To become academic scholars, candidates are required to demonstrate academic excellence through performance in their studies to date, as well as in an Arts/Humanities or Maths/Science scholarship examination and academic interview.
Part I – Examination
Candidates will be asked on the Application Form to indicate which Academic Scholarship exam they wish to take. Candidates will undertake one of two exams (length 1 hour 30 mins):
Arts and Humanities Paper
This will consist of a reasoning section and essay. The reasoning section will be a more demanding reasoning test than candidates may have undertaken previously (e.g. for school entry, Yellis, Morrisby etc.). For the essay section, candidates will have a choice of essays which are unlikely to be topics covered at GCSE. We are looking at candidate’s ability to write and structure an argument with appropriate evidence, where possible.
To choose the Arts and Humanities paper, candidates will be studying at least one essay subject. Candidates planning to choose Arts or Humanities courses at university, should select this paper.
Maths and Sciences Paper
This will consist of sections covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths with content based on GCSE curriculum. Candidates will complete all sections.
To choose the Maths and Sciences paper, candidates will be looking to study at least two subjects at A-level from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths, Maths or Physics. Candidates planning to pick a Science/Maths-based degree should also select this paper. Those candidates planning to apply for the Dame Angela Rumbold Scholarship must also take two subjects at A-level from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Candidates who don’t know what degree subject they want to do or plan to do a social science degree, e.g. Economics or Psychology, can pick either paper. However, they must satisfy the A-level subject choice requirements above.
In exceptional circumstances where a student really cannot choose between the two exams (i.e. Arts and Humanities and Sciences and Maths papers), there may be the possibility to sit both. You must still satisfy the A-level requirements for both papers stated above. Please email Mr Stone, Head of Admissions, daniel.stone@surbitonhigh.com if this applies.
Part II – Interview
Once we have marked the papers, we will decide which students to invite for interview. Usually around half of the students sitting the scholarship papers are invited for interview.
The interview explores the candidate’s aspirations for the future, but it is mainly an academic conversation looking at problems in the Arts and Mumanities or Sciences and Maths. We are looking for students who can show high levels of critical thinking, mental flexibility, and vocalisation of thought. No specific pre-existing subject knowledge beyond GCSE studies is required. Students will likely be given stimulus material beforehand to discuss in the interview.
Please note:
- Final selection for an Academic Scholarship is made based on a holistic assessment of all the information we have, such as the scholarship exam and interview, school reports and performance, etc.
- Non-selection for an Academic Scholarship does not affect a student’s ability to join the School’s Oxbridge Programme . Students who have not been awarded an academic scholarship, have been successful applicants to Oxbridge and other top universities such as Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham etc.
- If you are already an Academic Scholar at Senior School and wish to be one in Sixth Form, you must reapply and go through the above process. No preference will be shown towards existing Academic Scholars.
- For those who are successful in obtaining an Academic Scholarship, please note that the School has made the conscious decision to move more towards honorary scholarships which offer the recipient considerable prestige whilst also helping support the School’s bursary fund.