Scholarships at King’s
King’s Scholarships were established in 1541 by Henry VIII under the Statutes of Canterbury Cathedral. The most recent Royal Charter, granted in 1992, formally approved the admission of girls as Scholars.
King’s Scholars are members of the Canterbury Cathedral Foundation.
Junior King’s Scholarships
Two 11+ Academic Scholarships and two 11+ Academic Exhibitions are awarded to suitable internal or external candidates showing strong academic potential for the future.
Internal and external candidates are invited to attend a special 11+ Scholarship Day at the School. They will sit extension tests in English, Maths and Thinking Skills and will have an interview with a senior member of staff.
Awards will be based upon overall performance. The awards are held for two years only at Junior King’s.
Award holders will normally be entered for 13+ Academic Scholarships at the Senior School and that an award could be held in conjunction with a means-tested bursary.
The guide below provides key information for parents and pupils preparing for the wide range of 13+ Scholarships available at The King’s School Canterbury from Year 9 onwards. It outlines how we support Year 8 pupils in developing the skills and confidence needed, and offers a clear overview of scholarship categories and their main requirements to help families plan ahead with clarity.
Senior School Scholarships
There are seven main classes of entrance awards to the School.
- Academic
- Music
- Art
- Sport
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Dance
Scholarships are awarded in Year 9 and Year 12.
Year 9 scholarships are awarded in all seven of the above categories. Year 12 Scholarships are awarded in the first four of the above categories.
It is possible for a pupil to hold awards of more than one kind, and in cases of proven financial need and evident merit, additional bursary assistance may be available. Virtually all Scholarships and Awards are now “inflation-proofed” by being expressed as a fraction of the annual fees.
Honorary King’s Scholarships are awarded for excellent GCSE and AS results.
The award of non-academic scholarships is subject to candidates meeting normal academic entrance requirements.
For enquiries about scholarships please contact The Admissions Office.
admissions@kings-school.co.uk
+44 (0)1227 595727
Academic
Academic Scholarships (King’s Scholars) and Exhibitions
Up to twenty King’s Scholarships and Exhibitions will be awarded if candidates of sufficient merit present themselves. Further assistance can be made available, depending on parental income: see Bursaries. The King’s Scholars are members of the Cathedral Foundation.
Three or four Sixth Form Scholarships can be awarded for outstanding performance in the Sixth Form entrance examination held in November.
Music
Music Scholarships & Awards
The School has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its music, and provides great opportunities for musically talented pupils. The system of entrance for boys and girls who display particular musical potential serves to maintain and promote this quality. Scholarships and Awards are available for pupils entering the school at 13+ and Sixth Form only.
Up to twelve Music Scholarships together with free tuition in two instruments are awarded at 13+. Further assistance can be made available through the bursary scheme, depending on parental income. Candidates for Music Scholarships should have outstanding ability/potential for their age in one instrument and strong skills in at least one further study or voice. Although not obligatory, an approximate standard of Grade 6 is expected, and candidates are advised to attend a pre-audition with the Director of Music in order to assess suitability, ideally in year 6 or 7 of Prep school.
A small number of Music Exhibitions and Choral Exhibitions, together with free tuition in one instrument/voice. These awards are available to candidates who show outstanding ability in just one instrument, or as a singer.
One or more Music Scholarships for Sixth Form entrants, together with free tuition in two instruments. Eligibility is in line with the criteria for 13+ awards, although the recommended level of achievement is in excess of Grade 7, or equivalent. Again, pre-auditions with the Director of Music are advised to assess eligibility and these generally take place during Year 10.
Art
Art Scholarships & Exhibitions
Art Scholarships are available to candidates of outstanding ability and may be held together with Music or Academic Scholarships.
Art facilities at Blackfriars and King Street Studios are excellent. Regular visits are paid to London galleries and to many other venues, as well as overseas trips to galleries and exhibitions.
The department operates an Artist-in-Residence scheme, which gives an insight into the working methods of professional practitioners.
Sport
Sports Scholarships and Awards
Gower Sports Scholarships and Awards are available for boys and girls of character and integrity who display both excellent sporting ability and sportsmanship in at least one of the main School team games.
Design & Technology
Design & Technology Scholarships
Design & Technology Scholarships are available to candidates that are able to demonstrate a genuine interest and aptitude in this subject area. It may be held in combination with other scholarships offered by the School.
Scholarships will be determined by recommendation and assessment. Candidates will be required to present a portfolio of work illustrating their experience, ability and interest in Design & Technology. The portfolio may include projects completed by the candidate both in, and outside of the school curriculum.
Drama
Drama Scholarships
A Drama Scholarship is available for candidates who present ambition and flair in the subject. It will be expected that the applicant will have an interest in all aspects of drama and theatre, not solely limited to the performance elements within the subject. The scholarship will be dependent upon the candidate selecting the subject academically, both at IGCSE and A Level. It will also require them to be actively involved with school productions, in any capacity. It should be noted that although the Scholar should have excellent potential for performance, this award is not a prerequisite for casting; involvement in school productions will involve a variety of disciplines.
Dance
Dance Scholarships
Dance at The King’s School is taking on ever higher prominence with a burgeoning group of talented dancers and the opening of The Malthouse Theatre, a spectacular development complete with a state-of-the-art stage space and Dance Studio. Aside from building on technique, the Department enjoys preparing for regular performances as well as taking part in drama productions.
Dance Scholarships and Exhibitions are on offer to talented and committed boys and girls. Applicants for Year 9 entry to King’s are invited to apply. A successful candidate would perform in every suitable project we undertake, whether as a soloist, or in an ensemble. They will be required to practise regularly, and to show good character and determination to improve.
Bursaries
Ever since the Statutes of 1541, it has been the policy of the school to support pupils who have been unable to pay full fees.
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