Scholarship is celebrated at St Helen’s, and a range of awards are available to recognise excellence, ability and potential in the areas of academic, art, design and technology, drama, music and sport.
Our enriching scholarship programmes offer scholars personalised support to nurture and inspire talent. Scholars are highly regarded throughout the school as leaders, ambassadors and role models for their specialist fields.
The application process
We strongly encourage scholarship applications from both external and internal candidates – this is your chance to show us what you love and what you do best. Each application process is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, giving students the opportunity to spend time in their chosen department and gain a deeper understanding of the support available in that field, both as part of the scholarship programme and more broadly.
The timing of scholarship awards for external candidates is based on the principle that an offer of a school place, if successful, is accompanied by either a scholarship offer (11+) or an invitation to a scholarship interview (13+ and 16+). For both internal and external candidates, this means 11+ awards are made in January, 13+ awards in March, and 16+ awards in November of the preceding year.
Academic awards
Academic scholars are genuinely academically curious, with a real passion for discussion, debate and deep thinking. They benefit from the mentorship of a senior academic team member, who guides them in making the most of our rich supracurricular programme. As they progress through the school, leadership opportunities grow, and our scholars become highly regarded ambassadors for its academic life. At every entry point, the application process is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, helping candidates prepare for competitive applications to university and beyond. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Academic Exhibitions or subject specific prizes, these are at the Head’s discretion.
11+
13+
16+
Art awards
Art scholars are young artists who demonstrate creativity, curiosity and genuine commitment to their craft. Enthusiastic about making, exploring and experimenting, they embrace opportunities beyond the classroom to grow as independent, original thinkers. They benefit from a programme which nurtures students with both talent and potential - those willing to take creative risks, engage thoughtfully with ideas, and contribute to the artistic life of the school. Art Scholars act as creative ambassadors, embracing leadership, collaboration and public exhibition. All students who submit applications at 13+ will be invited to the Emerging Artists Studio sessions in Year 9. The programme supports students showing strong creative potential and provides a foundation for future artistic opportunities within the school. At every entry point, the application process is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, helping candidates prepare for competitive applications to university and beyond. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Art Exhibitions, these are at the Head’s discretion.
13+
16+
Design and Technology
Design and Technology and Product Design (16+) scholars will show a strong interest in exploring design principles, materials and innovative solutions, beyond the classroom. Their commitment to the subject is reflected in their willingness to engage in challenges, learn from their mistakes and develop their creative and technical skills. They benefit from a programme designed to help them develop as curious, resilient learners who think critically, take risks in their design work and actively contribute to the identity and values of the Design & Technology Department. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Design and Technology Exhibitions, these are at the Head’s discretion.
13+
16+
Drama awards
Drama scholars are highly regarded within the school community. They are assigned a specialist mentor who guides and supports them to develop their skills. They play an important role in shaping the creative life of the Drama Department and often inspire younger students who share their interest in theatre and performance. Scholars take the lead in their chosen specialist area as performer, director, playwright or a combination of these. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Drama Exhibitions, these are at the Head’s discretion.
13+
16+
Music awards
Our Music awards are more than recognition - they are a gateway to exceptional opportunities. We expect our Music scholars to embrace these fully, growing not only as musicians but also as leaders within our community. Our scholars are at the very heart of our vibrant musical community. We invest deeply in their development, offering an exceptional and enriching programme that combines expert teaching, outstanding performance opportunities and personalised support. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Music Exhibitions or instrument-specific prizes, these are at the Head’s discretion.
11+
13+
16+
Sports awards
A Sport scholar has a genuine love of sport and a strong desire to pursue their individual sporting goals. Sport scholars are encouraged to represent the sporting ethos of the school which considers sport as an inclusive activity whilst striving for achievement and excellence at the very highest levels of competition. They benefit from a bespoke programme of support and mentoring. All sports scholarship candidates will be invited to join our Developing Athlete Programme which gives students access to fitness monitoring, strength and conditioning programmes and links with clubs and performance pathways. In addition to scholarships, we occasionally award Sport Exhibitions or sport-specific prizes, these are at the Head’s discretion.
