Durham School Scholarships

Thinking of joining us in September 2008? Now is the time to apply for one of our valuable academic or non-academic scholarships! Please read on to find out all about them.

Durham School offers generous academic and non academic awards for pupils entering the School into Years 7, 9 and 12 (The Sixth Form). The table below shows which awards are available at which age group.

General Points

All assessments for awards (academic and non-academic) take place at the School at the same time as the Entrance Examinations, in late January/early February. Academic awards can take the form of a scholarship (major award) or an exhibition (minor award). Under HMC regulations candidates may receive academic or other awards up to a maximum value of 50% of the fees. Two or more awards may be held but the total fees remission may not exceed 50% of fees. This does not apply to Bursaries awarded as a result of an assessment of financial circumstances. Candidates may not be awarded both an Art and a DT Award. However, other combinations of awards are possible, subject to the 50% maximum described above. All awards held are subject to regular review and are dependent upon continuing satisfactory behaviour and performance.

Academic Awards

Awards at I I +

Academic exhibitions are available for pupils entering the School at age eleven and are awarded on performance in the 11+ Entrance Tests. Such awards may be increased at 13 (see below).

Awards at 13 + (King’s Scholarships)

King's Scholarships are awarded as a result of a special competitive examination. By ancient statute the number of King's Scholars in the School should not be less than twelve, but it has become the custom to award between three and five King's Scholarships each j/ear, so keeping the overall number of King's Scholars in the School between fifteen and twenty. The top King's Scholarship is at present worth up to 50% of the fees for a boarder or for a day pupil, while the other awards are also given as a percentage of fees. Exhibitions, normally two or three in number, are also awarded. An "internal" King's Scholarship can be awarded to a suitably deserving pupil at the end of Year 8; this award is based on the pupil's performance in the internal school examinations at the end of Year 8.

Sixth Form Awards (Burkitt Scholarships)

Burkitt Scholarships exist for those joining the Sixth Form from outside the School. Several Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded as a result of a competitive examination. Candidates choose two subjects in which to be examined. Additionally there is a General paper and at least one interview. An internal Burkitt Scholarship is normally awarded to a Durham School pupil (not already a King's Scholar) who achieves outstanding results at GCSE.

Music Awards

Music Scholarships and Exhibitions (up to 50% of fees) are awarded for entry to the School at I I, 13 and 16. It is expected that candidates will offer two instruments and the voice can be offered as an additional subsidiary instrument. An Organ Scholarship may also be available to those of sufficient standard and experience, and especially for sixth form entrants.

For entry at age 11, Exhibitions are normally awarded; these can later be increased to a full Music Scholarship at 13. At 13 and at 16, both Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded. At 13 it is expected that a candidate's principal instrument will be at Grade V or above and at 16, Grade VI or above. At I 1, candidates will need to show clear evidence of the potential to reach at least the standards required of 13- and 16-year-old entrants in due course.

Art Awards

Scholarships and Exhibitions (up to 25% of fees) are awarded for entry at 13 and at 16. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of their own work and also to undertake a practical test at the School, following a two-week period of preparation on the designated subject area.

DT Award

One DT Exhibition (up to 15% of fees) may be awarded each year in DT to a candidate for entry at 13. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio giving evidence of their previous work and also to undertake a project the subject of which will be communicated to the candidate some two weeks before the date of examination. Candidates are expected to demonstrate practical skills and to discuss their work during the examination.

Sports Awards

Sports Awards (up to 25% of fees) are made at 13 and to Sixth Form entrants. Candidates are expected to have gained county or regional honours in at least one sport or to provide other evidence of their ability and potential in one or more sports. To some extent there will be a balance between breadth of sports offered at a high standard and a single sport offered at an exceptional standard. Candidates for Sports Awards must show sufficient academic promise.

A brochure containing further details of all awards, examinations and bursaries (including examination dates and application forms) can be obtained from our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Diane Woodlands (0191 386 4783)

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Testimonials

"Durham School offers a host of opportunities for all interests. Our son enjoys everything he has encountered – but especially music, where the dedication and the ability of the staff is remarkable. We can’t keep him away!"
Mr and Mrs Thorpe