The tremendous diversity of opportunity we offer at West Hill Park allows all pupils the chance to find a space in which they can excel. Pupils with a particular talent and potential in the arts, sport or academically can apply for a Scholarship to commence in the Autumn Term of Year 7 or Year 8. First and foremost, Scholarships are a recognition of a child’s talent and potential, with the aim of providing a springboard for scholarship attempts at chosen senior schools. A programme of support will be tailored specifically to help your child prepare for a scholarship at the senior school of your choice.

Types of Scholarship Available
  • All round Academic Scholarship
  • Arts Scholarship (to show skill in Art/DT, Drama or Music)
  • Sport Scholarship
  • Computing Scholarship
Scholarship Award Conditions
  • Children should only be entered for an award they feel able to excel in, and benefit from.
  • Current pupils should initially email Mr Ward prior to applying to assess suitability.
  • Scholarship awards are honorary but parents will have the opportunity to apply for a means-tested bursary.

Scholarships are attached to additional responsibilities for pupils. Westhillian Scholars are role models for their peers - sharing their knowledge, skills and passion with their fellow pupils.

Successful Scholars will be expected to fully engage in a programme to support their area of speciality to give them the very best chance of future scholarship success. Respective Heads of Departments will liaise with you and your child on activities and progress.

Application process
  • Step one - Candidates must complete and submit a scholarship entry form
  • Step two - All suitable candidates will be invited to an assessment day to take place at West Hill Park on either the 7th March or the 12th May
  • Step three - Candidates will be informed of their award no later than two weeks after the assessment day

If you wish to apply for a means-tested bursary, the application process will run alongside the scholarship assessments.

Scholarship assessment
  • All round Academic Scholarship
    • Maths and English paper under exam conditions
  • Arts Scholarships
    • Art/DT
      • preparation of a portfolio (select 3-5 original pieces) to be discussed with the Head of Art/DT; produce a piece under timed conditions
    • Music
      • performance of two contrasting prepared pieces; short sight reading and aural assessment. Grade 3 or equivalent minimum standard required
    • Drama
      • performance of their own choice of piece (e.g. monologue, poem, short excerpt from a script) and one unseen piece
  • Sport Scholarship
    • practical assessment across a variety of activities to assess etiquette, attitude, sportsmanship and physical fitness
  • Computing Scholarship
    • practical assessment across a variety of digital activities. Candidates should display an innate curiosity about digital technology, a strong technical ability in the subject and an enthusiasm for communicating the power of digital technology to their peers and adults

All candidates will also have a short interview with the relevant Head of Department, and an interview with Mr Ward or Miss Whitty.

In addition, it is expected that scholarship candidates have displayed consistently outstanding effort in their chosen curriculum area and have, prior to Year 7, demonstrated excellent commitment and potential for development.

Outcome

The highest band of achievers at the Scholarship Assessment stage will be awarded a scholarship to the school. A candidate who doesn’t quite reach scholarship standard may be awarded an Exhibition based on their performance. Full feedback will be provided by the Head of the relevant department.

Questions and Queries

Please direct any questions regarding the application process and means tested bursaries to Mr Ward.