Scholarships & Awards
Felsted’s Scholarship and Mary Skill Awards Programme is designed to ensure that pupils with exceptional talent, potential and commitment are supported and guided to greater heights.
Individualised Opportunities
A Felsted Award is more than just recognition; our award-holders benefit from meaningful, individualised opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Thanks to high-quality mentoring, specialist enrichment programmes and leadership roles, they learn to manage and enjoy challenge and success in a positive way.
Sharing Expertise
Award-holders also experience the satisfaction of sharing their expertise and enthusiasm with others - they are role models in our community and they make a significant contribution to the life of the school.
Mary Skill Awards
In addition to Scholarships, Felsted offers honorary Mary Skill Awards. These are named for a former school benefactor and are designed to recognise potential and achievement in one or more disciplines at a level below that required for a scholarship. Depending on progress, a Mary Skill Award may be converted into a scholarship at the next assessment point.
Information by Discipline
Academic
A Felsted Academic Scholarship is awarded to pupils who can demonstrate exceptional academic ability and who have the determination and enthusiasm to capitalise on it.
As well as offering unrivalled access to Felsted’s high-quality academic teaching and additional programmes designed specifically for our most able pupils, an Academic Scholarship opens the door to a host of stimulating and creative challenges in and outside of school that our highly inquisitive academic scholars really relish.
Benefits:
- By granting an Academic Scholarship, the School recognises and seeks to celebrate talent and potential in the field of Academia
- Felsted will provide opportunities for stretch and challenge throughout the Awardholder’s time at the school.
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in the area most relevant to the individual
- Awardholders will have additional support in areas relevant to their development such as careers advice, external speakers, national competitions and the like
- The school will offer Award holders the opportunity to take advantage of societies, trips and opportunities beyond the curriculum
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to contribute fully to the Academic life of the school
- Award holders are expected to be role models in all areas of study and should set a lead in attitude among their peers
- Award holders will champion Academic excellence to pupils of other ages,and maybe asked to support mentoring of junior Scholars
- Award holders are expected to participate in additional clubs and societies relating to academic progression, and must display exemplary effort throughout their time at the school
- Attendance at lessons and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality. Award holders are also expected to support relevant external events when these are available
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Monday, 20 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to evidence outstanding academic ability through school reports and the highest achievements in a range of subject areas.
Pupils are expected to be at “exceeding” level in both English and Maths.
Academic leadership within school or outside of school and evidence of a proactive and conscientious approach to learning will also be expected.
Assessment Format
Candidates sit an online assessment composed of two sections:
- Puzzles and Problem-Solving - assesses multi-step problem solving and logical reasoning
- Creative Comprehension - assesses the ability to extract and synthesise information to form a conclusion
Familiarisation exercises will be provided, however no advance preparation is required for the assessments.
Candidates take part in an Academic Experience, which includes sample lessons. They also have an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Tuesday 14 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to evidence outstanding ability through school reports and the highest achievements in a range of subject areas.
Pupils are expected to be at “exceeding” level in both English and Maths.
Academic leadership within school or outside of school and evidence of a proactive and conscientious approach to learning will be expected.
Assessment Format
Candidates sit an online assessment composed of two sections:
- Puzzles and Problem-Solving - assesses multi-step problem solving and logical reasoning
- Creative Comprehension - assesses the ability to extract and synthesise information to form a conclusion
Familiarisation exercises will be provided, however no advance preparation is required for the assessments
Candidates also take part in a team exercise and have an Interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Thursday 14 November 2024
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Commitment to academic studies inside and outside of the classroom
- Intellectual curiosity
- A desire to stretch and challenge themselves
- Willingness to engage in academic extension activities including competitions and events
- The ability to be a positive academic role model within the school community
Academic Scholarship candidates are expected to achieve a minimum of 42 points across their best six subjects at GCSE (or equivalent), plus a grade 8-9 in the subjects they wish to study at A Level or at Higher Level in the IB Diploma.
Applicants to write c. 500 words outlying the following.
- Why you wish to become an academic scholar
- Why you think you would make a suitable academic scholar (based on the criteria outlined above)
- Evidence of your academic interests and achievements
- Optional: You are welcome to include 2 pieces of work demonstrating your commitment to academic excellence (this could be examples from School work if you wish)
Assessment Format
Potential scholars sit higher level papers of approximately 40 minutes each in:
- Maths
- English
Candidates also attend an Academic Interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Academic Office.
Hunter and Wallis Scholarships
Two specialist academic scholarships are available to sixth formers, whether current pupils or joining the school at age 16+. These are awarded in the first half of the Autumn Term of Year 12 based on actual GCSE results.
Named in honour of former pupils, the Wallis Scholarship is awarded to one exceptional mathematician, while the Hunter Scholarship is awarded to one extremely able scientist every year. Both scholars must aspire to study their subjects at the highest level at university (most likely Oxford or Cambridge or equivalent) and beyond.
The Wallis Scholar will be studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A Level, while the Hunter Scholar will be studying at least two of the three Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at IB Diploma or A Level.
The Wallis Scholarship is named in recognition of Old Felstedian John Wallis (1629-34). Fellow of the Royal Society, Mathematician and Divine and Savilian Professor of Geometry, Oxford University, Wallis is most famous for introducing the symbol for infinity.
Read more
Son of Rev John Wallis and Joanna Chapman; born in Ashford, Kent, the third of five children; 1 Dec 1616.
Wallis was at Felsted 1629-34 and as a Scholar he was first exposed to mathematics in 1631, under Martin Holbeach.
He was the Savilian professor of Mathematics at Oxford for 54 years from 1649. He played a key role in establishing the infinitessimal calculus along with fellow Felstedian Isaac Barrow. He also devised a geometric series to converge on the value for PI. He was also employed by Westminster Parliament to decipher intercepted military despatches. He was a clergyman of distinction and is credited with developing a method of imparting speech to deaf mutes. He died in 1703.
The Hunter Scholarship is named in honour of Old Felstedian Professor Tony Hunter (1956-61). Dr Hunter is one of the foremost recognised leaders in how cell growth and division are regulated, and how gene mutation that control growth lead to cancer.
Read more
In 1979, Professor Hunter famously discovered how enzymes called tyrosine kinases can cause cancer.
That groundbreaking research has since led to 31 approved cancer drugs that inhibit these enzymes which are being used worldwide. With a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, Dr Hunter won the Wolf Prize in Medicine in 2005 and the Pezcoller-AACR International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research in 2018.
Amongst various other international awards he is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, Member of the United States National Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Art
Benefits:
- By granting an Art Award, the School recognises and seeks to celebrate talent and potential in the field of Art
- Felsted will provide opportunities for development and creativity throughout the Award holder’s time at the school.
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in the area most relevant to the individual
- Award holders will have additional support in areas relevant to their development as an Artist, such as theory and composition, as necessary
- The school will provide opportunities for public display, around school, and externally if appropriate
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to contribute fully to Felsted School’s Art Department, as agreed with the Head of Art, including providing work for display in public areas
- Award holders are expected to be role models in all areas relating to Art and should set a lead in attitude among their peers
- Award holders will champion Art to pupils of other ages, and may be asked to support mentoring of junior Artists
- Award holders are expected to participate in additional clubs and societies relating to Art, and should study Art as an academic subject, unless permission has been given to stop doing so by the Head of Art
- Attendance at lessons and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality. Award holders are also expected to support external Art events when these are available
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Assessments
Awards available
Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Friday, 17 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong observational drawing skills with accurate use of line and a good understanding of tonal value
- A willingness to work outside their comfort zone and try new techniques or materials
- An ability to link different ideas together and develop into a cohesive outcome
- A basic knowledge of art movements and established artists
- Evidence of working in a variety of media and varied scale
- A good understanding of composition and use of colour
- A commitment to pursuing Art at GCSE
Assessment Format
In addition to a practical assessment, applicants are asked to prepare a well-presented portfolio.
This should include four pieces of their best work in whichever medium they prefer. In addition, the Head of Department would like to see two observational drawings of still life in different mediums – one colour and one tonal, together with any models the applicant has made. 3D work may also be included in the portfolio.
Art portfolios can be digitally submitted in PDF format with original pieces brought in on the day of the assessment.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Tuesday 21 January 2025 (pm)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong observational drawing skills with accurate use of line and a good understanding of tonal value
- A willingness to work outside their comfort zone and try new techniques or materials
- An ability to link different ideas together and develop into a cohesive outcome, with reference to established artists
- A good knowledge of art movements and established artists
- Evidence of working successfully in a variety of media and varied scale
- A good understanding of colour theory and paint mixing
- Willingness to take creative risks and ‘think outside the box
- A commitment to pursuing Art at GCSE
Assessment Format
In addition to a practical assessment, applicants are asked to prepare a well-presented portfolio.
This should include four pieces of their best work in whichever medium they prefer. In addition, the Head of Department would like to see two observational drawings of still life in different mediums – one colour and one tonal, together with any models the applicant has made. 3D work may also be included in the portfolio.
Art portfolios can be digitally submitted in PDF format with original pieces brought in on the day of the assessment.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Tuesday 12 November 2024 (pm)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong observational drawing skills with accurate use of line and a good understanding of tonal value
- A good knowledge of the formal elements
- Willingness to work outside their comfort zone and try new techniques or materials
- An ability to link different ideas together and develop into a cohesive outcome, with reference to established artists
- A good knowledge of art movements and established artists
- Evidence of working successfully in a variety of media and varied scale
- A good understanding of colour theory and paint mixing
- Willingness to take creative risks and ‘think outside the box’
- Evidence of good critical and conceptual thinking skills
- Should be predicted a minimum of a level 8 for Art GCSE or equivalent qualification.
Assessment Format
In addition to a practical assessment, applicants are asked to prepare a well-presented portfolio.
This should include four pieces of their best work in whichever medium they prefer. In addition, the Head of Department would like to see two observational drawings of still life in different mediums – one colour and one tonal, together with any models the applicant has made. 3D work may also be included in the portfolio.
Art portfolios can be digitally submitted in PDF format with original pieces brought in on the day of the assessment.
DTE
Benefits:
- By granting a DTE Award, the School recognises and seeks to celebrate talent and potential in the field of Design and Technology
- Felsted will provide opportunities for development and creativity throughout the Award holder’s time at the school.
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in the area most relevant to the individual
- Award holders will have additional support in areas relevant to their development such as computer design, engineering or other fields
- The school will provide opportunities for public display, around school, and externally if appropriate
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to contribute fully to Felsted School’s DTE Department, as agreed with the Head of DTE, including providing work for display in public areas
- Award holders are expected to be role models in all areas relating to DTE and should set a lead in attitude among their peers
- Award holders will champion DTE to pupils of other ages, and may be asked to support mentoring of junior Designers
- Award holders are expected to participate in additional clubs and societies relating to Design and Technology, and should study Design and Technology as an academic subject, unless permission has been given to stop doing so by the Head of DTE
- Attendance at lessons and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality. Award holders are also expected to support external Design and Technology events when these are available
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Assessments
Awards available
Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Friday, 17 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- An ability to present design ideas on paper, preferably in 3D and using colour to enhance their appearance
- A passion for making / manufacturing products (in school, and out)
- A keen interest in how things work and an understanding of how products are made. This can be shown with models made with card, paper, wood and other simple materials as well as with mechanical type kits such as Knex, Lego etc
- A commitment to the DTE Co-Curricular after school activity and also pursuing Design & Technology at GCSE or equivalent.
Pupils applying for a DTE Award will be expected to submit a portfolio of evidence to support the above statements at interview.
Assessment Format
A3 Portfolios including photographs of models should be delivered one week prior to the assessment date. Portfolios can contain - design work, handwritten annotation or word processed text. Using Google Slides to a common method used by pupils to showcase their work / ideas.
The portfolio should include details of design and make projects that candidates have undertaken (in school, and out), showing evidence of their graphics skills as well as photographs of products/models they have made.
On the assessment day, pupils will be set a challenge to make a prototype in the workshop to highlight their understanding of working from a technical drawing to mark out materials, cut / drill / shape components and assemble a working product. They will also complete a written paper that includes a mathematical component, a design task and a product analysis. There will also be a 10 minute 1:1 interview with the Head of D&T for pupils to talk through their portfolio and answer questions relating to their work.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Tuesday 21 January 2025 (am)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- An awareness of more than one famous designer or design movement and be able to discuss this openly
- An ability to confidently use a range of graphic techniques including 3D representation, rendering techniques & final design detail
- A good working knowledge of CAD/CAM, but not essential
- workshop practice to produce a quality outcome
- An ability to be able to evaluate common everyday products and suggest alternatives/improvements
- A commitment to pursuing Design & Technology at GCSE and a member of the Young Engineers Society
Pupils applying for a DTE Award will be expected to submit an A3 portfolio of evidence to support the above statements at interview.
Assessment Format
The portfolio should include details of design and make projects that candidates have undertaken, showing evidence of their graphics skills as well as photographs of products/models they have manufactured. Evidence of the use of CAD/CAM would be advantageous and knowledge of their favourite designers and/or design movements is suggested.
Candidates must be able to discuss their achievements to date along with their future ambitions. A3 Printed portfolios including photographs of models should be delivered one week prior to the assessment. As part of the assessment process, students will be set a challenge to make a prototype in the workshop and complete a written paper that includes a mathematical component along with design questions.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Tuesday 12 November 2024 (am)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
-
An awareness of more than one famous designer or design movement and be able to offer a personalised opinion of the products
- An ability to confidently use a range of 3D graphic techniques, rendering drawings to show form, as well as show evidence of how to present working drawings
- A desirable feature would be to have a good working knowledge of CAD/CAM, such as 3D printing, laser cutting but not essential
- Evidence of having completed a full design project through research, design, manufacture and evaluation
- An ability to be able to evaluate common everyday products and suggest alternatives/improvements considering ergonomic principles, commercial viability, use of technologies and material properties
- Should be predicted a minimum of a level 8 for D&T GCSE or equivalent qualification
- A commitment to pursuing Design & Technology: Product Design at A-Level and a member of the Young Engineers Society
Pupils applying for a DTE Award will be expected to submit an A3 portfolio of evidence to support the above statements at interview.
Assessment Format
The portfolio should include details of design and make projects that candidates have undertaken, showing evidence of their graphics skills as well as photographs of products/models they have manufactured. Evidence of the use of CAD/CAM would be advantageous and knowledge of their favourite designers and/or design movements is suggested.
Candidates must be able to discuss their achievements to date along with their future ambitions. Portfolios should be delivered one week prior to the assessment. As part of the assessment process, students will complete a written paper that includes a mathematical component along with design questions.
Drama
Benefits:
- Felsted recognises and celebrates the potential of the Award holder
- Drama award holders benefit from 30 x 30 minute free Lamda lessons per academic year
- Felsted will provide opportunities for development and performance throughout the award holder’s time at the school. In some cases, this may be through external links and partnerships
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in drama
- Award holders will have additional support in areas such as music and dance, as relevant to their development as a performer
- In addition to school productions, the school will help to provide opportunities externally, where appropriate and relevant to the individual
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to audition for school productions throughout their time at the school, unless otherwise agreed with their mentor as part of their individual programme
- Award holders are expected to be role models in rehearsal and performance and should lead performance and attitude among their peers
- Award holders will champion drama to pupils of other ages, and may be asked to support mentoring of junior performers
- Attendance at rehearsals and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality
- Award holders will support the drama department as reasonably requested by the Head of Drama or other performance leader within the school
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Admissions
Awards available
Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Friday, 17 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Acting that demonstrates commendable vocal / physical skill, and versatility
- Perceptive understanding of text and a clear sense of interpretation is starting to be implemented in performance work
- Detailed analysis and evaluation skills of their own performance and that of others (it is desirable that pupils should have a wide range of theatre experiences)
- Must have previous performance experiences
- Willingness to respond and modify their acting in light of direction
- A commitment to pursuing Drama at GCSE
Applicants will be expected to have an active interest in Drama and, where appropriate, have played leading roles in school and / or other productions. They will be expected to make a significant contribution at Felsted.
Assessment Format
Applicants will take part in an audition where they will be required to present two contrasting monologues (approximately 5 minutes in total for both monologues). One monologue will be provided by Felsted School, the other should be chosen by the candidate.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Thursday 23 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Acting that demonstrates impressive vocal / physical skill, and versatility
- Excellent understanding of text and a clear sense of interpretation is implemented in performance work
- Excellent analysis and evaluation skills of their own performance and that of others (it is desirable that pupils should have a wide range of theatre experiences).
- Must have previous performance experiences
- Willingness to respond and modify their acting in light of direction
- A commitment to pursuing Drama at GCSE or equivalent
Applicants will be expected to have an active interest in Drama and, where appropriate, have played leading roles in school and / or other productions. They will be expected to make a significant contribution at Felsted.
Assessment Format
In their audition, candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting monologues, one provided by Felsted and the other to be the candidate's choice.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Thursday 21 November 2024
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Acting that demonstrates outstanding vocal and physical skill, range, versatility, creativity and maturity
- Exceptional understanding of text and how to interpret it for performance
- Outstanding analysis and evaluation skills of their own performance and that of others (it is desirable that pupils should have a wide range of theatre experiences)
- Must have previous performance experiences
- Willingness to respond and modify their acting in light of direction
- Should be predicted a minimum of a level 8 for GCSE Drama or equivalent qualification / experience
- A commitment to either pursuing Drama at A Level or making a significant co-curricular contribution to Drama if studying IB
Applicants will be expected to have an active interest in Drama and, where appropriate, have played leading roles in school and / or other productions. They will be expected to make a significant contribution at Felsted.
Assessment Format
In their audition, candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting monologues of their choice.
Music
Benefits:
- By granting a Music Award, the School recognises and seeks to celebrate talent and potential in vocal and instrumental music
- Music award holders benefit from 30 x 30 minute free individual music lessons on up to two auditioned instruments per academic year
- Felsted will provide opportunities for development and performance throughout the award holder’s time at the school. In some cases, this may be through external links and partnerships
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in the area most relevant to the individual
- Award Holders will have additional support in areas relevant to their development as a performer, such as theory, performance, composition and conducting, as necessary
- The school will provide opportunities for public performance, with solo and ensemble performances as appropriate
- In addition to school performances, the school will help to provide opportunities externally, where appropriate and relevant to the individual
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to contribute fully to Felsted School’s Music Department, as agreed with the Director of Music, including contributing to ensembles as relevant to their instrumental experience.
- Award holders are expected to be role models during rehearsals and performances by setting a good example to their peers at all times.
- Award holders will champion music to pupils of other ages, and may be asked to support mentoring of junior musicians.
- Attendance at rehearsals and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality. Award holders are also expected to support concerts and performances in which they are not participating themselves.
- Award holders will be exemplary in terms of attendance at subsidised lessons (and will be charged for lessons that are missed without good reason) as in offer letter
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Entry Requirements
ABRSM Grade 3/4 (main instrument / voice)
Pupils near this level who are making quick progress should not be deterred from applying. If your child is not yet at or near ABRSM Grade 3/4 standard, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss.
Candidates should make a significant contribution to Music at Felsted and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing Music at GCSE.
For further information, please contact the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
Assessment Format
- Applicants will be invited to an audition, during which they will:
- Play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument / voice
- Play one piece on their other instruments (as applicable).
- Play at sight on main instrument
- Answer questions relating to their instrument and pieces performed
- Interview with the Director of Music
An accompanist will be available if required and school percussion can be used for auditions. Please send music / backing tracks in advance to the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Entry Requirements
ABRSM Grade 5/6 (main instrument / voice)
Pupils near this level who are making quick progress should not be deterred from applying. If your child is not yet at or near ABRSM Grade 5/6 standard, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss.
Candidates should make a significant contribution to Music at Felsted and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing Music at GCSE.
For further information, please contact the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
Assessment Format
- Applicants will be invited to an audition, during which they will:
- Play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument / voice
- Play one piece on their other instruments (as applicable).
- Play at sight on main instrument
- Answer questions relating to their instrument and pieces performed
- Interview with the Director of Music
An accompanist will be available if required and school percussion can be used for auditions. Please send music / backing tracks in advance to the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Wednesday 20 November 2025
Entry Requirements
ABRSM Grade 7/8 (main instrument / voice)
Pupils near this level who are making quick progress should not be deterred from applying. If your child is not yet at or near ABRSM Grade 7/8 standard, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss.
Candidates should be predicted a minimum of a level 8 for Music GCSE or equivalent qualification
For further information, please contact the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
Assessment Format
- Applicants will be invited to an audition, during which they will:
- Play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument / voice
- Play one piece on their other instruments (as applicable).
- Play at sight on main instrument
- Answer questions relating to their instrument and pieces performed
- Interview with the Director of Music
An accompanist will be available if required and school percussion can be used for auditions. Please send music / backing tracks in advance to the Music Department via mpaadmin@felsted.org.
Sport
Felsted is well known for sporting excellence, and our sports scholars and award-holders are best placed to make the most of our professional coaching staff and pathways into high-level team and individual sports. The result of this is that the scholarship application process is highly competitive and candidates must show both excellence and greater potential in their nominated sports.
| Boys | Girls |
|---|---|
| Cricket | Cricket |
| Hockey | Hockey |
| Rugby | Netball |
| Tennis | Tennis |
Other sports may be taken into consideration alongside the core disciplines, but not in isolation. If a candidate offers a sport outside of our core sports, we would still hope to assess in two core sports, in order to ensure that they will contribute as widely as possible to the school's sporting programme.
Candidates who are strong athletes (track only) are invited to submit their best times in their best disciplines to strengthen their application; these times will be compared to age group regional and national standards.
Sports assessments are highly competitive and Awards are offered to pupils demonstrating excellence and potential in their nominated sports. More commonly pupils follow a carefully balanced multi-sport programme and this would be reflected in their application.
Benefits:
- Felsted recognises and celebrates the potential of the Award holder
- Felsted will provide opportunities for training, development and competition throughout the award holder's time at the school. In some sports, this will be through external links and partnerships
- Felsted will provide a mentor for Scholars who will oversee the pupil and their individual education plan. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in the relevant discipline
- Award Holders will have additional support in areas such as nutrition, psychology and physical conditioning, as relevant to their key sports
- In addition to school fixtures, the school will help to provide opportunities with feeder clubs, counties, academics etc., where appropriate and relevant to the individual
Award Holder Responsibilities
- The pupil will be expected to represent the school in fixtures throughout their time at the school, unless otherwise agreed with their mentor as part of their individual programme
- Award holders are expected to be role models in training and fixtures and should lead performance and attitude among their peers
- Award holders will champion sports to players of other ages,and may be asked to support coaching or mentoring of junior players
- Attendance at training sessions and additional sessions is expected, as is punctuality
- Award holders will support the sports department as reasonably requested by the Director of Sport or other sports leader within the school
- Award holders agree to a full annual review of their award, following which specific targets may be set, if required, in order to retain the award
11+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday, 18 October 2024
Assessment Dates
Friday, 17 January 2025 - Cricket, Hockey, Tennis
Saturday, 18 January 2025 - Physical Tests, Netball, Rugby
Entry Requirements
Candidates must offer TWO Felsted Core Sports from the list below
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby (boys only)
- Netball (girls only)
- Tennis
In order to be considered for assessment, applicants are expected to be playing regular A-team level sport at school for both sports and / or playing regularly at a good club / regional level outside of school. Candidates are expected to show a commitment to pursuing PE at GCSE.
For Tennis, applicants must have an LTA (or equivalent overseas) rating, which should be submitted on the application form. Candidates without an LTA (or equivalent) ranking will not generally be assessed without additional discussion from tennis coaches.
Assessment Format
Each sport has a set of core and advanced skills which will be assessed in addition to sport-specific assessments.
Physical Tests (Core Skills):
The physical tests data is objective
- Each pupil is ranked for their performance in eight physical fitness tests
- Ranks for the eight tests are added together to give overall rank on the day (the lower the rank the better)
- Test scores are also compared with previous cohorts
- Pupils will be assessed on their ability to carry out the core and advanced skills in increasingly competitive situations
The Physical Testing results show the athletic profile of a pupil (power, speed, strength, endurance, coordination) and are a great indicator of where athletes are in comparison to their peers.
Sports Specific:
Candidates are ranked for their performance in each sport specific assessment on the day, and compared to current and previous award-holders.
Those who are offered awards would be expected to execute all core skills to a high standard and demonstrate some of the advanced skills. Following the assessments, candidates may be offered either a Sports Scholarship or a Mary Skill Award.
Banding Information
Following assessment of the sport specific core and advanced skills, pupils are banded 1-4 as described below.
|
Award |
Banding Required |
|---|---|
|
Scholarship |
Band 1 or Band 2 in TWO Felsted Core Sports |
|
Mary Skill Award |
Band 3 in TWO Felsted Core Sports |
Band 1
The candidate demonstrates both the core and advanced skills to a consistently high standard. The skills are performed with accuracy and success when demonstrated in isolation and the quality of skill production remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 2
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a consistently high standard. The quality of these skills remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with consistency both in isolation and within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 3
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a high standard. The consistency of these skills may decrease when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with less consistency in isolation and within a competitive context.
Band 4
The candidate demonstrates some of the core skills but lacks consistency when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is unable to execute the advanced skills both in isolation and in a competitive context.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 18 October 2024
Assessment Date
Thursday 16 January 2025
Entry Requirements
Candidates must offer TWO Felsted Core Sports from the list below
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby (boys only)
- Netball (girls only)
- Tennis
In order to be considered for assessment, applicants are expected to be playing regular A-team level sport at school for both sports and / or playing regularly at a good club / regional level outside of school. Candidates are expected to show a commitment to pursuing PE at GCSE.
For Tennis, applicants must have an LTA (or equivalent overseas) rating, which should be submitted on the application form. Candidates without an LTA (or equivalent) ranking will not generally be assessed without additional discussion from tennis coaches.
Assessment Format
Each sport has a set of core and advanced skills which will be assessed in addition to sport-specific assessments.
Physical Tests (Core Skills):
The physical tests data is objective
- Each pupil is ranked for their performance in eight physical fitness tests
- Ranks for the eight tests are added together to give overall rank on the day (the lower the rank the better)
- Test scores are also compared with previous cohorts
- Pupils will be assessed on their ability to carry out the core and advanced skills in increasingly competitive situations
The Physical Testing results show the athletic profile of a pupil (power, speed, strength, endurance, coordination) and are a great indicator of where athletes are in comparison to their peers.
Sports Specific:
Candidates are ranked for their performance in each sport specific assessment on the day, and compared to current and previous award-holders.
Those who are offered awards would be expected to execute all core skills to a high standard and demonstrate some of the advanced skills. Following the assessments, candidates may be offered either a Sports Scholarship or a Mary Skill Award.
Banding Information
Following assessment of the sport specific core and advanced skills, pupils are banded 1-4 as described below.
|
Award |
Banding Required |
|---|---|
|
Scholarship |
A Sport Scholarship would be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 1, or has two or more sports graded at Band 2 level or higher. |
|
Mary Skill Award |
An MSA would be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 2 in one sport and a minimum of Band 3 in at least one additional sport. An MSA could be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 3 in a multiple (3+) of sports. |
Band 1
The candidate demonstrates both the core and advanced skills to a consistently high standard. The skills are performed with accuracy and success when demonstrated in isolation and the quality of skill production remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 2
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a consistently high standard. The quality of these skills remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with consistency both in isolation and within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 3
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a high standard. The consistency of these skills may decrease when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with less consistency in isolation and within a competitive context.
Band 4
The candidate demonstrates some of the core skills but lacks consistency when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is unable to execute the advanced skills both in isolation and in a competitive context.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Felsted Scholarship or Mary Skill Award (MSA)
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday, 11 October 2024
Assessment Date
Friday, 15 November 2024
Entry Requirements
Candidates should offer ONE Felsted Core Sports from the list below, however we strongly encourage applications from those with more than 1 core sport at a high level
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby (boys only)
- Netball (girls only)
- Tennis
In order to be considered for assessment, applicants are expected to be playing regular A-team level sport at school for both sports and / or playing regularly at a good club / regional level outside of school. Candidates are expected to show a commitment to pursuing PE at A Level or equivalent and / or make a significant co-curricular contribution.
For Tennis, applicants must have an LTA (or equivalent overseas) rating, which should be submitted on the application form. Candidates without an LTA (or equivalent) ranking will not generally be assessed without additional discussion from tennis coaches.
Assessment Format
Each sport has a set of core and advanced skills which will be assessed in addition to sport-specific assessments.
Physical Tests (Core Skills):
- The physical tests data is objective
- Each pupil is ranked for their performance in eight physical fitness tests
- Ranks for the eight tests are added together to give overall rank on the day (the lower the rank the better)
- Test scores are also compared with previous cohorts
- Pupils will be assessed on their ability to carry out the core and advanced skills in increasingly competitive situations
The Physical Testing results show the athletic profile of a pupil (power, speed, strength, endurance, coordination) and are a great indicator of where athletes are in comparison to their peers.
Sports Specific:
Candidates are ranked for their performance in each sport specific assessment on the day, and compared to current and previous award-holders.
Those who are offered awards would be expected to execute all core skills to a high standard and demonstrate some of the advanced skills. Following the assessments, candidates may be offered either a Sports Scholarship or a Mary Skill Award.
Banding Information
Following assessment of the sport specific core and advanced skills, pupils are banded 1-4 as described below.
|
Award |
Banding Required |
|---|---|
|
Scholarship |
A Sport Scholarship would be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 1, or has two or more sports graded at Band 2 level or higher. |
|
Mary Skill Award |
An MSA would be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 2 in one sport and a minimum of Band 3 in at least one additional sport. An MSA could be awarded if the candidate achieves a grading of Band 3 in a multiple (3+) of sports. |
Band 1
The candidate demonstrates both the core and advanced skills to a consistently high standard. The skills are performed with accuracy and success when demonstrated in isolation and the quality of skill production remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 2
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a consistently high standard. The quality of these skills remains high when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with consistency both in isolation and within a competitive context.
The candidate’s level of commitment and motivation are extremely high. They take on coaching points well and put them into practice.
Band 3
The candidate demonstrates the core skills to a high standard. The consistency of these skills may decrease when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is also able to execute some of the advanced skills with less consistency in isolation and within a competitive context.
Band 4
The candidate demonstrates some of the core skills but lacks consistency when utilised under pressure or within a competitive context. The candidate is unable to execute the advanced skills both in isolation and in a competitive context.
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How to Apply
More information will be available once applications open in September 2024.
Candidates typically apply for a maximum of two disciplines, which should be their strongest fields of study. If candidates are genuinely excelling in more than two disciplines, or if you have any further questions, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss before submitting your application.
Admissions Team
Miss Lauren Clark
Prep Admissions Registrar
(ages 4-12)
+44 (0)1371 822611
prepadmissions@felsted.org
Mrs Susan Godfrey
Senior Admissions Registrar
(ages 13-18)
+44 (0)1371 822605
senioradmissions@felsted.org
Mrs Fran McCarthy
International Admissions Registrar (4-18)
+44 (0)1371 822608
intadmissions@felsted.org
Financial Assistance
Families of those pupils who receive either a Scholarship or a Mary Skill Award are eligible to apply for a means-tested top-up bursary.
We are very grateful to Felsted benefactors who make it possible for us to offer financial assistance. Due to the number of applications we cannot guarantee we will be able to offer the financial assistance required in all cases.
Learn more about Felsted Bursaries here
Scholarships and Awards Disciplines
If you would like to learn more about what we offer for each Scholarship and Awards discipline both in the curriculum and beyond, please follow the links below.
Academic
Drama
Art
Music
Design, Technology and Engineering
Sport
