Scholarships at Clifton
Scholarships at Clifton
All pupils at Clifton College are inspired to explore their passions within a wide range of interests, both inside and outside the classroom.
Pupils are encouraged and nurtured to maximise their potential; to work hard, aim high and very often exceed their own expectations. Each year, the College offers an inspiring array of educational opportunities through its Scholarship and enrichment programme, allowing its most talented pupils to achieve distinction and personal excellence in their chosen field.
Scholars play an important role in College life. They are expected to work hard, get involved, display a passion for their chosen subjects and have an encouraging attitude towards learning and collaboration in their chosen field and throughout all of their classes. They are also expected to utilise opportunities to develop and take on leadership roles. Excellence is encouraged in both academic and co-curricular aspects of College life.
A Scholarship candidate should have a passion for their chosen subjects. The College is keen for applicants to demonstrate this within the scholarship assessment process and at interview. Candidates should be keen to promote their subject within the
College and encourage others to enjoy the subject too, setting an example of excellence to their peers.
Prior to any application for a Scholarship, parents should discuss their child’s potential with the Head and/or relevant staff of their current school. The candidate must have completed a Registration Form and paid the non refundable £150 Registration Fee before applying for a Scholarship.
Registration Forms can be obtained from the Admissions Department.
The following pages give you a flavour of the Scholarships on offer to 11+, 13+ and 16+ applicants.
Academic
― Clifton College is committed to attracting the very best students.
Academic Scholarships aim to recognise and develop excellence and intellectual curiosity. Such Scholarships are won in open competition and awarded both on merit and assessed potential.
Successful applicants are enrolled in a sector-leading Scholarship Programme based on the principles of Growth, Opportunity and Accountability. Scholars benefit from the support of individual scholarship mentors, find challenges in a range of extension activities, both at and beyond the school, and enjoy special events celebrating their particular academic achievements.
Continued progression through the programme is conditional on scholars
fulfilling their roles as academic role-models in the school and taking full advantage of the opportunities made available to them. On this high performance programme, scholars are supported and challenged to find and pursue their individual academic interests, however niche they may be, and are expected to contribute to the wider academic life of the school and to step up as student academic leaders.
11+ candidates are required to sit written papers in English and Mathematics, as well as complete a cognitive ability test.
Pupils sitting the Scholarship exams are expected to be performing at well above the expected National Curriculum Level for their age group in English and Mathematics and to be demonstrating significant potential across the curriculum.
At 13+, candidates sit the Academic Scholarship papers set by the school, which consist of written papers in English, Mathematics and Science as well as a fourth paper of the candidates’ choice.
16+ Academic Scholarships are open to candidates wishing to join the Sixth Form.
Candidates sit two papers in subjects of their choosing and are interviewed by the Headmaster, the Deputy Head Academic and the relevant Heads of Departments.
Candidates for these awards are also expected to be on course for at least eight GCSEs at grade 7 or above.
Art
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Take your talent in Art and Design to the next level with a scholarship at Clifton College.
If you are an exceptionally talented creative student who is keen to explore new ideas within your own work and the concepts and techniques of other artists and designers, then our Art scholarship programme may be for you. Create your own artistic story at Clifton by becoming one of our scholars. Follow in the footsteps of our famous alumni such as Roger Fry, the Bloomsbury artist after whom our scholarships are named; Henry Tonks, who became head of the famous Slade School of Art in London; the abstract painter Peter Lanyon, who was a member of the Saint Ives group of artists; and the famous portrait painter, Augustus John.
Many of our Scholars have gone on to be offered places at some of the best art colleges and tertiary institutions including Central St Martins, Camberwell and
Edinburgh to study a variety of courses including Fine Art, Fashion Design, Automobile Design, Interior Design and Architecture.
All our Scholars at Clifton enjoy a supportive learning environment and have access to specialist staff and extensive resources. The Art and Design studios at Clifton are equipped with an etching press, a photography room with a suite of Apple Mac computers, a dark room, and a kiln in our specialist ceramics and sculpture studio.
Our scholarship programme is developed to help guide students through their artistic journey. Throughout GCSE and A level, specialist advice is provided alongside a robust curriculum. Scholars have the opportunities to attend workshops run by specialist staff and professional artists, and they will deliver their own workshop as part of our cross college and developing outreach programme. Scholars are expected to be involved in Open Studio sessions in either Fine Art, Sculpture, Photography or Textiles as well as collaborative community art projects.
Scholars also have the opportunity to attend trips to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums in Oxford, the National Gallery, Tate Britain and the Tate Modern in London. The department also runs an overseas trip to New York.
A culture of responsibility, leadership and pupil mentoring is also the hallmark of our scholarship programme, and our scholars will help lead the House Art competition, the Commem Exhibition, and at the arts evening during the Summer Term. In the wider community, Scholars also contribute to the wider community through exhibitions at the Royal West of England Academy and various external competitions and events. Following application, the assessment process will include the submission of a portfolio of work, an interview - where candidates will showcase their portfolio, and a practical assessment of skills.
Design & Technology
Design and Technology offers a fusion between design thinking and making.
Design and Technology scholars have genuine passion for the creative process and candidates should have an interest in the design and development of products, be able to use modern technologies as well as traditional methods, should be inquisitive, enjoy analysing solutions and solving practical problems.
A Design and Technology Scholarship will be offered to a student who has talent, aptitude and ability in Product Design and manufacture using Resistant Materials.
Candidates will show considerable natural ability and have begun to reach high standards of proficiency in their creative work, both in terms of technique and how they
develop ideas. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual.
For ease, good quality photographs or larger three-dimensional works are acceptable in the portfolio. The portfolio should contain concept sketches, diaries and detailed photographs of finished products. To accompany their portfolio students will also be required to complete a Design Task - they can choose which one of the following;
Task 1 - Design a dwelling of the future with sustainability as the driving design factor (A3 with colour and annotation).
Task 2 - Redesign a familiar household product with inclusivity as the driving factor (A3 with colour and annotation).
It is expected that the candidate will be able to discuss their portfolio at the interview.
Scholars will be invited to join the scholarship
group, where they will be introduced to a range of designs, machines, tools and processes. The scholarship programme is made up of a mixture of teacher-led tasks, group work and individual tasks. Scholars are supported by the Design and Technology staff, whose wide experience spans engineering and product design, from jewellery to CAD.
Our facilities include well-equipped workshops with a large range of manufacturing equipment from traditional hand tools to CAM facilities, including a laser cutter, a CNC router and 3D printers. This range of processing ability allows pupils to create products from most materials and to develop a range of manufacturing skills. The classrooms are equipped for drawing and investigating, complemented by PCs linked to a range of CAD software.
Drama
Committed young actors are encouraged to apply for a Drama Scholarship, whatever their range of experience.
This programme develops skills as both individual and ensemble performers while giving students a glimpse into life as a working theatre professional.
13+ Scholarship candidates will be required to prepare and perform two contrasting monologues for audition (one classical and one contemporary) and take part in a group workshop where they will explore devising and scripted work practically. 16+ Scholarship candidates will be required to prepare and perform two contrasting monologues for audition (one Shakespearean and one contemporary), submit an essay and supporting statement, and have a short interview with the Head of Drama.
Those selected at 13+ will have access to theatre trips and professional theatre workshops in Third Form, with companies such as Frantic Assembly, developing skills from Physical Theatre to Stage Combat. They will also be expected to participate in our LAMDA programme, which supports students in developing their performance and audition technique in preparation for LAMDA performance exams. There is an expectation that successful candidates will be taking the subject as a GCSE Option.
The 16+ Scholarship is for those who share a passion for Drama as a vital part of their future studies at A Level and Undergraduate level. Successful students are expected to represent the department and be heavily involved in the Upper School performance programme by auditioning for productions or assistant directing while also engaging with the subject through the A Level program.
The Upper School performance programme is extensive, with students able to be involved in Musical Theatre, New PlayWriting
and Devised Theatre both in and outside the rehearsal studio and classroom. Students will have access to regular professional theatre workshops, and also be expected to have LAMDA lessons to support preparation for LAMDA performance exams.
Facilities include two performance and rehearsal spaces on site, including the Redgrave Theatre.
Previous Scholarship winners have gone on to join the National Youth Theatre as well as study at leading theatre conservatoires such as Central School of Speech and Drama, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Discover more about Drama at Clifton:
Music
Talented musicians are encouraged to apply for a Music Scholarship whatever their instrument.
Scholars are expected to have proficiency in two disciplines, either two instruments, or one instrument and voice. We also consider Music Technology specialists who also possess an instrumental skill.
Music is a key element of life at Clifton. In both Prep School and Upper, there excellent facilities and performance venues, including a dedicated recital hall, 20 practice rooms equipped with a fleet of U1 Yamaha pianos, a Fazioli 212 grand piano and several Yamaha grands, the cathedral-sized 4-manual Harrison and Harrison organ in Chapel, music recording studio and connected recording rooms, and a several Apple Mac technology suites (all running Sibelius and Pro Tools).
At each level, 11+, 13+, and 16+, candidates should bring to audition two contrasting pieces on their main instrument, and a single piece on their second and any subsequent instruments. The standards expected on the main instrument are approximately Grade 4 for 11+, Grade 6 at 13+ and Grade 8 at 16+, though we are also interested if candidates with less experience show excellent potential. Candidates will also be asked to undertake sight-reading and a few aural tests.
Talented music teachers provide tuition in a wide range of instruments, as well as in singing, and a full schedule of performance opportunities throughout the year. During a normal term, there are around 25 concerts including weekly solo morning recitals, evening chamber music and orchestral concerts, competitions, rock and pop nights, full-scale annual production of a major show both for Year 8 in the Prep School, and for Years 9-13 in the Upper School (most recently Oklahoma!, Chicago, The Addams
Family). There are regular Chapel services such as Remembrance, Advent and Christmas Carols, with performances are also undertaken outside of the College, such as a visit to sing a Cathedral Evensong, an evening at the Bristol Music Club, and foreign tours (in 2023 a combined instrumental/choral tour to Venice).
Successful applicants for the 11+ and 13+ Music Scholarships will receive two free music lessons a week from specialists in their chosen instrument(s) and will receive dedicated support to ensure that pupils are able to balance their studies with rehearsals and the wide range of other co-curricular activities available. Pupils will have every opportunity to perform both as soloists alongside the expectation of performing in appropriate ensembles and taking GCSE Music.
At 16+, Scholars receive free music lessons and the same support as pupils at 11+ and 13+, including theory and aural preparation classes (both to Grade 8 level).
They also have an exciting opportunity to get involved with music at the highest level in orchestras, chamber ensembles and as a soloist. 16+ Music Scholars usually give a full-length solo recital in our stunning hall, chapel or further afield and perform a concerto movement with a professional orchestra in our Summer Serenade concert.
There are also opportunities to direct a group such as a chamber choir or instrumental ensemble.
The Scholarship programme aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to dedicate the time and space towards achieving something of real creative value alongside their academic studies. We look to help all musicians individually to achieve their goals, whatever they might be.
Recent Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of award-winning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.
Please browse our music website for links to our termly event brochure, news stories and videos of performances.
Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship
Building on Clifton’s long tradition of excellence in sacred music, having nurtured musicians such as Andrew Nethsingha (Director of Music for the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023) and Sir David Willcocks himself (Director of Music at King’s College Cambridge), Clifton College’s Willcocks Organ Scholarship established in 2013, gives the flexible opportunity for young organists to develop their skills in a highly supportive environment.
The scholarship is for Sixth Form entrants and runs for two years. It is overseen by the College Organist and Director of Music, with scholars receiving enhanced tuition in solo playing, accompaniment, theory, harmony and keyboard skills. Scholars are carefully supported to play for the regular services at Clifton, and also at our annual Evensong trip (most recently St Mary Redcliffe). Depending on the skills of the candidates there can also be the possibility to work towards accompanying Bristol Cathedral Choir at evensong more regularly.
Many scholars also enjoy developing their confidence as a choral director. Recent holders of the scholarship have gone on to win university organ scholarships including Cambridge (Peterhouse), and Oxford (Magdalen, Worcester and Exeter colleges).
To be considered, candidates should
• be of at least Grade 7 standard or equivalent on the organ when they arrive
• have an interest in considering a university or conservatoire organ scholarship after Clifton
• be considering taking A Level Music and/or Grades 6-8 theory
• fulfil the standard Sixth Form academic entry requirements set by the College
For more information please see this special brochure.
Tom
16+ Music Scholar
2021-23
“I joined Clifton College Sixth-Form in 2021 as a day student and music scholar with three years’ singing experience, and a distinction in ABRSM Classical singing grade 8, also playing piano and cello. I took Music, Psychology and Drama A-levels.
Joining Clifton, I was offered many performance opportunities which have been pivotal in my development as a musician. I have had two lead roles in the school musical - Gomez in The Addams Family and Billy Flynn in Chicago - and the opportunity to perform the solo role in Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs with a professional orchestra. Clifton College has also enabled me to take the ARSM performance diploma in classical singing (achieved with distinction) and Grade 8 Piano (also distinction).
In other roles, I have been part of the Orchestra playing cello, the Chamber Choir, singing for an evensong in Bristol Cathedral, and many close harmony and a capella groups (including The Cliftones). In June 2023 I performed a piano concerto movement by Shostakovich with a professional orchestra in our Summer Serenade, and toured to Venice and Padua in July 2023.
Beyond Sixth-Form, I have been offered a scholarship to the Royal College of Music where I will be spending the next 4 years further developing my skill-sets as a first-study baritone. Clifton has been the best possible springboard for this next stage developing my career as a professional musician, which is my dream.”
Sophie
Music Scholar
Year 12
“I joined Clifton College from Hong Kong in 2020 as a Year 9 boarder and Joseph Cooper Music Scholar. It was unusual learning from a distance for several terms, but I was really encouraged by the remote orchestras and performance opportunities that were set up for all musicians.
Arriving in Bristol in person allowed me to immediately seize all the opportunities, both academic and musical, including chamber music, academic music, and advanced music theory lessons (for example gaining the Grade 8 Theory qualification).
I have a special timetable allowing for more practice time and working regularly on accompaniments with our Head of Keyboard 1:1.
I also enjoy special recording slots using our Studio Engineer. I have been able to enter several competitions, many of
which have required recorded first entries, and was really pleased to gain First Prize in the Haslemere International String Competition, again supported by a College pianist.
I study at the Royal Academy of Music in London on Saturdays, and have had so much support with all the travel arrangements necessary.
I was very pleased to win the overall Violin Prize for the Junior Royal Academy Competition and really value the mixture of different learning environments.
My Clifton College highlights have been: an evening of Chamber Music at Bristol Music Club (playing Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio and Octet with fellow pupils), giving my own solo evening recitals, receiving an invitation to give a recital at Bristol Cathedral, leading the
pit band for the school musicals, and taking part in the annual Summer Serenade Concerto concert with professional orchestra - in 2022 this was Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto in G minor, in 2023 it will be Saint-Saens’ B minor Concerto, and in 2024 Glazunov’s Concerto.
My ambition is to become a professional violinist and I really look forward to continuing my time in Clifton College SixthForm, developing more opportunities before I go to either university or conservatoire.”
Sport
Sports scholarships are available to candidates who offer exceptional talent in team sports and who possess the athletic ability to excel.
Successful Sport Scholars will display all the necessary attributes of a talented sports person: speed, agility, coordination, power, endurance and a desire to progress. A good academic record will also be expected to meet the College’s academic entry requirements.
For 11+, the Sport Scholarship Day will consist of fitness and games play assessments in the morning followed by sports assessments in the afternoon. At 13+ we are ideally looking for candidates who excel in two or more sports, but exceptional ability in one sport will be considered. Members of the College will endeavour to watch candidates perform for their current school. The Sport Scholarship Day will consist of fitness and games play assessments
in the morning followed by sports assessments in the afternoon. At 16+ the candidate will have a proven record in their chosen sport, which has taken them into regional representative sport or official attachment to a professional sports academy.
An 11+ Sport Scholar receives one extra training session a week. These include skills clinics, run by professional coaches and an introduction to physical conditioning, which covers whole body exercises, core strength training and fundamental weight training techniques. Individual training plans are provided during the holiday periods to continue the programme throughout the year.
A 13+ Sports Scholar enters the beginning of the Performance Sports Programme (PSP).
A pupil, through their time on the programme, will have access to strength and conditioning, in house sports physiotherapy and sports psychology, professional sports specific coaching, access to additional nutrition, and termly workshops on sport and healthy lifestyle topics.
In year 9 this is very much an introduction to the fundamentals of strength and conditioning and a general skills approach to their specific sport or sports.
A pupil who shows talent in more than one sport will be encouraged to continue to develop in these with a focus on those sports in the terms when they are not also the major sport.
Year 9 is a very busy year and there is a lot of transition to be made into the senior school, therefore, scholars, although expected to attend the PSP programme, are also encouraged to explore the vast array of options available to them through the general enrichment programme.
At Clifton we believe, as research shows, that diversity and non sporting interests help to benefit the most talented athletes as they progress through their journey.
Year 9 is seen very much as a transition year into PSP and a stepping stone into a more formal and focussed programme in Year 10 and beyond.
Year 10 to 11 sees the beginning of the enhanced PSP where pupils, but not all, begin to explore a focus sport through an additional afternoon timetabled PSP session and also further sport specific sessions throughout the week. The programme is accessed by sports scholars and also talented sports pupils within the school with the aim to offer all gifted and aspirational pupils the opportunity to achieve their potential.
At 16+ the final tip of the PSP pyramid sees the most talented and hard working athletes continue or enter the programme. This final part of their school journey sees very much an individual focus on the pupils that show potential to go into a professional or elite sports environment post school. The programme here focuses on a coordinated approach between elite external sporting pathways and school to provide the best supportive environment for pupils to excel.
The PSP programme is there to support scholars and all talented and aspirational students throughout their time at
Clifton. The programme is fluid and adaptable as we know all individuals develop and flourish at different stages and therefore we wish to provide the support and opportunities to all our aspirational and talented pupils at the time that is right for them.
The programme has supported many students who have continued with their sports at University level, which has assisted their placements, including US scholarships. Several scholars and students gain professional contracts and go straight into the sports industry, including rugby and cricket contracts.
Notable previous scholars include Lily Owsley, GB Hockey player and Olympic Gold Medalist, and Ioan Lloyd, Llanelli Scarlets rugby player and Welsh International.
Discover more about Sport at Clifton:
Lily Owsley
Sport Scholar
When I arrived at Clifton College aged 11, I’m not sure I’d ever picked up a hockey stick. I was a football player. The Head of the Pre was a Spurs fan, and I think the story of my hat-trick against Arsenal Ladies had nailed my scholarship interview.
Understanding football helped me pick up hockey tactics fairly quickly, though my stick skills were lacking. But I was soon in the Pre 1st team. The coaching, encouragement and team spirit in the Pre were second to none, and we had a very good team.
Not being at a hockey club at this stage, I relied on the excellent coaching and overall support I received in the Upper School to improve my ball skills and I was able to work through the ranks to make the
School 1st XI at 14 and the England Under 16s team not long after. I was able to progress while at school through the England Under 18s and 21s, and won my first senior cap for England, v South Africa, the day after my A Levels finished.
I was delighted to be able to win 2014 Commonwealth Silver and 2015 European Gold for England, and then came the unforgettable experience of the 2016 Olympic Gold medal for Great Britain in Rio, and Bronze at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
I can’t thank the School enough for everything it contributed towards these achievements.
Lily Owsley WT (2015)
Key dates
11+ Scholarships
Academic Application Deadline
Thursday 12th December 2024
Music Application Deadline
Thursday 12th December 2024
Drama Application Deadline
Thursday 12th December 2024
Polack’s Award for Jewish Pupils
Application Deadline
Friday 3rd January 2025
*see website for more details
Sports Application Deadline
Thursday 12th December 2024
13+ Scholarships
Academic Application Deadline
Monday 18th November 2024
Art Application Deadline
Monday 18th November 2024
Design and Technology
Application Deadline
Monday 18th November 2024
Drama Application Deadline
Monday 18th November 2024
Music Application Deadline
Monday 18th November 2024
Polack’s Award for Jewish Pupils
Application Deadline
Wednesday 20th November 2024
*see website for more details
Sports Application Deadline Monday 28th October 2024
16+ Scholarships
Academic Application Deadline
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Art Application Deadline
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Drama Application Deadline
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Music Application Deadline
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Polack’s Award for Jewish Pupils
Application Deadline
Friday 1st November 2024 *see website for more details
Sports Application Deadline Wednesday 30th October 2024
Next steps: applications
For information about the Scholarship application process, the full assessment criteria and the Scholarship application dates, please see our website at: www.cliftoncollege.com/ admissions/scholarshipsand-bursaries
For further information about scholarships and to receive an application form please contact: prepadmissions@ cliftoncollege.com for 11+ scholarships or admissions@ cliftoncollege.com for 13+ and 16+ scholarships.
Bursary applications
Please note, a Scholarship is an honorary award. It does not secure an automatic reduction in the College’s fees. Scholarships at Clifton College run alongside our means-tested bursaries. Bursaries are made at the College’s discretion and in accordance with the Charities Commission guidelines.
The College wants to be able to help support pupils by providing the right level of bursary assistance for families if they need it. This process enables us to support many more children attending Clifton College than would otherwise be the case.
Means-tested bursaries are only offered to pupils who have been successful in obtaining a scholarship. Bursaries and scholarships must be applied for by the relevant scholarship application deadline date. Applications made after this date may not be considered.
For more information about the range of bursaries offered, please visit www.cliftoncollege. com/admissions/ scholarships-andbursaries/
