Boys’ Prep School Girls’ Prep School Senior School Book Your Visit

Home|ADMISSIONS|Scholarships & Bursaries|Year 7 Overview

Year 7 Overview

The full timeline for the Scholarship application process and assessments for Year 7 2026 entry is as follows:

Scholarship Application deadline (including registration for Entrance Examination and Bursary applications) – 12.00pm on Wednesday 8 October 2025
Scholarship Supporting Evidence Deadline – 12:00pm on Friday 10 October 2025
Shortlisting Outcomes for Scholarship Applications – End of October 2025
Auditions for Shortlisted Music Scholars – Early November 2025
Entrance Examination – Saturday 22 November 2025
Interviews for shortlisted candidates – December 2025 and early January 2026
Assessments for Shortlisted Sport Scholars – December 2025 and early January 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Drama, Dance and Performing Arts Scholarship Assessment – Early January 2026
Art Scholarship Assessment – Early January 2026
Final outcome of Entrance Examination and Scholarship Assessments – Usually early February 2026

Click on the relevant Scholarship below to find out more about the application criteria, shortlisting process and guidance for assessment for shortlisted candidates.

All supporting evidence should be uploaded to the Secure Transfer File link given to you by the Admissions team, after you have submitted an application. Art portfolios etc that need to be delivered in person, should be brought to the Admissions Team at Surbiton High School, Main Building, 13 – 15 Surbiton Crescent, Surbiton, KT1 2JT. Please ensure all evidence is clearly named with your daughter’s full name.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?

To apply for a Scholarship, please complete the online application form.

Your daughter may apply for more than one Scholarship and fee remissions may be combined with Bursary awards. If she performs exceptionally well in more than one Scholarship assessment, she may be considered for the Principal’s Award. Please note that candidates cannot apply for the Principal’s Award.

Applications and supporting evidence for 2025 entry must be received by the deadline of 12.00pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Portfolios, other than Art Portfolios, will not automatically be returned. If you wish to collect your portfolio, please arrange this with the Admissions Office after the outcome of the Scholarships and Entrance Examinations are announced, portfolios not collected by the end of the Autumn Term will be disposed of securely.

HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF SCHOLARS?

Scholarships are awarded to candidates demonstrating a high level of ability in their chosen discipline(s), well above the normal level of ability for their age.

Scholarships awarded in Year 7 are tenable until a pupil finishes Year 11 but will be reviewed on an annual basis until Year 11 to ensure that the pupil continues to meet the specific criteria for that discipline. Scholars are expected to participate fully in their area of excellence for the duration of their time as a Scholar. Pupils will then have the opportunity to apply for Sixth Form Scholarships in Year 11.

Academic Scholarships are awarded solely on performance in both of the Entrance Examination papers and cannot be applied for in advance. Pupils awarded an Academic Scholarship will be expected to take part in appropriately directed academic pursuits throughout the year and, at the end of each year, to perform on average in the top 25% of the year group in internal examinations.

Some examples of activities we would encourage Scholars to participate may 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.

Terms and Conditions of Awards – Scholarships

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR NON-SCHOLARS?

The majority of activities, clubs and clinics are open to all pupils and we pride ourselves on providing a broad and enriching curriculum and co-curricular programme that stretches and challenges pupils.

WHAT IS THE PRINCIPAL'S AWARD?

The Principal’s Award celebrates outstanding achievement and is awarded to a candidate(s) in recognition of their exceptional performance. Please note that candidates cannot apply for the Principal’s Award.

WHAT FEE ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE?

We offer a limited number of means-tested Church Schools Foundation Bursaries at entry to Year 7, these are reviewed annually. Please see our Bursary page for eligibility criteria.

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

Please indicate on the Application Form if you would like to apply for a Church Schools Foundation Bursary.