Sixth Form Overview

Candidates are required to demonstrate all-round academic excellence through performance in the Scholarship examinations and a subject-specific interview.

The Academic Scholarship examination is made up of three parts:

Part I – Cognitive Ability (1hr 30mins)

All potential Scholars sit a multiple-choice test designed to measure their ability to think quickly, solve novel problems and understand and learn rapidly. These skills are something that they have developed over their lifetime, and they will continue to develop.

Part II – Application of Knowledge (1hr 10mins)

Applicants complete one of five optional pathways:

• Option A Pathway 1 – Arts and Humanities (1hr 10mins)

In Section 1 of the Arts and Humanities option, applicants will have to comment on a piece of writing using the information to complete a short response and a longer response. In Section 2, they will complete one essay from a choice of titles. Both sections do not require specific pre-existing subject knowledge; it is discursive and analytical ability that is being assessed. Five minutes is allocated for reading and absorbing the information provided.

• Option B Pathway 2 – Science – Core Maths (30mins) + Physics (40mins)
• Option B Pathway 3 – Science – Core Maths (30mins) + Chemistry (40mins)
• Option B Pathway 4 – Science – Core Maths (30mins) + Biology (40mins)
• Option C Pathway 5 – Core Maths (30mins) + Advanced Maths (40mins)

No knowledge beyond GCSE courses is required; the academically most able will have the ability to capitalise on the resources and reason through the arguments and information to draw out the information needed to answer the questions. Applicants on Pathways 2 to 4 will answer a selection of multiple-choice and longer-answer questions that assess their ability to apply their mathematical and scientific knowledge quickly and confidently. Applicants will only be tested on content covered in their Maths and Science lessons to date, so no further study is required.

Note: All applicants on Pathways 2 to 5 will sit a Core Maths paper (30mins) that tests mathematical skills and knowledge needed to excel in Pathways 2 to 5 and within content covered in iGCSE Maths.

Part III Interview

The aim of the interview is to explore the candidate’s aspirations for the future, and how they respond to unseen material. No specific pre-existing subject knowledge beyond their GCSE studies is required. Candidates will be expected to make links between different subjects and be able to vocalise their thought processes. They will be interviewed by at least one member of teaching staff within their subject specialism/pathway.

Art Scholarships are awarded to those artists demonstrating an exceptional level of talent in art and design, well above the normal level of ability for their age. We expect candidates to be able to talk enthusiastically about their work and show ability and skill in more than one area and media.

Candidates must genuinely enjoy spending time making art and should be able to talk freely about art and artists, citing examples.

In order to apply, please submit the following to the Director of Art:

• A portfolio of work. Please produce a portfolio of recent work, showing a range of ideas and processes. Sculpture and other three-dimensional work, or very large works, should be photographed.

Shortlisting of Candidates

The Director of Art will review each application, and portfolios and sketchbooks will be studied in order to shortlist candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
The assessment consists of a one-hour observational drawing skills test and a one-hour creative task, followed by an interview with the Director of Art and Assistant Director of Art. This discussion will include a number of questions on Art and Artists, as well as your own work as presented in your portfolio.

Dance Scholarship

Dance Scholarships are awarded to talented performers who are willing to take full advantage of all opportunities to participate in Dance at School. It is desirable, but not essential, for candidates to have studied GCSE Dance. All Sixth form Dance scholars must take A-level Dance.

Assessment and Audition for Shortlisted Candidates

1. All applicants will sit a 45-minute written paper, referencing and analysing a live dance performance event. You may have two A4 sides of notes about the live production that you wish to write about.
2. Please prepare two contrasting Dance pieces. These performances can contrast in terms of style, music, or stimulus. Each dance performance must last approximately one minute.
3. We will also ask you to demonstrate your proven commitment to Dance and your broader interest in the subject in a short interview with the Director of Drama, Dance and Performing Arts.

Candidates who wish to apply for both Drama and Dance Scholarships must prepare four performance pieces.

We will also ask you to demonstrate your proven commitment to Drama and Dance and your broader interest in the subject in a short interview with the Director of Drama, Dance and Performing Arts.

Drama Scholarship

Drama Scholarships are awarded to talented performers who are willing to take full advantage of all opportunities to participate in Drama at School. It is desirable, but not essential, for candidates to have studied GCSE Drama. All Sixth form Drama scholars must take A-level Drama & Theatre.

Assessment and Audition for Shortlisted Candidates

All applicants sit a 45-minute written paper, referencing and analysing a live performance event (e.g. a piece of theatre or musical theatre performance). The question assumes you have seen a number of productions over the last two years. You may have two A4 sides of notes about the live production that you wish to write about.

Candidates should prepare two contrasting monologues from published plays or collections.

Should you wish to offer design or a technical skill as your specialism for your Drama Scholarship application, please submit a portfolio of work outlining the ways in which your skills have enhanced two productions.

We will also ask you to demonstrate your proven commitment to Drama and your broader interest in the subject in a short interview with the Director of Drama and Dance. The School may choose to offer only Drama, Performing Arts or Dance Scholarships in a given year, at their discretion.

Students must choose to take Drama and Theatre A-level in order to be considered for a Drama scholarship and retain the scholarship throughout Sixth Form.

Performing Arts Scholarship

Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded to talented performers who are willing to take full advantage of all opportunities to participate in the Performing Arts at School. It is desirable, but not essential, for candidates to have studied GCSE Dance or Drama. All Sixth form Performing Arts scholars must take either A-level  Dance or Drama & Theatre.

Assessment and Audition for Shortlisted Candidates

All applicants sit a 45-minute written paper, referencing and analysing a live performance event (e.g. a piece of theatre or musical theatre performance). The question assumes you have seen a number of productions over the last two years. You may have two A4 sides of notes about the live production that you wish to write about.

Candidates should prepare two musical theatre pieces (that include both dialogue and song).Each musical theatre piece must be between two and three minutes in length.

We will also ask you to demonstrate your proven commitment to the Performing Arts and your broader interest in the subject in a short interview with the Director of Drama and Dance. Students must choose to take Drama and Theatre or Dance A-Level in order to be considered for a Performing Arts scholarship and retain the scholarship throughout Sixth Form.

Candidates should have reached at least Grade 6 standard on their principal instrument and submit proof of their Grade achievements with their application. This proof can be within your instrumental/vocal teachers’ reference, or in the form of a certificate.

Audition and Interview for Shortlisted Candidates
For the audition, candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument. If a candidate has a second study which is of a similar standard to the principal study, the second study can be presented at audition instead of a contrasting piece on the principal study. We can provide an accompanist and ask that the piano accompaniment is submitted to Mr Richard Hammond-Hall (richard.hammondhall@surbitonhigh.com) no later than a week prior to auditions. Candidates are also welcome to bring their own accompanist. Candidates will also be asked to sight-read, take some aural tests and discuss their musical activities, interests and achievements in an interview with the Director of Music.

Scholars will be expected to participate in at least two ensembles at School and seek leadership in a third ensemble. Those awarded a Sixth Form Scholarship must endeavour to achieve Grade 8 during Key Stage 5. Scholars will take a lead in Music Department events and competitions and participate in evening events where requested. They will be expected to be an outstanding ambassador of the subject. When awarded a Sixth Form Scholarship, students are expected to study Music A-level.

Photography Scholarships are awarded to those pupils demonstrating an exceptional level of talent, well above the normal level of ability for their age. We expect candidates to be able to talk enthusiastically about their work and show ability and skill in more than one area.

Candidates must genuinely enjoy photography and should be able to talk freely about art and artists, photography and photographers, citing examples.

In order to apply, please submit the following to the Director of Art:

• Please submit a portfolio of Photography, which could contain moving images.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Director of Art will review each application, and portfolios will be studied in order to shortlist candidates.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
The assessment consists of a one-hour photographic skills test and a one-hour creative task, an interview with the Director of Art and Assistant Director of Art Candidates will be expected to answer a series of questions on photography and photographers and talk about their own work as presented in the portfolio.

Cricket

In order to apply for a Cricket Scholarship, candidates must be currently training and competing at senior club level. Must have participated in County age group training/fixtures.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:

• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates

The Head of Cricket will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates

Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation or in small competitive situations and engage in normal game play. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Football
In order to apply for a Football Scholarship, candidates will need to demonstrate they are playing at Regional Talent Centre/Surrey Premier Division club level.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:
• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Football will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation or in small competitive situations and engage in normal game play. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Gymnastics
In order to apply for a Gymnastics Scholarship, candidates must be a club Member competing at Regional level. If no longer competing, must have competed at international level.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:

• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Gymnastics will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation. Candidates will need to plan/prepare a short individual gym routine (approximately 60 seconds) to a piece of music of their choice. Within this, we would like to see the candidates perform their best skills/agilities which will obviously vary depending on the type of gymnastics that they do, as well as their current ability/level. If they are acrobatic ‘top’, they may wish to incorporate a set of blocks into their sequence. If they are a rhythmic gymnast, they may wish to use hand-held apparatus. Please be advised that this will be performed on school gym mats, not a full sprung floor area. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Hockey
In order to apply for a Hockey Scholarship, candidates must be at Talent Academy level or above in the Player Pathway and/or actively competing in the Regional/National Leagues for their club.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application, submitting a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:

• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Hockey will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation or in small competitive situations and engage in normal game play. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Netball
In order to apply for a Netball Scholarship, candidates must be actively competing in Ladies Netball at National League, Regional League, County or equivalent League. Playing in, or previously trialled for the County Academy Pathway.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:
• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Netball will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation or in small competitive situations and engage in normal game play. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Rowing
The ideal candidate to apply for a rowing scholarship will have rowed competitively for at least the last three years at a high level and would have ideally competed in finals at National events, or be a finalist in a regatta such as Wallingford or Women’s Henley. A successful candidate will be expected to race in the finals of National Schools and other National events with the aim of winning medals. You will also aspire to be a GB Rower or currently be in the GB training system. You will be a role model for younger pupils and set high standards to be aspired to in future years.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme, and, where appropriate, a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:

• School-level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking, or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Rowing will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an assessment session. Candidates may be asked to complete a range of ergo tests including a 2000m. You will also take part in rowing tests carried out in a single scull which will include a time trial over a set distance between 1000 and 2000m along with an evaluation of technical ability. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis; however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Skiing
In order to apply for a Skiing Scholarship, candidates must be a member of a recognised Ski Race Club and registered with Home Nations Governing Body (e.g., Snowsport England). As well as actively competing on both dry slope and snow.

If you feel that you meet these criteria, the next stage is to complete an application, submit a letter detailing your sporting achievements and training programme supported by video evidence of you racing or training. Also, where appropriate, we ask for a reference from an external coach. The referee should not be a member of the School PE Department. This must include information such as:
• School level representation, competitions competed, and place achieved at Club level or representative level.
• Amount of training, ranking or awards gained.
• Name of club your daughter represents and contact details for her coach.
• Sporting achievements relevant to your daughter’s sport application.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Skiing will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend a ski assessment session, consisting of skill-based exercises and timed course runs. Candidates may be asked to complete stamina and skill-based tests in isolation or in small competitive situations. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis, however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

Tennis
In order to apply for a Tennis Scholarship, players will be shortlisted via their rating/ranking and recent tournament results. These must be strong enough for a top four position within our current U18 Nationals team. If you feel that you meet the criteria, the next stage is to complete an application and submit a letter detailing the above, as well and training programme and venue, and reference from your full-time coach that will confirm the above.

Shortlisting of Candidates
The Head of Tennis will review each application.

Assessment for Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an on-court assessment. Candidates will be involved in live ball drills as well as structured/open points. Depending on numbers, the session will run like any other 1to1 or squad session players would be regularly involved with. Surbiton High School staff will interact with candidates on a one-to-one basis; however, a formal interview will not be conducted.

The Dame Angela Rumbold Science Scholarship is awarded to those who have attended Surbiton High School since Year 7 and intend to pursue a Science-related course at university.

Candidates are required to demonstrate all-round academic excellence through performance in the Scholarship examinations. Dame Angela Rumbold Science Scholarship applicants must complete Part II of the examinations. They will be expected to study at least two Science subjects at A-level (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) and to demonstrate an interest in Science beyond the classroom. Shortlisted candidates will be notified and then interviewed by the Head of Science. The aim of the interview is to explore the candidate’s aspirations for the future study of Science, discuss areas in which she is particularly interested and her vision for this particular role.

The Principal’s Award celebrates outstanding achievement, and is awarded to a candidate(s) in August following their exam results, in recognition of their exceptional performance. Please note that candidates cannot apply for the Principal’s Award and it is only available to those who currently do not hold a scholarship for Year 12.

Scholarships awarded on entry to Surbiton High School in Year 7 are tenable until a pupil finishes Year 11. Scholarships are subject to the conditions contained in the original offer letter, providing all the conditions of the award are still valid. Those looking to join Year 12 can apply for a number of Scholarships or Bursaries, providing they meet the relevant criteria for application and a new Scholarship or Bursary application must be made for the pupils to be considered.

We offer a limited number of means-tested Church Schools Foundation Bursaries at entry to Sixth Form, these are reviewed annually. Please note that Bursary applications for combined incomes over £70,000 may not be considered.

There is also a percentage reduction in the fees for daughters of full time members of the Clergy in the form of a Clergy Bursary.

How to apply

Application forms for financial support should be submitted before 1 November

• Church Schools Foundation Bursary Application Form
• Clergy Bursary Application Form 

This will be awarded to a pupil or pupils who have attended the School since Year 7 and would not be able to continue into the Sixth Form without financial support. The Green & Silver Sixth Form Award can be received by one pupil or shared between pupils.

The award will be tenable for both years of Sixth Form study and may be offered as an additional discount to pupils receiving a CSFP Bursary. Pupils not eligible for a CSFP Bursary are still entitled to apply, providing all the above criteria have been met.

To apply for the Green & Silver Sixth Form Award, please complete the application below. This application is means tested and, if eligible for the Green & Silver Sixth Form Award, the girls will be asked to fill out a personal statement form and attend an interview. This will be the girls’ opportunity to demonstrate to the Green & Silver Club Committee why they are a suitable candidate for an award. Recipients of the Green & Silver Club award are expected to be future ambassadors for the School. The Chair of the Green & Silver Club Committee, the  Principal and the Head of Development will make the final decision.

• Green & Silver Sixth Form Award Application Form

Please complete the Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form here.

The Academic and Dame Angela Rumbold Scholarship Awards are conditional on candidates gaining eight GCSE passes at grade 9 – 7.

Pupils awarded Scholarships in other disciplines are required to meet the entry requirements of the Sixth Form.

Academic, Principal’s Award and Dame Angela Rumbold Scholars are also expected to take part in appropriately directed academic pursuits throughout the year and to perform in the top 25% of the year group for the end of year examinations. The Scholarship will be reviewed on an annual basis. Examples of academic activities in which Scholars would be expected to participate or take the lead include:

• Leading year group and whole school assemblies (with support from relevant members of staff)
• Entering school, local, national and international competitions in subject areas that are of interest to them
• Taking time during weekends and/or holidays to explore their learning beyond the classroom through directed and bespoke targets set by members of staff

Please refer to the appropriate section for further expectations of our Scholars with regard to the Art,  Photography, Drama, Performing Arts, Music and Sport Scholarships.

Terms and Conditions of Award – Scholarships