Music Scholarships

Music scholarships and exhibitions are offered annually at the age of 11+, 13+ and 16+. Scholars will be awarded free instrumental tuition on two instruments alongside financial remission. Holders of exhibitions will be awarded free instrumental tuition on two instruments.

Music scholarships are available to external candidates at three entry points. Crucially, the most important facet of any application to a music award is an enthusiasm for making music. Music award holders are expected to meet the academic requirements of the College and to be good ambassadors for the Music Department. They should participate fully in the musical life of the school, involving themselves in choirs, orchestras and chamber ensembles according to their interests and curiosities. It is important that holders understand that this commitment will be expected for the entire duration of their time at Ardingly.

We expect a Sixth Form entrant to be around Grade 8 standard on their principal instrument, although they may not have taken an examination. At 11+ and 13+, musical potential and a genuine enthusiasm is very important and has more onus, rather than achievement.

At 13+, approximately Grade 5 standard is required on two instruments including voice and at 11+ approximately Grade 3 to 4 (depending on the instrument the candidate is presenting).

At 11+, accurate assessment of a candidate’s musical ability and potential at an age as young as ten is difficult. While some scholarships may be awarded at this age, it is likely that we will award exhibitions in this age group to candidates who are clearly promising but on whom it is difficult to make a judgement at this time. Such children often make enormous progress in Years 7 and 8. Those who are offered an exhibition at 11+ may be invited by the Director of Music to re-audition for a scholarship prior to joining Year 9 (13+) and in this way upgrade their award, if this is appropriate.

All awards are reviewed annually and their continuance is dependent upon satisfactory attitude and progress. At such a review, holders of awards are expected to assess their own contribution and to set targets for themselves.

A satisfactory performance in the appropriate entrance examination is a condition of a Music scholarship.

The Director of Music, Mr Stafford, is pleased to meet candidates informally at any stage and to answer any queries. Please contact him Richard.Stafford@ardingly.com