Scholarships & Awards
We operate recognition programmes to celebrate excellence and potential among our students across Academic, Art, Drama, DTE (Design, Technology & Engineering), Music, and Sport disciplines. Awards are available for both current pupils and new applicants for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 only.
Scholarships
We offer a limited number of non means-tested scholarships each year. Scholarships provide recognition of outstanding achievement along with a modest fee discount - typically 5%, which applies equally to day or boarding places. Music award holders receive funded music lessons and Drama award holders receive funded LAMDA lessons.
Mary Skill Awards
Students who demonstrate talent and potential across any of our award disciplines but cannot be offered one of our limited scholarships may be recognised through our Mary Skill Awards (MSA) programme. Named after our former benefactor Mary Skill, these honorary awards recognise the achievements and potential of talented pupils in Academic, Art, Drama, DTE, Music or Sport (cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, tennis). Music award holders receive funded music lessons and Drama award holders receive funded LAMDA lessons.
Equal Development Opportunities
Whether a student receives a Scholarship or Mary Skill Award, they have equal access to coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities. All award holders receive individualised programmes tailored to their specific needs and potential. Students who are not successful in their award application will not be excluded from development and coaching opportunities, though these may be delivered through different formats or pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many awards do you offer?
- What is the financial value of an award?
- Can award holders apply for additional financial support?
- How is the Mary Skill Award valued within the school community?
- If the Mary Skill Award doesn’t include a fee discount, does that mean my child just missed out on a scholarship?
- Is there a chance for my child to become a scholar later on?
How many awards do you offer?
What is the financial value of an award?
Can award holders apply for additional financial support?
How is the Mary Skill Award valued within the school community?
The Mary Skill Award is a meaningful recognition of your child’s talent, potential, and commitment. While scholarships include a fee reduction, both Scholars and Mary Skill Award holders are offered the same access to coaching, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities.
Both groups are equally supported and celebrated within the school. The distinction is simply in the form the award takes — not in how your child is recognised, developed, or encouraged to thrive.
If the Mary Skill Award doesn’t include a fee discount, does that mean my child just missed out on a scholarship?
Not at all. The Mary Skill Award recognises students who have shown outstanding potential and met our high criteria for recognition. Because the number of scholarships we can offer is limited, the Mary Skill Award allows us to acknowledge talented students and provide them with the same opportunities for development, support, and enrichment. Your child has been selected because we believe they will thrive and make a strong contribution to the school community.
Is there a chance for my child to become a scholar later on?
All award holders are closely supported and monitored for progress. In some cases, a change in award status may be considered if a student makes significant progress, although it’s not guaranteed. What’s most important is that your child will have full access to the same development opportunities as scholars, right from the start.
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
Up to 5 Felsted Scholarships
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Monday 19 January 2026
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.
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
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
Up to 5 Felsted Scholarships
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Tuesday 13 January 2026
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.
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
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
Up to 5 Felsted Scholarships
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Thursday 13 November 2025
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
- Evidence of academic interests and achievements
- 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 are asked to submit a high-quality sample of work from their current course of study that demonstrates their commitment to academic excellence as well as the breadth and depth of their academic interests. We are not expecting applicants to create additional work, but rather to showcase a piece of current work from an area of particular interest to them.
For applicants whose first language is not English, you may submit work in your native language together with an English translation. Please clearly indicate that the submitted work is translated and which tool you have used (e.g. Google Translate).
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.
Previous Scholars
![Freya M - Hunter and Wallis Scholar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759742155/felstedorg/hwflwl4lggptnstbekfs/Freya-Wallis-Hunter-Scholar.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759742155/felstedorg/hwflwl4lggptnstbekfs/Freya-Wallis-Hunter-Scholar.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759742155/felstedorg/hwflwl4lggptnstbekfs/Freya-Wallis-Hunter-Scholar.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759742155/felstedorg/hwflwl4lggptnstbekfs/Freya-Wallis-Hunter-Scholar.jpg","width":874}])
![Tom Ruscoe - Hunter Scholar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710324232/felstedorg/sqrq3l6x9tbnz9dnkkfr/Felsted-Hunter-Tom-R.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710324232/felstedorg/sqrq3l6x9tbnz9dnkkfr/Felsted-Hunter-Tom-R.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710324232/felstedorg/sqrq3l6x9tbnz9dnkkfr/Felsted-Hunter-Tom-R.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710324232/felstedorg/sqrq3l6x9tbnz9dnkkfr/Felsted-Hunter-Tom-R.jpg","width":1000}])
![Poppy Hughes - Hunter Scholar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710323952/felstedorg/kciki7bvah3h47hnavno/Felsted-Hunter-Poppy-H.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710323952/felstedorg/kciki7bvah3h47hnavno/Felsted-Hunter-Poppy-H.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710323952/felstedorg/kciki7bvah3h47hnavno/Felsted-Hunter-Poppy-H.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710323952/felstedorg/kciki7bvah3h47hnavno/Felsted-Hunter-Poppy-H.jpg","width":1000}])
![Toby Clark - Hunter and Wallis Scholar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1638191515/felstedorg/avs5wiwi8s24ykqqe9gi/Toby-C-Hunter.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1638191515/felstedorg/avs5wiwi8s24ykqqe9gi/Toby-C-Hunter.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1638191515/felstedorg/avs5wiwi8s24ykqqe9gi/Toby-C-Hunter.jpg","width":667}])
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
Up to 3 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Friday 16 January 2026
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
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Tuesday 20 January 2026 (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 should be submitted digitally in pdf format one week prior to the assessment date.
The original pieces should be brought in on the day of the assessment.
Further instructions for submitting digital portfolios will be provided nearer the assessment date.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Tuesday 11 November 2025 (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 should be submitted digitally in pdf format one week prior to the assessment date.
The original pieces should be brought in on the day of the assessment.
Further instructions for submitting digital portfolios will be provided nearer the assessment date.
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
Up to 3 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Friday 16 January 2026
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
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Tuesday 20 January 2026 (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
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Tuesday 11 November 2025 (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
- Felsted will provide a mentor who will oversee the pupil and their development. This mentor will (in most cases) be a specialist in drama
- In addition to school productions, the school will help to seek 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 Drama lessons, rehearsals and performance. They should lead performance and model a positive 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
Up to 3 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Friday 16 January 2026
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Ability to contribute ideas when creating drama
- Working with others
- Using some drama techniques
- Showing a good level of performance skills.
- Ability to evaluate their own work and others.
- Give evidence of their participation in drama either in or out of school.
- A commitment to pursuing Drama at GCSE level
Assessment Format
Applicants will take part in a group drama workshop where they will be working with other candidates. They will be asked to respond to unseen stimuli and create a short piece of drama from this.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Thursday 22 January 2026
Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Ability to contribute ideas when creating drama and take the lead directing others.
- Working with others showing good level of listening skills and collaboration
- Using a good variety of drama techniques
- Showing a good level of performance skills thinking carefully about using space and gestures. Acting demonstrates thoughtful vocal / physical skill, and versatility
- Ability to evaluate their own work and others and offer valuable feedback
- Give evidence of their participation in drama either in or out of school
- A commitment to pursuing Drama at GCSE level
Assessment Format
Applicants should prepare a short monologue and think about the context of the piece they choose. Applicants should come with ideas on how they could develop a piece of drama around the monologue, using one or more actors. This could be a flashback scene, a scene using thought tracking exploring characters feelings or use of other explorative strategies to enhance the content of the monologue.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Thursday 20 November 2025
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.
- 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. One of the monologues should be Classical and the other Contemporary (1960 and beyond).
Music
We offer two levels of musical recognition:
- Scholarships for students pursuing intensive musical study with professional aspirations. Scholars are highly gifted and committed musicians with exceptional musical aptitude and ambitious goals that extend throughout their school career and beyond.
- Mary Skill Awards (MSAs) for students who are dedicated contributors to our vibrant musical community. MSA holders are essential members of our musical ensembles and activities.
Both award levels are available to pupils studying a single instrument (including voice) or multiple instruments. Applicants should ideally have achieved the required grades and marks from an accredited Music Exam Board (e.g. ABRSM or Trinity), though we also welcome applications from talented musicians who have not taken formal exams due to accessibility, cost, or different educational systems. All candidates will be assessed on their demonstrated musical ability and should be performing at an intermediate to advanced level. Successful candidates will receive 30 x 30 minute funded music lessons per academic year on the instrument they have been awarded a Scholarship or Mary Skill Award in. Scholarship candidates who offer two instruments may be awarded two sets of music lessons provided that both instruments are at the same level.
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
- The Directors of Music will oversee Music Award Holders' musical progress throughout their journey at the school, liaising with individual teachers and other colleagues as needed.
- Award Holders will have additional support in areas relevant to their development as a performer, such as theory, performance, composition and conducting, depending on their individual goals and interests.
- 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 Directors 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
Up to 2 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Thursday 15 January 2026
Entry Requirements
Scholarship:
- Grade 4 or above (merit or distinction)
- Working through Music Theory Grades
- Committed to studying music, preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB
- Candidates should make a significant contribution to Music at Felsted and are expected to take on leadership roles in musical activities.
- All candidates should be committed to studying music. Scholars are required to pursue formal music study (preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB), while Mary Skill Award holders are expected to demonstrate similar commitment to musical learning.
Mary Skill Award (MSA):
- Grade 3
- Commitment to studying music theory
- MSA holders are essential members of our musical ensembles and activities and are expected to commit to and regularly contribute to the these.
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 (if 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.
We can offer online auditions for overseas applicants who are unable to attend in person. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Entry Requirements
Scholarship:
- Grade 6 or above (merit or distinction)
- Grade 5 Music Theory (or be very close to achieving)
- Committed to studying music, preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB
- Candidates should make a significant contribution to Music at Felsted and are expected to take on leadership roles in musical activities.
- All candidates should be committed to studying music. Scholars are required to pursue formal music study (preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB), while Mary Skill Award holders are expected to demonstrate similar commitment to musical learning.
Mary Skill Award (MSA):
- Grade 5
- Commitment to studying music theory
- MSA holders are essential members of our musical ensembles and activities and are expected to commit to and regularly contribute to the these.
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 (if 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.
We can offer online auditions for overseas applicants who are unable to attend in person. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 3 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 2 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Wednesday 19 November 2025
Entry Requirements
Scholarship:
- Grade 8 or above (merit or distinction)
- Grade 5 Music Theory (or be very close to achieving)
- Committed to studying music, preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB
- Candidates should make a significant contribution to Music at Felsted and are expected to take on leadership roles in musical activities.
- All candidates should be committed to studying music. Scholars are required to pursue formal music study (preferably by GCSE / A Level / IB), while Mary Skill Award holders are expected to demonstrate similar commitment to musical learning.
Mary Skill Award (MSA):
- Grade 7
- Commitment to studying music theory
- MSA holders are essential members of our musical ensembles and activities and are expected to commit to and regularly contribute to the these.
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 (if 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.
We can offer online auditions for overseas applicants who are unable to attend in person. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
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.
We offer two levels of sports recognition:
- Scholarships for students pursuing intensive sporting excellence with competitive aspirations. Scholars are exceptionally gifted and committed athletes with outstanding sporting aptitude and ambitious goals that extend throughout their school career and beyond.
- Mary Skill Awards (MSAs) for students who are dedicated contributors to our vibrant sporting community. MSA holders are typically A team players and they are essential members of our sports teams and activities across all three terms.
Our sports award pathways cover the following Felsted Core Sports: Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Rugby and Tennis
At 11+ and 13+ entry, candidates are expected to demonstrate breadth across a minimum of two core sports. We allow for more specialised pathways at 16+ entry, therefore candidates may offer a single core sport at the required standard.
Other sports will be taken into consideration alongside the core sports, 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.
All candidates take part in physical testing; these tests look at the different components of fitness required within all sports. Physical test results are considered in the award process, but the candidate's performance in their individual sport(s) carries greater weight in the final decision.
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.
Important Information
- Limited Availability: Sports scholarships and MSAs are awarded in limited numbers each year.
- Meeting criteria does not guarantee an award - candidates must meet minimum standards AND be selected from the eligible pool.
- Awards are competitive - final selection depends on overall strength of applicant pool and available places.
- Year-round commitment: Sports award holders are expected to contribute across all three terms of sport.
Performance Standards:
| Band 1 | Highest Performance Level | Consistently executes core and advanced skills to a high standard under all conditions, including competitive situations. Demonstrates exceptional commitment, motivation, and ability to apply coaching feedback effectively. |
|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | High Performance Level | Consistently executes core skills to a high standard under pressure and demonstrates some advanced skills with good consistency. Shows exceptional commitment, motivation, and ability to apply coaching feedback effectively. |
| Band 3 | Good Performance Level | Demonstrates core skills to a high standard, though consistency may decrease under pressure. Shows some advanced skills with variable consistency. Good level of commitment and coachability. |
|
Award |
Banding Required (to become eligible for consideration) |
|---|---|
|
Scholarship |
Band 1, or two or more sports at Band 2 or higher |
|
Mary Skill Award |
Band 2 in one sport and a minimum of Band 3 in at least one additional sport, OR Band 3 in multiple sports (3 or more) |
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
Up to 2 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 6 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 6 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Dates
Friday 16 January 2026 - Cricket, Hockey, Tennis
Saturday 17 January 2026 - Physical Tests, Netball, Rugby
Entry Requirements
Candidates must offer TWO Felsted Core Sports from the list below
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby
- Netball
- 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 / selective representative 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.
13+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 4 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 8 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 8 (January)
Application Deadline
Friday 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Thursday 15 January 2026
Entry Requirements
Candidates must offer TWO Felsted Core Sports from the list below
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby
- Netball
- 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 / selective representative 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.
16+ Assessments
Awards available
Up to 6 Felsted Scholarships
Up to 6 Mary Skill Awards (MSA)
Award numbers are indicative rather than absolute.
Timing
Assessments take place when pupils are in Year 11 (November)
Application Deadline
Friday, 17 October 2025
Assessment Date
Friday, 14 November 2025
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
- Netball
- 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 / selective representative 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.
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How to Apply
External candidates can apply through our Admissions Portal. Current Pupils will be sent further information via the Admissions Office. Applications open in September one year prior to the year of entry.
- Assessments for Year 12 Awards take place in November of Year 11
- Assessments for Year 9 Awards take place in January of Year 8
- Assessments for Year 7 Awards take place in January of Year 6
We accept a maximum of two for award assessment applications; these should be the strongest disciplines. Sport counts as one discipline, regardless of the number of sports offered.
Felsted School adheres to the HMC (Head's Conference) Code of Conduct for admissions. To ensure fairness and transparency, Scholarships and Mary Skill Awards can only be granted during the published application and assessment periods.
Admissions Team
Mrs Emma Booth
Prep Admissions Registrar
(ages 4-12)
+44 (0)1371 822611
prepadmissions@felsted.org
Mrs Sally Barrett
Senior Admissions Registrar
(ages 13-18)
+44 (0)1371 822605
senioradmissions@felsted.org
Mrs Fran McCarthy
International Admissions Registrar (ages 11-18)
+44 (0)1371 822608
intadmissions@felsted.org
Mrs Susan Godfrey
Head of Admissions
(ages 4-18)
+44 (0)1371 822604
headadmissions@felsted.org
Financial Assistance
Families of those pupils who receive either a Scholarship or a Mary Skill Award may be 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.
Please note that overseas applicants are generally not eligible for bursary assistance.
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
