Scholarships

Available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry

Our Academic scholars have a natural curiosity and a passion for understanding the world. They are encouraged to question, analyse and explore - from the nature of humanity to the science of our planet and the vastness of the cosmos - growing into thoughtful, informed young people with study skills that will support their university and future careers.

Our Inspiring Bright Minds programme encourages scholars to think deeply, explore widely and enjoy the excitement of learning. It helps students discover new interests, challenge themselves and develop the confidence to pursue their passions.

• Weekly GO Discover sessions: Scholars are introduced to fascinating ideas from astrophysics and forensics to fractals, climate change and the Cold War.
• Alpinist mornings: For students showing promise in specific subjects, these sessions are designed to work on topics beyond our curriculum.
• Attend external lectures: Including TED Talks, MOOCS and Oxford English lectures, as well as subject specific events such as the Oxford and Cambridge on Classics; the Association of Art Historians and Winchester College Moot Court debates and lectures.
• Challenges: Coaching to take part in opportunities such as national and international Maths, Science and Linguistics challenges and Olympiads.
• Leadership opportunities: Our scholars take a leading role in the many academic weeks that take place in school, such as Science Week, and other activities including our Politics Society, Green Group and Model United Nations.
• Research projects: Junior scholars complete independent projects and presentations to hone their independent research skills, while the Seminar Society gives sixth formers the chance to research and discuss topics that interest them and many go on to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is highly valued by universities.
• Inspiring scholar clubs and activities:  From coding and Ancient Greek to creative writing and film appreciation, our scholars are continuously expanding their knowledge and skills and stimulating their minds.

11+ & 13+ Applications: All candidates will be required to attend the 11+/13+ Assessment Day and Academic scholarship interview in January. They will be required to show a high level of technical accuracy in their writing as well as a confident ability to write creatively and understand written text and perform well in our cognitive ability tests and at interview.  

16+ Applications: All candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management Team as part of the application process. 

Available at 13+ and 16+ entry

Being an Art Scholar offers students the opportunity to push their creative boundaries beyond the scope of everyday academic life. Our Art scholars are at the heart of a dynamic, award-winning department renowned for its innovation and excellence within the artistic community. We celebrate not only artistic ability but also a distinctive way of seeing and interpreting the world through art, craft and design. Our Art scholars set the creative pulse of the department - inspiring others to reach new heights in their own artistic journeys.

• Unlimited studio access - Scholars enjoy the freedom to create at any time, with unlimited access to our four vibrant Art & Design studios. These spaces become their creative home, fostering experimentation and independent exploration and expression.
• Specialist tuition - Throughout the year, scholars work closely with expert practitioners across a range of disciplines. Lunchtime and after-school sessions provide opportunities for tailored guidance, skill refinement, and artistic growth.
• Inspiring trips – Scholars take part in a variety of enriching trips, from visits to museums and galleries to explorations of places that ignite creative thinking. In the Sixth Form these trips are residential and are currently based in Cornwall and or Birmingham/Ironbridge.
• Collaboration with distinguished artists, designers and craftspeople - Scholars have the unique opportunity to meet and work alongside leading artists, designers, and craftspeople. Through talks, workshops, and one-to-one sessions, they gain valuable insights into creative practice, materials, and techniques, inspiring the development of their own work.
• Ambassadorial role - As our creative leaders, scholars represent the department at exhibitions, workshops and public events. They engage with visiting artists, teachers, examiners, gallery owners and arts organisations, showcasing the talent and spirit of our artistic community.
• Exhibition opportunities - Scholars play a key role in curating and presenting work for the department’s two major annual exhibitions, held in May and July — an invaluable platform to share their artistic vision with a wider audience.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a genuine personal interest in art and design, both within and beyond the classroom. They must show exceptional skill in recording from first-hand observation, using a wide range of materials, techniques, and processes. In addition, candidates should provide clear evidence of sustained engagement and a deep passion for the subject.

13+ Application: All candidates are set an Art & Design project on the 13+ application deadline date. This comprises of an A4 sketchbook which contains a set of instructions and a design brief which the applicant should undertake and complete in the weeks running up to the interview date. This sketchbook and portfolio of work is brought to interview and forms the basis of the discussion with the Art Department.

16+ Application: All candidates are expected to bring a portfolio of their GCSE Art & Design work to an interview. 

Available at 13+ and 16+ entry

Becoming a Drama scholar at Godolphin is more than just an award - it’s an invitation to join a vibrant, creative community where your child’s talents will be nurtured and celebrated. As a Drama scholar, your child will gain access to a wealth of opportunities designed to develop their confidence, creativity, and leadership skills - attributes that will benefit them for life, both on and off the stage.

Exceptional training and qualifications:

• Specialist Speech & Drama Lessons: Scholars receive expert tuition, exploring a wide range of performance styles and texts, from Shakespearean classics to contemporary drama and prose.
• LAMDA examinations: Scholars will be entered for prestigious LAMDA exams, which not only build performance skills but also earn valuable UCAS points at Grades 6–8 - giving them a head start on university applications.

Exclusive experiences

• Drama GCSE: All scholars take Drama at GCSE, delving deeper into the craft of theatre-making, devising original work, and interpreting scripts with creativity and flair.
• Portal Theatre Company Membership: As a member of our in-house theatre company, your child will collaborate with like-minded peers, perform in a variety of productions, and develop their skills in a supportive, professional environment.
• Residential Theatre Weekend: 13+ scholars enjoy a unique residential experience, working with visiting theatre companies and practitioners to broaden their horizons and learn new techniques.
• Theatre Trips: Scholars also attend professional theatre productions, giving them the chance to experience world-class performances, gain inspiration, and deepen their understanding of the performing arts.

Performance Opportunities

• Annual Productions: Every year, scholars take to the stage in major school productions, alternating between plays and musicals, allowing them to showcase their talents in a range of genres and styles.
• Technical and Creative Roles: Whether your child’s passion lies in performing or behind the scenes, they’ll have the chance to develop technical, creative, and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.

A Godolphin Drama scholarship is about more than just performance - it’s about building confidence, communication, and resilience. We are committed to nurturing your child’s love of drama, helping them to grow as artists and individuals, and inspiring a lifelong passion for the performing arts.

Drama scholarships are open to any student with a passion and flair for the Performing Arts. To be considered for a Drama scholarship, students must send in a video of a learned contemporary monologue from a published play - no longer than two minutes long.

If successful, candidates will subsequently be invited to:

• Participate in a Drama workshop
• Attend an interview with the Head of Drama

Available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry

Godolphin has a long-standing musical tradition, and our Music scholars are at the heart of that. Their dedication and skill have won prizes in national competitions and the opportunity to perform in some of the most prestigious locations. Music Scholarships at Godolphin provide a comprehensive package of opportunities, designed to support each scholar’s musical and personal development.

• Specialist Tuition: Scholars are given 45-minute lessons on the first instrument and 30-minute lessons on a second instrument, with up to 30 lessons per year for each.
• Performance Opportunities: Our scholars regularly perform as soloists and ensemble members, participate in school concerts and major events at prestigious venues such as Salisbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and other notable locations.
• Competitions and Festivals: Opportunities to take part in respected events include the Rotary Young Musician of the Year, Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival, and the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year.
• Enrichment and Development: Access to workshops, masterclasses, and enrichment trips as well as participation in the Scholars’ Concert Series, providing further opportunities for growth and performance experience.
• Ensemble and Choir Membership: All Music scholars are active members of at least two major ensembles and one choir.

Available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry

Our Music scholarships to recognise and nurture musical promise. Above all, we seek applicants who demonstrate enthusiasm, passion, and a genuine commitment to music. While technical ability is important, it is potential and dedication that truly stand out.

As a guide, candidates should be performing at approximately the following levels:

• Grade 3–4 for 11+ entry
• Grade 4–5 for 13+ entry
• Grade 6–7 for 16+ entry

It is not essential to have taken or passed these exams, but audition pieces should reflect a similar standard. Applicants should offer at least one instrument, though we are delighted to hear more than one if desired.

Auditions are held with the Director of Music and include one or two pieces on the candidate’s principal instrument and, if applicable, one on a second instrument. There will also be some sight-reading, brief aural tests and a short informal interview.

The Director of Music would be delighted to see any potential Music scholars in advance of their audition, or at any time. To arrange a pre-audition, please contact music@godolphin.org. 

Available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry

Sport at Godolphin is about more than competition – it’s about personal growth, teamwork and pride in shared achievement. Our athletes regularly compete at regional and national levels, showcasing dedication, teamwork and excellence across a range of sports. Our Sports scholars lead by example, demonstrating outstanding commitment, preparation and attitude both in training and competition. They also play a key role in mentoring younger teams, sharing their experience and guidance.  

• Strength & Conditioning: Tailored programmes with qualified coaches, including regular monitoring and individualised support to enhance performance and physical development.
• Sport Psychology Sessions: Termly sessions focused on mental performance, helping scholars understand and harness the psychological factors that influence success in sport.
• Performance Lifestyle Coaching: Guidance on balancing academic, sporting and personal commitments, supporting overall wellbeing and future development.
• Injury Prevention Training: Termly sessions exploring the latest approaches to maintaining physical health, reducing injury risk, and recognising when to train or rest.
• Scholars Lecture Series: Insightful sessions led by the PE team and external speakers on topics relevant to high-level sport and personal growth.
• Sports Scholar Kit: A distinctive scholar hoodie and match-day shirt (Fourth Year and above) to recognise and celebrate sporting achievement.

11+ and 13+ scholars must be fully committed to at least two winter sports teams and one summer team, and 16+ scholars must be fully committed to at least one sport, and to squad training and fixtures during the week and at weekends. 

Sports scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate exceptional ability in one or more sports. As a guide and depending on the sport, candidates should be performing at approximately to the following levels (evidence to support this will be required):

• 11+ and 13+ entry: ‘A’ team standard in at least two areas and be at County level or above.
• 16+ entry: Show exceptional ability in one or more sports (which should be one of Godolphin’s major sports) and competing at County standard or higher in their chosen sport.

Candidates may be requested to submit further written evidence and a sporting CV. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to attend an assessment day where fitness levels, skills, techniques, knowledge and understanding will be tested. They will also have an interview with a member of the PE department.