Scholarships

A substantial number of Academic Scholarships at 13+ are awarded annually.

Candiates must be under 14 years old on 1 September in the year in which the examination is taken.

Places in the School may be ganted by the Head to candidates no previously registered for entry who, though not elected to a Scholarship, do well in the examinations.

Candidates who were previously registered for entry and who do not obtain awards are normally admitted to the School on the result of the Schholarship examination; in a few cases, the candidates may be required to sit all or part of the Rugby School Examinations before admission.

The results of the Scholarship Examination will be posted on or before Friday 5 March 2026.

The 13+ Art Scholarship assessments will be based on an interview with the candidates, evaluation of their portfolio and drawing tasks completed in the Rugby School Art studios. The portfolio should show evidence of self-initiated projects as well as work realised at school and must reflect a good range of media, styles and techniques. The practical exercises will test candidates' ability to use drawing media and work from direct observation, working both independently and under instruction. We are keen to build a family of Art scholars at Rugby who are ambassadors for the subject, who work well with others and who can reflect on their own learning.

If a Computer Science Scholarship is awarded, the pupil will be required to study Computer Science at GCSE and subsequently at A-level or IB Diploma Higher Level and will be encouraged to apply for a university course related to Computer Science.

If a Design and Technology Scholarship is awarded, the pupil will be required to study Design & Technology at GCSE and would be good candidate to study Design at A Level or IB Diploma.

For the 13+ Music Scholarship it would be normally expected that a candidate would demonstrate ability on their principal instrument at approximately Grade 5/6 standard, though it is not mandatory for candidates to have passed an examination at this level.

Awards will be made to candidates who are outstanding performers amongst their peers. In audition they will demonstrate excellent physical and vocal control and creative flair as well as ensemble skills and the ability to respond to direction. We will also expect a high level of academic engagement with all aspects of performing arts which will be tested through interview and a short written exercise.

Awards will be made to candidates who demonstrate outstanding performance or potential in at least one of our major team games.

All candidates will be required to sit three written papers which include core exams in Maths and English plus one other of the candidates choice. If you are clear already on your proposed IB Diploma Higher Level subjects or A-level choices then, where possible you should choose one of these tests.

Candidates will also be given a Reasoning Test and at least one interview.  

The Art Scholarships assessments will be based on the production of a critical essay, a current portfolio, a practical assessment (still life), and an interview with the Head of Art.

The Computer Science paper will incorporate questions based on the areas of related theory below. Questions are designed to test the abilities of exceptional Computer Science candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Design assessment will be based on a portfolio of recent work showing their design ability and diversity, a practical assessment (sketching design solutions to a problem) and an interview with the Head of Design.

The task is designed to test the abilities of strong D&T GCSE candidates from a range of backgrounds and experience.

The Scholarship audition will generally take place in conjunction with the sixth form entrance examinations on either Tuesday 3 November or Thursday 5 November 2026.  It may be taken at a later date by arrangement but the School cannot guarantee that a place will be available for September, if this is after the academic entrance examinations.

Applications are encouraged from candidates who are outstanding performers amongst their peers as actors, musical theatre performers, dancers or as technicians.  In audition they should demonstrate excellent physical and vocal control and creative flair as well as ensemble skills and the ability to respond to direction. We also expect a high level of academic engagement in all aspects of Performing Arts which will be tested through interview as well as a written exam.

Please note that in the academic year prior to audition, candidates may wish to arrange an informal pre-audition with the Artistic Director where they can perform a short monologue, dance or Musical Theatre number and receive feedback, as well as asking any questions they may have about performing arts at the school. Please contact the Artistic Director, Dr Tim Coker if you would like to arrange this.

Awards will be made to candidates who demonstrate outstanding performance or potential in at least one of our core team sports.

Candidates must be competing in sport deemed higher than school level and aspire to remain on pathways throughout the sixth form alongside representing Rugby School.