Academic Scholarships

Academic scholars are chosen as being amongst the brightest academically in their cohort, destined for outstanding results. More significantly, they should also show a certain flair and independence of mind. They should be engaged, curious, self-reliant and willing to take the initiative. They should enjoy challenge and be both resilient and reflective. They should show leadership and empathy as well as being confident in their ability to keep on improving.

Academic Scholars at Marlborough

Scholars are expected to take full advantage of the many and varied scholarly events outside the classroom. Marlburians are fortunate in having opportunities to hear lectures by internationally renowned experts and leaders in their fields. They will attend recitals by world-class musicians and poets. They will collaborate with and support their peers in achieving excellence in exhibitions and in performances at plays and concerts. Scholars will be encouraged to give short lectures, to engage with other academic clubs (and sometimes to lead them), to contribute to College publications, and to attend appropriate academic trips. Recent scholars’ publications have included books on Beethoven and Lockdowns and Isolation and an ongoing project with articles linking the College and the local area, called ‘Marlborough Chalk’ (all are available online via the College website). In addition, there is an academic journal (Inspire) entirely edited by Lower Sixth scholars. Recent scholars’ trips have visited Bristol, Oxford, Andalusia, Prague and Venice, and scholars have researched and presented on aspects of each place. Sixth Form scholars will be invited to sign the Scholars’ Register.

Scholars will become members of the Medawar Society and will meet fortnightly in year groups to discuss academic issues or to give presentations on prepared topics.

It is hoped that scholars will be ambitious in their applications to top universities in the UK or elsewhere in the world and they will receive close guidance to assist them with preparation for this.

Academic Scholarship Application

The College offers annually around five Academic scholarships to candidates at 16+ entry. Applications are made by completing the relevant section of the enrolment form which will be sent to all those who have registered for the College. Forms should be submitted online by no later than 1st October, Year 11.

Further information about Academic scholarships can be found on the College website. www.marlboroughcollege.org/admissions/scholarships/

All applicants to the College for Sixth Form are offered a choice of three dates to attend an entry assessment day in November, Year 11. The examination papers applicants sit will be broadly relevant to their chosen A Level subjects. Those also applying for an Academic scholarship are expected to excel at the entry assessment examination papers. Past papers will be sent to candidates on confirmation of enrolment.

Academic scholarship candidates will also be required to attend a scholarship interview on assessment day. Prior to this, we will request that they submit a personal statement in support of their application which should focus on their academic interests both inside and outside the classroom. We are interested in hearing what they have done to build on these interests and what inspires them academically. They should also take this opportunity to explain what their principal scholarship ambition would be at Marlborough. This should be delivered in between 200-300 words and emailed to Miss Brooks: jabrooks@marlboroughcollege.org.

Applicants for entry and candidates for scholarships are notified about places and awards on 1st December, Year 11.

Music Scholarships

Marlborough College enjoys a strong musical tradition and is supported by a motivated, energetic and forward-thinking Music Department. Many of the music teachers are from professional, orchestral and vocal backgrounds and appointed visiting consultants include members of the BBC Orchestra of Wales, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera and professors from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The Southbank Sinfonia is the College’s professional orchestra-in-partnership and at the heart of the department are approximately 40-50 Music Scholars.

The purpose-built Henry Hony Centre provides an ideal environment for learning, practice and performance. As well as offering lessons in the full range of orchestral instruments, there are also more unusual instruments to learn such as electric guitar, electric violin, bagpipes, drum kit, jazz piano, harp, organ and orchestral percussion.

There are two main orchestras, string orchestra and symphony orchestra and also opportunities to play in Brasser (wind orchestra), Big Band, chamber ensembles, jazz and rock groups. The Chapel choir has busy weekly and termly in-College choral commitments. It also enjoys continental tours and regular excursions to other chapels, cathedrals and Oxford colleges to sing choral evensong. The extensive range of musical opportunities at Marlborough and information about up-coming concerts and other musical events can be found on the College website at: www.marlboroughcollege.org/music

Definition of a Music Scholar at Marlborough College

Marlborough aims to provide an inspiring and stimulating environment in which Music scholars can nurture and foster their talents to the very full.

Free weekly music tuition can be offered to Music scholars on up to three instruments. They are mentored by the Artistic Director through assessment and performing opportunities both within and outside the College. Where applicable, individual learning programmes are designed to meet the demands and needs of those wishing ultimately to study music at conservatoire or university following Marlborough and regular consultation lessons are provided with the visiting consultants. Instrumental examinations are offered through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and through Trinity exam boards.

From the outset, the role, expectations and responsibilities of the privilege of being a Music scholar are made very clear. Scholars should be able to demonstrate leadership, inspire others, perhaps less gifted than themselves, be especially organised in the management of instrumental lessons, attendance at rehearsals and practising. They must show commitment to both musical and academic studies and above all, be a fine ambassador for the Music Department both in House, across the College community and in public performance situations.

There are additional opportunities that scholars are expected to participate in from time to time, such as operatic and musical productions, annual wind, string, piano or singing master classes, lunchtime recitals, evening recitals, the Music Society, the Royal Academy of Music London Gala Concert and other external events. Scholars are also expected to attend the renowned Marlborough College Concert Series at the prevailing subsidised rate for pupils.

Much individual support is given to the scholars and they are encouraged to balance their time carefully in view of the proliferation of activities.

Progress and scholarship status is reviewed by the Artistic Director in the form of two annual assessments after which a detailed report is made available to parents, Head of Department, principal study teacher, the Deputy Head (Academic), the pupil’s Housemaster or Housemistress and the Master. Weekly feedback forms from instrumental teachers are also returned to the Artistic Director to help monitor progress.

Music Scholarship Application

The College offers annually up to six 16+ instrumental scholarships. Candidates for instrumental scholarships are generally expected to have already achieved a level of Grade 7/8 with Merit or Distinction on their principal instrument and have a high standard of musicianship and performance. Candidates will also be expected to show some ability on a second instrument and it could be an advantage to offer singing in addition.

The application process is as follows:

• To apply, the relevant section on the enrolment form should be completed and submitted online to the Admissions Department by 1st October, Year 11.

• Parents should be in touch with the Music Department Secretary directly, during September, in order to discuss the pre-audition requirements. The contact telephone number is +44 (0)1672 892481. All pre-auditions must take place by 1st October, Year 11.

• For the pre-audition, candidates will need to present two prepared and contrasting pieces on the first instrument and one piece on one or more subsidiary instruments or voice.

• If shortlisted, scholarship candidates will be invited back for a final Music audition, which will take place during the afternoon of their entry assessment day. The two prepared pieces offered at the final audition can either be the same as or different from those presented at the pre-audition stage. Scales, sight-reading, and aural tests will be required. There will be an interview with the Artistic Director and relevant Head of Department. There is no written music examination.

• Offers of Music scholarships are made on 1st December, Year 11.