Scholarships And Bursaries

Academic Scholarship candidates are expected to show strong academic ability or potential.

Boys invited to sit Academic Scholarship exams will be identified during the admissions process and will only be allowed to sit these exams with the recommendation of their current school.

The assessment takes place at the School in January and February of Year 8 and comprises tests in English, Mathematics, Analytical Reasoning, Philosophy and Applied Ethics, General Linguistic Skills, Science and at least three other subjects from History, Geography, French, Spanish, Latin and Greek.

We announce the results of the Academic Scholarship Examinations in March of Year 8.

Academic Scholarship Syllabus

Academic Scholarship Information

Music Scholarship candidates should have achieved at least a Grade 5 Distinction in their principal instrument and most candidates offer two instruments. Extra credit will be given to those who sing to a high standard in an established choir.

The one-day Music Scholarship assessment involves a performance of two contrasting pieces played on the main instrument, aural tests, sight reading, a viva voce (informal interview and aural tests) and, optionally, one piece played on a second or third instrument, or singing. Candidates must arrange a pre-audition with the Director of Music, Mr David Woodcock, six months to two years before the assessment. Without this pre-audition, candidates will not be invited to the one-day Music Scholarship assessment.

We announce the results of the Music Scholarship assessment in February of Year 8. Successful candidates must pass Common Entrance at the required standard or do well in the Academic Scholarship examinations.

Art Scholarship candidates are expected to demonstrate skill, imagination and the ability to work independently.

The one-day assessment involves a portfolio inspection, an interview with the Director of Art and a sustained drawing exercise from direct observation. We accept work in any medium, although we advise against bringing in large canvases and three-dimensional works (good quality photographs will suffice). Candidates are advised to submit no more than 15-20 pieces of work, as well as one high-quality sketchbook. Please contact the Director of Art, Mr Laurence Hedges for further details of Art Scholarships. Candidates will be invited to the assessment only if they are recommended by the Director of Art before the November of Year 8 deadline.

We announce the results of the Art Scholarship assessment in March of Year 8. Successful candidates must pass Common Entrance at the required standard or do well in the Academic Scholarship examination.

We also consider applications for an award in DTE (Design Technology and Engineering). Candidates are expected to present a portfolio of some recent graphical work, consisting of a wide range of techniques from ideas to finished drawings, which show a high degree of flair and imagination.

An ability to play and create with electrical and mechanical systems and examples of Computer-aided design work would be expected in the submission. Computer-aided design work may form a part of these submissions. Completed objects should also be submitted. Please contact the Head of Design, Technology and Engineering, Mr Tom Knight, for further details of Design Technology and Engineering awards. Candidates will be invited to the assessment only if they are recommended by the Head of Design, Technology and Engineering before the November of Year 8 deadline.

We announce the results of the DTE Scholarship assessment in March of Year 8. Successful candidates must pass Common Entrance at the required standard or do well in the Academic Scholarship examination.

Harrow offers awards to drama enthusiasts of outstanding ability and potential as performers, technicians or practitioners. Scholars will be expected to play a full and consistent part in the theatrical life of the School, as agreed with the Director of Drama. Award holders are also typically expected to take drama at GCSE level. Drama Scholars will set the tone for others in their commitment, engagement and enthusiasm. Holding a drama scholarship at Harrow is not necessarily about playing the leading role; rather, drama scholars are expected to show leadership in any aspect of their involvement.

The selection process will comprise a practical workshop day, including an interview with the Director of Drama. At selection, we look for enthusiastic, creative collaborators, willing to become fully involved and to support the ethos of drama within the School. The Award is subject to a formal review with the Director of Drama at least once during a boy's time at the School. Please contact the Director of Drama, for further details of the Drama Scholarships. Candidates will be invited to the assessment only if they are recommended by the Director of Drama before the November of Year 8 deadline.

We announce the results of the Drama Scholarship assessments in February/March of Year 8. Successful candidates must pass Common Entrance at the required standard or do well in the Academic Scholarship examinations.

Sport Scholarship candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional talent or potential in at least one sport in which they would make a significant contribution to School life. This is not an 'all-rounder' award but an award for excellence in a particular sport. Please look at the scholarships we offer here.

Candidates would normally be of County/Academy standard, although if this level has not been reached, awards maybe based on the potential to reach it. A candidate offering athletics as his talent must specify his specialist event. A one-day assessment takes place in February of Year 8.

We announce the results of the Sport Scholarship assessments in March of Year 8. Successful candidates must pass Common Entrance at the required standard or do well in the Academic Scholarship examinations.

Other specific Year 9 bursaries include:

• The HJ Flower and H Gower Award, for very strong candidates who are the sons of serving members of the British armed forces; and
• The Derek Kelsey and Richard Lister-Buttle Awards, for very strong candidates who are the sons of Old Harrovians. 

Please call the Admissions office for further information.