We love to recognise ability and potential

We award scholarships to girls with Academic ability, Art, Sport, Music and Drama. As a Scholar or Exhibitioner, girls have access to our specialist Scholarship programme which offers a range of specialist enrichment activities to inspire her and extend her knowledge, a mentor to guide and encourage her on her journey and important leadership opportunities designed to stretch and challenge her.

Being a Scholar is a position of honour and privilege at Downe. Whilst it does not carry any remission in fees, it does give your daughter a wealth of additional support and additional curricular opportunities alongside the chance to play a key role in the life of the School. These awards open a world of opportunities from which a Scholar or Exhibitioner can expand her learning and explore her own gifts.

Read more about our Scholarships programme including testimonials from current Scholars.

Scholarship Examinations

Girls who apply for a Scholarship 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.

Academic Awards

All Scholarships are awarded on the results of examinations and interviews with the Headmistress and other key members of staff.  The papers are held each year in January, with interviews following in February.

In addition to these major awards, Exhibitions may be awarded in each age group. Further minor awards for excellence in specific subjects may be made if candidates of sufficient merit present themselves. There is also the possibility of a Headmistress’s Award for an outstanding all-round performer.

For more information please contact the Registrar: registrar@downehouse.net

Art Awards

All Art Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour and are valid in the first instance up to the end of GCSEs providing your daughter maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct and fulfils the duties required of an Art Award holder. Awards are reassessed at this stage to allow other talented artists to be given awards for entry to the Sixth Form and to ensure Art still plays a central part in the life of an award holder.

As an Art Award Holder, your daughter may be required to:

Contribute to the School Magazine.
Take part in the appropriate art competitions
Undertake occasional Art and Design briefs at the discretion of the Head of Art.
Exhibit work in the school and outside if the opportunity arises and it is appropriate.
In addition, Art Award Holders are required to take Art at GCSE level and to make a significant contribution to the Art department in the Sixth Form in order to retain their Award.
For more information please contact the Head of Art, Mrs Sally Scott: scotts@downehouse.net

Read more about Art Awards and Scholarships.

Sport Scholarships

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 fulfils 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
• Undertake regular meetings with the School Games Captains
• 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

For more information please contact the Director of Sport, Mrs Lydia Rayne: raynel@downehouse.net

Music Scholarships

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.

Music Scholars will receive free tuition in a maximum of two instruments, which may include the voice, up to a maximum of 30 lessons per year. Exhibitioners will receive free tuition in one instrument, up to a maximum of 30 lessons per 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.

For more information please contact the Director of Music, Dr Charlotte Exon: exonc@downehouse.net

Drama Scholarships

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.

For more information please contact Mrs Kirsty Richards, Director of Drama and Dance: richardsonk@downehouse.net