Scholarships
Scholarships at Caterham not only recognise ability and potential. More importantly, they nurture and accelerate talent.
At Caterham, our Scholarships both recognise and actively nurture each pupil’s unique talents. While every candidate is considered for an Academic Scholarship through the standard admissions process, families may submit separate applications for Art, Chess, Dance, Drama, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Music, and Sports, and at Sixth Form entry, for subject specific academic awards. Regardless of outcome, we value enthusiasm and commitment in every applicant.
We offer two types of award: Scholarships and Exhibitions. Exhibition holders join the same enrichment and extension programmes as Scholars, but their awards do not typically carry a fee remission.
Scholarships are awarded on merit, not means, and typically carry a fee remission of 10 per cent. In outstanding cases, this may rise to 30 per cent, or up to 50 per cent for exceptional academic candidates, at the Headmaster’s discretion.
Scholarships are held for the duration of a pupil’s time at the School, provided the expectations set out in the Terms and Conditions of Award continue to be met. Means tested financial assistance (bursaries) may be awarded alongside a Scholarship, and it is possible for pupils to hold more than one award.
For 13+ Deferred Entry, Scholarship applications are invited in Year 6. Successful candidates will receive a minimum guaranteed award, which is confirmed, and in some cases increased, following the Year 8 assessment process.
Expectations and Opportunities
A Scholarship at Caterham is more than a financial award or a recognition of ability. It offers a rich framework for pupils to pursue their passions, develop their talents and play a leading role in shaping a culture of ambition across the School.
Each Scholarship comes with a bespoke programme of enrichment and extension, for example, the Caterham Athletic Programme, designed to nurture and stretch pupils throughout their time here. Many go on to perform at elite levels and make confident, ambitious applications to top university courses and pathways beyond School.
Our Scholars are expected to be active contributors to School life. They mentor younger pupils, lead co-curricular clubs and societies, and represent the School in external competitions and in partnership activity. For Scholars in Art, Drama and Music, there is no formal requirement to take the subject at GCSE, but we strongly encourage them to do so wherever possible.
Academic Scholarships
All applicants are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship, and decisions are based on performance in the admissions assessments and the interview. We have a broad understanding of outstanding academic ability and potential, though all academic scholars exhibit a genuine thirst for learning and a passion for a variety of subject areas.
academic ScholarshipS at 16+ entry
In addition to our core Academic Scholarships, we offer a range of subject specific awards for 16+ applicants. A Caterham Sixth Form education is a springboard to success beyond School, whether that’s securing a place at a leading UK or international university, or earning a competitive place on a Degree Apprenticeship programme.
We’re proud to offer dedicated Sixth Form Scholarships that reflect some of our most successful and distinctive academic pathways. These require a separate application, including a short personal statement that explains your enthusiasm for the pathway and how you would make the most of the opportunities it offers. A subject specific interview will also form part of the application process.
The available 16+ Scholarships are:
- Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Classics
- Philosophy & Theology
In addition, thanks to a generous legacy gift, we award the Maddock Exhibition each year to a female 16+ applicant with exceptional promise and potential in science or STEM subjects at A Level. The award also carries a value of £1,000 for the first year of the Sixth Form.
Co-Curricular Scholarships
Art
Applicants will be asked to upload a digital portfolio of 15-20 pieces of work completed in the past year in any media. It is preferable that the portfolio evidences understanding and knowledge of the work of artists, 3D and design work, confident use of a variety of skills including strong drawing skills, and work undertaken outside of school independently. In addition, applicants will be asked to submit a short statement of support explaining their passion for Art. Applications will be reviewed and a short list invited to assessment and interview at Caterham.
Chess
Successful Chess Scholarship applicants will combine talent for the game with a evidenced history of playing competitively in local or regional tournaments. Crucially, applicants must have a passion and genuine enjoyment of the game. Applicants will be asked to upload a one-sided A4 page CV listing their experience and achievements in Chess and can also upload any references or certificates they may have. For assessment, we invite applicants in for an informal game versus a member of staff at Caterham.
Dance
Those with a passion and talent for any style of dance are invited to consider applying, especially those with dance qualifications and/or a history of participation in competitions. Applicants will be asked to upload any exam certificates or teacher references they may have, a one-sided A4 page CV listing their experience and achievements in Dance, and a one-minute self-tape where they explain their passion for Dance and why they think a Scholarship will be beneficial to them. If short-listed, pupils will be invited to an audition day involving a performance of one routine in a style of their choice, and participate in a choreography workshop. Further details will be sent to those who are short-listed when they are informed.
Drama
We welcome and value applications for Drama Scholarships from young actors and theatre technicians with flair and a passion for the stage, especially those who have passed examinations (LAMDA, Trinity etc.) and/or who have extensive experience in productions. Applicants will be asked to upload exam certificates, at least one reference, a one-sided A4 page CV listing their experience and achievements in Drama, and a one-minute self-tape where they can explain their passion for Drama, what has inspired them, and why they think a Scholarship will be beneficial to them. Those short-listed will be invited to an audition day involving a performed monologue (two for 13+ and 16+), ideally from published plays, and a group workshop. Further details will be sent to those who are short-listed when they are informed.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Scholarship is awarded to pupils who can demonstrate a high level of creativity within the digital or design & technology space (for example in coding, app design, CAD, prototyping, web design or something similar), or in the areas of social activism, change-making and enterprise. Applicants will be asked to upload a one-page CV detailing their experience of and skills in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and their aspirations for developing these and new projects whilst at Caterham. In addition, they will be asked to outline and explain one completed project of which they are particularly proud. This might be a game/app, a social activism campaign or a business enterprise that they have designed and created. Short listed applicants will be invited to Caterham for an interview and assessment.
Music
We look forward to receiving applications from enthusiastic and talented musicians, particularly those showing a passion for music as well as technical proficiency. Applicants will be asked to provide at least one reference (from their school music teacher or instrumental teacher) and a one-sided A4 page CV listing their experience and achievements in Music. This might include graded exams, concerts or other musical activities they’ve taken part in.
Applicants wishing to be considered for a Music scholarship are expected to have achieved the following grade, or the equivalent standard, by the date of application:
- 11+: Grade 5 on first study instrument
- 13+: Grade 6 on first study instrument
- 16+: Grade 7 on first study instrument
The ability to play a second instrument is desirable but not essential. First study pianists are expected to offer a second instrument.
The Director of Music and Head of Instrumental Music will review applications, and short-listed applicants will be invited to audition. This will involve performances on their first study instrument and second study where applicable, as well as an interview and some sight-reading.
Choral
We are always pleased to hear from dedicated singers with choral experience, particularly those familiar with church music. Applicants should provide a brief CV outlining their singing background. In addition to school choirs, this might include singing in church services or taking part in choral courses, festivals or other events. If your child has singing lessons or has taken vocal exams, please include those details too.
Applications will be reviewed by the Director of Music, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition. The audition will include a performance of a classical or sacred choral piece, along with aural exercises and sight-reading. Performances from other genres such as pop, musical theatre or jazz may be offered in addition, but are not considered appropriate as the main audition piece. Candidates will also be asked to study and perform a short passage in Latin or another European language.
Sports
As part of the Sport Scholarship application, applicants will be asked to outline their sporting experience and interests, including any teams they play for, and to upload a reference from their school or club. They should indicate clearly which is their strongest sport, and we will aim to assess them in this as well as any others they play. 11+ and 13+ applicants are expected to be representing their school and/or club A teams in major sports. For 16+ applicants, those who are successful are likely to have a strong track record of competing consistently in their school’s top team, and may also have experience at county, regional, national or international level.
All applicants will be invited to Caterham for an assessment of their technical sporting ability, athletic potential (including basic movement screening), and coachability. Each of these areas will contribute to the decision-making process. For 11+ applicants, all candidates will take part in a first-round assessment, after which a shortlist will be invited back for a second stage of more detailed assessment.
Application
Applications for all co-curricular Scholarships can be accessed and completed on the applicant’s admissions account. Please do not hesitate to contact Admissions if you have any queries.
Specific arrangements will be made for short-listed applicants based overseas who will audition/be interviewed/be assessed virtually.
Please do not hesitate to contact Assistant Registrar (Day), Mrs Sara Chesterman, on tel: 01883 335058 or email: [email protected].
