A number of Oxford High School Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport Scholarships are awarded annually. Scholarships will be held throughout a pupil’s time at the school subject to satisfactory progress and conduct.
Year 9 applicants are also be invited to apply for Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships. Exhibitions will also be awarded. Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two categories of a scholarship. A candidate may hold more than one scholarship, together with a bursary and an Academic Scholarship.
To see your daughters scholarship dates, see our Key Admissions Dates page.
Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships are awarded on merit on the basis of a candidate’s performance in our entrance examinations and interview. There are no separate Academic Scholarship examinations or interviews. All candidates who have received a Year 9 place offer will be considered for the Academic Scholarships.
Art (and Textiles)
Candidates will be asked to submit a letter of application, CV and a portfolio of their best artwork. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: the artwork the candidate has done outside school lessons and independently; accurate and confident observational drawing/recording from visual sources; evidence of an understanding of the formal elements in art such as shape, proportion, tone and form; use of a wide variety of materials; awareness of other artists/designers and a finished piece. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to discuss their work, art interests, experience and influences. Art Scholars are required to make a full contribution to the artistic life of the school, not only in lessons but by taking an active part in clubs and events and advocating art in their year group.
Drama
Candidates will be asked to submit a letter of application, CV and a short video performance. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: involvement in productions in school or outside school; speech and drama qualifications (copies of any certificates with grades) and awareness of and influences by theatrical or film actors. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an audition and interview to talk about their drama interests and experience. Drama Scholars should be subject role models in terms of their conduct, effort and skill, and are required to make a full contribution to school drama.
Music
Candidates will be asked to submit a letter of application, CV and a video performance. Candidates should include evidence of the following or equivalent: achievement in examinations and grades in one or more instruments or singing (it is not necessary to have passed Grade 6, provided your video performance demonstrates that this standard has been reached), membership of and commitment to music ensembles in school or outside school, and the names and contact details (including e-mail) of two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an audition and interview to talk about their musical interests and experience. Music Scholars are required to make a full contribution to the musical life of the school as soloists and ensemble performers.
Sport
Applications will be considered from candidates participating in the following core sports: hockey, netball, football, swimming, gymnastics, cricket, tennis and athletics. Other sports will also be considered but a candidate must be County Level or above.
Candidates must submit a letter of application and a sporting CV, which include the following: details about yourself as an individual and as a sportsperson, details of regular commitment to playing for a school team, and/or outside school, a list of representative honours (if appropriate) and evidence of individual achievement (if appropriate). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview, and maybe a sports assessment on site if deemed necessary. Sport Scholars will be an ambassador for the school’s sporting values and participate in a variety of activities including strength and conditioning sessions, mentoring programmes and high-level coaching across a range of sports.