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.

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

Applications are currently closed and will reopen later in 2026 for 2027 entry.

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.

Assessment

Designed for high-achieving Year 6 candidates, the assessment evaluates core strengths across English, Mathematics, and Reasoning through a carefully structured examination that assesses not just knowledge, but creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Shortlisted candidates also take part in an academic interview, allowing them to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, confidence, and resilience.

Benefits of a Scholarship

A discount on fees
Access to extension classes, seminars, or workshops
Invitations to competitions, public speaking events, and academic societies
Priority or leadership roles in school projects, exhibitions, or academic clubs
Termly review meetings with an academic mentor
Encouragement to pursue independent projects, competitions, or Olympiad-style challenges

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

A discount on fees
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’ cricket
Girls’ tennis
Girls’ cricket

Benefits of a Scholarship

A discount on fees
Regular 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