Year 7 Scholarships

Cheltenham Prep School offer scholarships in Academic, Music and Sport each year for entry into Year 7.

Awards made at Year 7 are intended to apply until pupils leave at the end of Upper Sixth. Cheltenham Prep School and Cheltenham College have high expectations of Award Holders. They are expected to have an encouraging attitude towards learning and collaboration in their chosen field and throughout all their classes, in addition to exhibiting excellence and flair in their field of expertise, they are expected to act as role models throughout their time at the school.

These awards are entirely merit based and are based on an exam, audition or other appropriate assessment.

Find out more at our Scholarship Information Evening on Tuesday 20 January 2026 from 6pm to 7pm.

For September 2027 entry, scholarships will take place in November 2026.

Key Dates for Scholarship Applications

Friday 20th February 2026 at 1pm – closing deadline for Applications

Monday 23rd February 2026 – Sports Scholarships Assessment Day

Tuesday 24th February 2026 – Academic Scholarship Assessments (morning only)

Tuesday 24th February 2026 – Music Scholarship Assessments (afternoon only)

Academic, Music and Sport Scholarships for Year 7

Academic Year 7 Scholarship

Eligibility

Candidates must be in Year 6 (or equivalent) and meet age requirements by September of entry year.
Academic references from current school required.
Candidate should demonstrate consistent academic engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

Exam Structure

The examination will assess a range of skills across key academic areas:

English

Reading Comprehension
Ability to understand, interpret, and analyse a passage
Questions on inference, deduction, vocabulary, and main ideas
Creative Writing / Composition:
Structured, imaginative, and coherent writing.
Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary usage.

Mathematics

Numerical Reasoning
Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, and basic algebra
Problem Solving
Multi-step questions requiring logical reasoning and methodical approach

Data Interpretation

Graphs, tables, and simple statistics
Verbal Reasoning (optional but recommended for scholarship differentiation)
Synonyms/Antonyms, Analogies, Sequences, Coding-Decoding, Logical reasoning

Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning

Patterns, shapes, rotations, and sequences to assess abstract reasoning

Assessment Criteria

Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates accurate recall of facts, concepts, and methods
Shows breadth and depth of understanding appropriate for age
Application & Problem Solving
Applies knowledge to new or unfamiliar problems.
Shows logical reasoning and methodical approach to problem-solving.
Communication & Expression (English)
Clarity, coherence, and creativity in written work
Accurate use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Ability to express complex ideas effectively
Critical Thinking & Reasoning
Demonstrates inference, deduction, and analytical thinking
Approaches questions strategically, showing flexibility in thought

Interview/Assessment Day

Short academic interview to assess
Verbal articulation
Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
Problem-solving approach
Opportunity for candidates to demonstrate character, resilience, and motivation

Benefits of a Scholarship

Financial Award
Partial fee remission for Years 7 to 13

Academic Enrichment Opportunities

Access to extension classes, seminars, or workshops (e.g. higher-level Maths, literature seminars)
Invitations to competitions, public speaking events, and academic societies
Priority or leadership roles in school projects, exhibitions, or academic clubs
Mentorship from senior academic staff or the Deputy Head (Academic)

Development Support

Termly review meetings with an academic mentor
Encouragement to pursue independent projects, competitions, or Olympiad-style challenges
Feedback on long-term academic goals and progress

Music Year 7 Scholarship

Eligibility

Candidates should be Grade 4 on their first/main instrument and Grade 2 on a second instrument
They may learn more than two instruments and, if singing is not one of the instruments offered, they may wish to sing something as part of the audition too
We are delighted to hear whatever candidates have to offer in addition to their main instruments.

Assessment Day

Candidates are allocated a 30 minute slot for their audition, with an additional 20 minutes to warm-up and prepare. They will be given a space/piano for this warm-up period
The audition is run by the Director of Music at Cheltenham College Prep, assisted by Director of Music at Cheltenham College
One may act as accompanist, or may have another member of the music staff available to play for any candidates that need it
Candidates will be welcomed into the room, invited to perform their pieces on the two (or more) instruments. After that, they will be asked a few simple scales from the latest Grade taken on their main instrument (only) and will be asked to do some simple sight-reading again just taken from the latest Grade they have taken on their main instrument (only)
Candidates will also complete some simple aural tests (similar in nature to those used for ABRSM exams, but just broadly designed to test their rhythmic, melodic and general aural ability) and then have a brief, informal ‘chat’ about music.

Criteria

Obviously, ability plays a considerable part. However, the key trait that we are most interested in is ‘potential’. Potential, mixed with a genuine enthusiasm for music, will stand candidates in very good stead for their audition. We have a busy musical life here at Cheltenham Prep (and at College), and we want our Music Award holders to form the backbone of those activities. There is a time commitment to that (rehearsals inevitably being held at lunchtimes, after school, etc) and it is important that those who apply for a music award expect to be fully involved – and does so with a genuine enthusiasm!

Please be assured that the audition is not something that your child should be uptight or anxious about. The very word ‘audition’ strikes terror and fear into the heart of even the most hardy and experienced adults! The audition should be seen as an opportunity for us to meet each candidate, listen to them play and for them to meet us too. It is informal and relaxed, and is certainly no different to the ABRSM grade exams they have most likely taken. Should you, or they, like to come in to visit the Department and to meet with me prior to the day, you are very welcome to do so.

Benefits of a Scholarship

Fee reduction
Free instrument lessons
Expected to play in all appropriate groups/choirs etc

Sport Year 7 Scholarship

Eligibility

Must demonstrate high level ability both in terms of athleticism and within at least two of the main games

Main games

Boys: Rugby, hockey and cricket
Girls: Hockey, netball, tennis and cricket

We are looking for evidence of speed, agility, an ability to read play and adapt tactics along with a positive attitude and a resilient nature

Assessment Day

A one-day event
Individual sport assessment sessions run by College Heads of Sport
Athletic tests
Boys’ rugby/Girls’ hockey
Boys’ hockey/Girls’ netball
Boys’ and Girls’ cricket

Benefits of a Scholarship

A discount on fees will be given to high level performers who will have a clear impact on any sports pitch they set foot on
Fortnightly mentoring meetings with Head of Boys’ Games/Head of Girls’ Games which would mould awardees into the College Sports Scholarship programme and their mentoring programme
Individual physical development training plans provided by College Head of Strength and Conditioning