participate fully in the Talented Athlete Programme
  • Support the department at events such as open evening
  • Act as a mentor and ambassador for the sports department

We are always pleased when Sport Scholars pursue their love of the subject through academic routes such as GCSE or Advanced Level.

Please note the Scholarship form must be submitted by Sunday 6 September 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this scholarship, please contact Admissions.

king henry VIII Scholarships 

We are delighted to offer the King Henry VIII Scholarships which are open to pupils living in the CV34 postcode who are joining our senior schools in Year 7 or Year 12.

The scholarships – which usually involve a fee discount of 10% - aim to recognise those young people who demonstrate outstanding achievements or the potential to do so – whether that be academic achievement or all-around achievement more generally.

As a Foundation, we are proud to be a part of Warwick, and work closely with our community on a number of initiatives that aim to enable our community to realise their potential. We are committed to projects which make a difference to the lives of people who live in Warwick and the surrounding areas, and we are now proud to introduce the King Henry VIII Scholarships. These scholarships will, we hope, support talented local children to reach their full potential.

The King Henry VIII Scholarships can be awarded to either children who currently attend one of the Foundation schools, or children joining the Foundation at Year 7 or Year 12.

Unlike bursaries, the King Henry VIII Scholarships are not means-tested, but will be subject to annual review. In common with bursaries, they are competitive in nature. In addition, recipients must remain resident in CV34 for the duration of their time in the school to continue to benefit from this award.

Entry Stages

11+ (Year 7)

They may be awarded to external and internal at 11+, who demonstrate one or more of the following: 

  • Outstanding academic achievement in entrance assessments 
  • Outstanding academic potential 
  • This may include All-round achievement  
16+ (Sixth Form)

They may be awarded to external candidates, who demonstrate one or more of the following: 

  • Outstanding academic achievement in entrance assessments 
  • Outstanding academic potential 
  • This may include All-round achievement 

They may be awarded to internal candidates who have demonstrated one or more of the following: 

  • Outstanding academic progress and achievement  
  • Outstanding academic potential 
  • This may include All-round achievement  

To make an application for a King Henry VIII Scholarship, families must apply to the school they are interested in by the earlier scholarships' deadline – these are listed on the relevant school’s website – and fill out the additional scholarships information. For candidates progressing from a Foundation school, they must complete the separate scholarships form which will be emailed to them in the academic year preceding entrance assessments.

Candidates will then sit the entrance examination as normal (or attend an interview for Y12 entry) and the Head will review all scholarship applications following this and pupils will be invited back to school for scholarship assessments and interviews to determine which pupils are offered a scholarship.

The Award is made by the Head of the school the student wishes to attend.

‘Laude Dignus’ is given by the Foundation Principal on the recommendation of a school Head or Foundation Bursar to mark an exceptional achievement.

Requirements of Scholarship holders

As with all scholarships, this is subject to annual review.

Recipients may be invited to represent their School and the wider Foundation at Foundation events (eg Service of Thanksgiving), at events in the town when the Foundation is represented, and at events organised by The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust.

Recipients must remain resident in CV34 for the duration of their time in the school to continue to benefit from this award.

Is my child eligible to apply?

We welcome internal pupils at the entry points 11+ and 16+ or externals at 11+ and 16+ if they can demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • Outstanding academic potential
  • Outstanding academic achievement in entrance assessments
  • An award may be made to mark an exceptional achievement (‘Laude Dignus’)

To apply for a Scholarship, simply register your daughter, indicate your interest in a scholarship and we'll be in touch.

King henry vIII Choral Award 

We are proud to offer the King Henry VIII Choral Programme, a partnership between Warwick Schools Foundation and the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick. It has been made possible by the historic relationship the Foundation and St Mary’s enjoys with The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, Warwick.

Warwick Schools Foundation and St Mary’s are aligned in our belief in the power of singing and choral music for young people, both within our schools and the wider community. Through the launch of the King Henry VIII Choral Programme, our aim is to enable as many talented children as possible to benefit from the unique opportunities that choral participation affords them, alongside the outstanding education that we provide in the schools of the Foundation.

King Henry VIII Choral Awards

To be eligible for the Award, students must meet the criteria below:

  • Be either a current pupil at a Foundation School or be offered and accept a place at one from Year 3 upwards
  • Be a current member of St. Mary’s Choir or successfully audition and accept a place in the Choir
  • Fulfil all commitments required by St Mary’s Choir

King Henry Choral Scholars will play an active and important role in the musical life of their School and the wider Foundation.

King Henry Choral Scholars benefits and commitments 

  • All King Henry Choral Scholars will automatically become members of the King Henry VIII Consort of Warwick Schools Foundation, directed by Foundation Executive Music Lead, Mr Stuart Thompson 
  • Pupils in Years 3 and 4 will usually be Probationers in the Consort, joining one rehearsal a week, and will be invited to become full choristers at the discretion of the Director of Music at St Mary’s who directs the probationers. 
  • Pupils in Year 5 upwards will usually be full Choristers and expected to join two rehearsals a week, one before school and one during lunchtime. 
  • Members of the Consort will also be required to participate in a range of additional events across the course of the academic year, which will include services at Warwick School Chapel, at local churches and cathedrals, and a programme of concerts at external venues across the country. 
  • Award holders will also benefit from a unique partnership with Armonico Concert, where each year the King Henry VIII Consort will perform alongside professional singers, soloists and instrumentalists at one of Armonico's concerts. 

The Award gives a reduction on the pupil’s school fees – usually 20% - for as long as they remain an active part of the choir.*  

All awards are contingent on remaining part of St Mary’s Choir. Anyone who leaves the Choir will rescind their right to the award and scholarship.

The application process

We are now taking applications for September 2026 onwards.

Pupils currently educated at any of the Foundation schools can express an interest for September 2026 entry to the scheme and a vocal assessment using the form at the bottom of this page.

Applications from pupils currently educated outside of the Foundation should be directed to the school they are applying to, noting the deadline listed on the school's website. Candidates will sit the entrance examination or assessment as normal and will be invited for a vocal assessment. Successful candidates will be notified as part of the school’s offer process.

Vocal Assessment

Applicants will subsequently be invited into School for a vocal assessment. They should prepare a song they know well and can sing confidently. This could be a hymn, Christmas carol, nursery rhyme or anything similar. It is generally better to avoid anything more ‘popular’ or musical theatre in style.

They will be taken through some vocal exercises which will include:

  • Singing back individual notes
  • Repeating a short melody
  • Picking out single notes from 2 or 3 note chords
  • Reading some previously unseen English text.

The King Henry VIII Choral Programme is a new, exciting initiative that reflects our belief in the transformative power of choral singing. It offers young people exceptional opportunities to develop their musical talents, building their confidence and fostering a lifelong love of music as part of an outstanding, well-rounded education within the Warwick Schools Foundation.

*For girls, this is funded entirely through Warwick Schools Foundation; for boys, its is part-funded via The Warwick Choral Trust.

Boys who pause their membership of St Mary’s Choir on the advice of the Director of Music of St Mary’s due to their voice changing, will be entitled to 50% of the Choral Scholarship. As long as they remain committed to the choir and the musical programme at the Foundation, they will continue to be eligible for the 10% additional fee reduction.

To apply for a Scholarship, simply register your daughter, indicate your interest in a scholarship and we'll be in touch.

 

Key dates year 7 entry September 2027
Sunday 6 September 2026 Closing date for all Scholarship and Bursary Applications
Monday 21-28 September 2026 Subject Scholarship Week Assessments
Sunday 27 September 2026 Closing date for entrance Examination Registrations (if not applying for a Scholarship or Bursary)
Saturday 10 October 2026 Entrance Examination
Tuesday 3 November 2026 Academic Scholarship Day (by invitation)
Mid-November 2026 Offers

 

What does King’s High offer to Scholars?

  • Our extensive Inspire Programme, which offers an array of talks, events and activities all designed to encourage independence, creative thinking and curiosity about the world
  • A structured routine of extension activities, including half-termly Inspire challenges and our prestigious Inspire Essay competition • Opportunities to perform/exhibit in their chosen field of expertise
  • At 13+ the opportunity to mentor a younger scholar • At 16+ the opportunity to mentor younger pupils in their chosen subject of expertise

Apply for a Scholarship

To apply for a Scholarship, simply register your daughter below, indicate your interest in a scholarship and we'll be in touch.

Bursaries

Bursaries are means-tested awards offering free or discounted fees based on financial need.

Across Warwick Schools Foundation, we offer two different type of bursary – one which is based on where the child lives (the CV34 Awards) and one which is open to families from all postcodes (our Foundation bursaries). The funding available from a bursary operates on a sliding scale – from 100% of fees covered, to smaller proportions, dependent on household income.

To be eligible for a bursary-funded place at one of our schools, children must also meet the usual conditions of entry – that is, they must satisfy the requirements of the school’s assessment and interview processes. There are limited funds available, so not all children who are offered a place at the school will also be offered a bursary, even if the financial assessment deems them to be eligible. The bursaries are awarded on a competitive basis and are limited to the funds available. All bursaries are re-assessed annually.

The support available is based on a combination of the following:

  1. Financial need - determined by a means testing assessment by our external partners Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA).  
  2. Your child's performance - based on exam results, the interview and the report received from your child's current school.
  3. Overall demand - bursaries are awarded on a competitive basis, as limited funds are available.

CV34 Awards

The CV34 Awards are a specific set of bursaries which are earmarked for children whose families live within the CV34 postcode. The school is grateful to King Henry VIII Endowed Trust and The Charity of Sir Thomas White, Warwick for their financial support for this set of bursaries.

To be eligible for a CV34 Award, applicants must fulfil the three criteria above AND live in the CV34 postcode area.

Means Testing

All bursaries are allocated following means testing of applicants. This is established based on relevant ‘net income’ of all those with parental responsibility. The amount of discount is offered on a sliding scale. If your gross household income exceeds £99,025 (for the CV34 Award) or £69,000 (for the Foundation bursary), you will not be eligible, and if you have substantial assets, you are unlikely to qualify.

If your child qualifies for a bursary place, they will also receive support towards other school costs. This will be applied at the same rate as the bursary – so for example, if the bursary covers 50% of fees, then half of the amounts in the table below will also be covered.

Example for 2024/25 academic year:
Uniform – up to £750 over 7 years (between Year 7 and Year 13)
Essential curriculum trips – up to £600 over 7 years (between Year 7 and Year 13)
Bring Your Own Device – up to £1,000 over 7 years (to cover two devices in that time)

Please note that if your child qualifies for free school meals, then there will be no additional charge for lunches.

Application for a bursary

To apply for a bursary, parents are required to apply to the School through the normal registration form, and tick the box indicating they would like to be assessed for a bursary. On receipt of the School application, you will then be sent a confidential link to submit your details for the financial assessment to BAA, the School’s external partners. You will be told of the deadline to do this, in order to receive an indication of whether you may be eligible ahead of the entrance exam.

Please note that an indication that you may be eligible for financial assistance at this stage does not mean a bursary place has been offered as this is still subject to the usual admissions processes and overall demand for bursaries.

You will be required to provide detailed financial information including income, expenditure and details of your net assets. The financial analysis is based on both parents jointly, regardless of current living arrangements.

Please be advised that in some cases the Foundation reserves the right to attend a home visit in order to discuss the financial schedule.

Further information about bursaries can be obtained from our Admissions team: khs-admissions@warwickschools.co.uk or call 01926 494485.