Academic Scholarships

Expectations & Pathways of Academic Scholars

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.

There are three types of awards, with differing fee remission as follows:

SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SCHOLARSHIP (up to 20% of fees)

Awarded for outstanding performance across all scholarship examinations and interviews. Demonstrates a passion for learning which goes beyond the confines of the curriculum.

LADY ARUNDELL SCHOLARSHIP (up to 10% of fees)

Awarded for commendable performance across all scholarship examinations and interviews. Demonstrates a passion for learning which goes beyond the confines of the curriculum.

EXHIBITION SCHOLARSHIP (up to 5% of fees)

Awarded for commendable performance in one of three examinations and the interview. Demonstrates a clear passion for a particular discipline which includes wider academic engagement.

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, 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. They 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.

The progress and conduct of all scholars must remain satisfactory at all times, and continuation of the scholarship into the next academic year depends on continual engagement with the programme in place for them.

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.

Criteria and process for Academic Scholarship applications

Academic 11+ (Year 7) Entry

Only those candidates achieving commendable scores in the 11+ entrance examination to be held on the 5^th October 2024 will be invited back to sit the scholarship papers

Academic scholarships are awarded on the results of examinations in English and Mathematics . These 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.

Applicants will be expected to arrive at the College the day before their assessment day. During this time there will be team building activities and the opportunity for them to join in with school life. The overnight stay will not be charged for. Further details will be provided nearer the time on what to bring and the proposed itinerary.

Academic 13+ (Year 9) Entry

Only those candidates achieving commendable scores on their online entrance examination along with grades achieved over the past two years, evidenced through school reports, will be invited to sit for the scholarship papers. Academic scholarships are awarded on the results of examinations in English, Mathematics and Science. These 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.

Academic 16+ (Year 12) Entry

Applicants must demonstrate a track record of outstanding performance in their current year 11. Internal Stonyhurst candidates must have three nominations from current teachers in their preferred subjects.

Applicants must complete examinations in their two preferred subjects, which will last 45 minutes each. They will also be required to sit a Critical Thinking paper, for 30 minutes. These will take place as part of the Scholarship Assessment Week.

In addition, interviews will explore their engagement with independent learning, their career aspirations for the future, and their response to an unseen object from the Stonyhurst Collections.

The value of all academic scholarships can be enhanced by an application for means-tested bursarial support.

Important dates for 2025/26 applications

Application deadline (all scholarships)	Sunday 6th October 2024
Scholarship Week (11+, 13+ & 16+ across all disciplines)	Wednesday 13^th - Friday 15^th November 2024

Pupils engaging in interactive Psychology lessons

Apply here for a Stonyhurst Academic Scholarship for 2025/26

Apply here for a Stonyhurst Academic Scholarship for 2025/26

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