Year 9 to Year 11 Scholarships

The School offers Scholarships and Awards to recognise academic, artistic, musical, athletic and all round talent to candidates for the Third Form (Year 9).

There are a number of Scholarships and Awards available up to a maximum of half the fees.

The Headteacher of the candidate’s present school should be advised of the application. When the application has been received, the candidate’s present Headteacher will be approached for a confidential report. For internal candidates, the Housemaster/Housemistress will be advised of the application and approached for a confidential report.

The criteria and procedures for each Award are set out below. It is possible for candidates to enter for more than one kind of Award.

Academic Scholarships
The Scholarships are open to applicants from within or outside the School, either as day or boarding pupils, and are awarded on academic merit and potential. Candidates will normally be required to sit the examinations at Taunton School. Special consideration will be given to overseas candidates to sit the examinations at their own school.

Art Scholarships
The examination will be in three parts:
Part one is the submission of work, which should not only show a candidate’s present ability, but should also indicate potential development. The work should be as varied as possible revealing a knowledge of artistic techniques and the systematic use of a variety of media. There should be evidence of original thought and the ability to develop a theme or idea in a sequential way. As a guide, approximately two thirds of the work submitted should be of a graphic nature, indicating the ability to draw. The remainder could take the form of paintings, sculpture or craftwork.

Part two takes the form of a practical test in which the candidates are required to draw from observation. The subject will be a still life group and candidates will be allowed complete freedom in their interpretation/analysis of the group.

The third and final part of the examination takes the form of an informal interview during which candidates will have the opportunity of discussing their work.

Music Scholarships
Candidates will be of Grade 6 standard on their first instrument and will be asked to perform two pieces in an audition; there will also be sight-reading and aural tests. Candidates should also be prepared to offer a second instrument. Successful candidates, in addition to the awards mentioned above, will receive free tuition in an orchestral instrument.

The Director of Music, Mr Mark Cracknell, is pleased to meet possible musical scholars at any time throughout the year to discuss their prospects informally, answer questions and show them round the Music School.

Sports Awards
The Gerrard Awards are made to candidates of outstanding ability of potential in the field of Sports. They presuppose a high degree of motivation and commitment on the part of the candidate. At the interview, the candidate will be asked to demonstrate keenness, knowledge and experience. He or she should bring any appropriate records of success.

Drama
Auditons and interviews will be held on in the Drama Studio. Applicants should prepare a monologue of approximately two minutes in length and produce an essay, on any subject, of no more than two sides of an A4 sheet. There will also be an interview of approximately ten minutes with the Head of Theatre Studies, Miss Smart.

All Rounder
Candidates for the Macpherson Awards will take the examinations on 3/4 March but there will be different papers to the Academic exams. They should show a high degree of competence in academic work as well as showing skills in one or more of the following: Art, Drama, Music or Sport.

CONDITIONS OF THE AWARDS
All Awards are made at the Headmaster’s discretion and subject to the following conditions:
Academic: The Awards are valid for the whole of the pupil’s school career and including ‘A’ Level studies, assuming the pupil’s good behaviour, including the demonstration of scholarly endeavour.
Art: Scholars will make full and frequent use of the facilities in order to develop their work. Although they will be directed in conjunction with other students, their progress will be more closely monitored and they will have a tutorial at least once a term to discuss their artistic development.
Music: Music Scholars are required to enter fully into the musical life of the School.
Sport: Award holders will contribute wholeheartedly to the athletic life of the School through participation in representative sports, although the Award itself will not guarantee the holder a place in a team. Once an Award has been made, the crucial factor for its continuance will be commitment rather than performance.
All Rounder: The Awards are valid for the whole of the pupil’s school career, including ‘A’ Level studies and commitment to his/her choice.
It is the School Governors’ Policy that scholarships, bursaries and family discounts do not aggregate. Only the largest will apply at any one time.
Any Scholar who does not meet our expectations may have the Award decreased or terminated.

For Application Forms or more information on Scholarships as well as additional information on family discounts and fees please contact:
Mrs. Kate Rippin
Admissions Secretary
Taunton Prep School
Taunton
TA2 6AD

Telephone: 01823 703303
Fax: 01823 703308

Email: please use the Contact Form to contact us.