Academic Scholarships

Stonyhurst Academic Scholars are expected to demonstrate full participation in the intellectual and cultural life of the College.

Academic scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry level. The remission for a Academic scholar is usually tiered as Major (20%), Minor (10%) or Exhibition (5%). This is reviewed by a panel and confirmed by the Head.

THE PATHWAY

Overseen by our Head of Academic Scholars, pupils are expected to demonstrate full participation in the intellectual and cultural life of the College and maintain strong effort and engagement in their learning. This will include involvement in enrichment talks, cultural trips and science workshops, together with internal and external competitions. A monthly newsletter of super-curricular activities is designed to inspire pupils to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Pupils also meet with the Head of Academic Scholars to discuss their progress and set personal targets for their further development.

In addition, Scholars may complete the Higher Project Qualification (equivalent to half a GCSE) during Grammar (Year 10).

In Higher Line (Sixth Form), Scholars take part in a Sustainability Essay Competition. They are expected to actively participate in UCAS/next steps programmes, including the Oxbridge Programme, where applicable. These Scholars may also receive their academic colours.

EXPECTATIONS OF ACADEMIC SCHOLARS

Under the direction of the College Head of Academic Scholars, all pupils who hold scholarships will be expected to participate enthusiastically in, as well as promote the academic and cultural life of Stonyhurst College. The progress of all Scholars, as well as their conduct, must remain
satisfactory at all times. Additionally, older Scholars may mentor younger Scholars. The continuation of a scholarship into the next academic year depends on the Scholar continuing to engage with the programme in place for them. In practice, we anticipate that most Scholars will retain their award throughout their time at Stonyhurst.

It is essential that all external scholarship applicants have registered for a place at Stonyhurst before applying for a scholarship. Please register for a place by clicking the button below.

Pupil in Chemistry experimenting with Bunsen burners

Opportunities & Benefits for Academic Scholars

All College pupils (Years 7-13)

Review meetings with the Head of Academic Scholars to discuss progress, interests, and set personal targets for further development
Monthly ‘Magis Mail’ newsletter sent out each month, promoting super-curricular opportunities to inspire pupils to extend their learning beyond the classroom
Promotion of Debating, Model United Nations, subject-specific clubs and writing competitions
Gifted and Talented STEM workshop day run by an external company

Lower Line (Years 7-11)

Lower Line Scholars have sessions using a course developed by the IBO, focusing on the development of critical thinking skills
During Grammar (Year 10), Academic Scholars complete the Higher Project Qualification (equivalent to half a GCSE), which allows them to research and write about an academic topic of personal interest, and is then presented to the Lower Grammar (Year 9) Scholars.
Syntax (Year 11) Scholars are introduced to the requirements of top universities and how to ensure they are well prepared
Humanities-related trip or workshop each year

Higher Line (Sixth Form)

In Higher Line (Sixth Form), Academic Scholars are expected to study the subjects in which they were examined for the scholarship, as either A level or for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). These then differ with A level pupils strongly encouraged to consider taking the Extended Project Qualification, while IBDP pupils complete an Extended Essay. Both of these allow for development of independent research skills and exploring a topic of their choice, recommended to be related to a chosen field of future study.

All Poetry (Year 12) Scholars take part in the Sustainability Essay Competition
Workshops from the Collections team offered to those interested in Arts and Humanities
Regular meetings for those interested in competitive universities, including Oxbridge, where pupils learn about how best to prepare themselves, take part in discussion sessions, present to the group, and prepare for any extra admissions tests or interviews they may require
Use of our OS network to offer support and advice to pupils in all subject areas
Talks from external speakers, alongside trips to top UK universities, such as Oxford
Higher Line Scholars may also be expected to take on mentoring or other leadership roles, including mentoring young scholars, along with supporting scholars’ events and to show enthusiastic and timely participation in UCAS guidance, including the Oxbridge Programme, where applicable.

Please note that for current pupils the academic scholarship assessments are by invitation only, based on various performance data. External applicants can apply online.

Criteria and process for Academic Scholarship applications

Academic 11+ (Year 7) Entry

Only those candidates achieving commendable scores in the 11+ entrance examination will be invited back to sit the scholarship papers.

Academic scholarships are awarded on the results of examinations in English and Mathematics. These examinations will take place during the Scholarship Assessment Week. Pupils will also be interviewed by members of the senior leadership team, where they should demonstrate a scholarly love of learning beyond the classroom.

Applicants will be invited to spend the day at Stonyhurst as part of their assessment day. Further details on the proposed itinerary will be provided nearer the time.

Academic 13+ (Year 9) Entry

Only those candidates achieving commendable scores in the 13+ entrance examinations will be invited back to sit the scholarship papers. Academic scholarships are awarded on the results of examinations in English, Mathematics and Science. These examinations will take place as part of the
Scholarship Assessment Week. Pupils will also be interviewed by members of the senior leadership team, where they should demonstrate a scholarly love of learning beyond the classroom and strong critical thinking.

Successful candidates will show academic strengths and interests across a range of subjects.

Applicants will be invited to spend the day at Stonyhurst as part of their assessment day. Further details on the proposed itinerary will be provided nearer the time.

Academic 16+ (Year 12) Entry

Only those candidates achieving commendable scores in the 16+ entrance examinations will be invited back to sit the scholarship papers. Submission of predicted GCSE grades is also required.

Applicants must demonstrate a track record of outstanding performance. Internal Stonyhurst candidates must have two nominations from current teachers in their preferred subjects.

Applicants must complete examinations in their two preferred subjects. These examinations will last 45 minutes each. They will also be required to sit a Critical Thinking paper, for 30 minutes. These examinations will take place as part of the Scholarship Assessment Week. In addition, interviews will explore an applicant’s
engagement with independent learning, their career aspirations for the future, and their response to an unseen object from the Stonyhurst Collections.

Applicants will be invited to spend the day at Stonyhurst as part of their assessment day. Further details on the proposed itinerary will be provided nearer the time.

Next Scholarship Dates

Nov 16 2026

Scholarship Assessment Week

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Stonyhurst College

Dec 7 2026

Scholarship Outcomes Announced

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