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.
Current Year 11 pupils and external candidates who have received a Sixth Form place offer will be invited to apply for Academic, 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.
An online application portal will become available in December 2023 to candidates who have received a place offer for Sixth Form. The scholarship application deadline is Monday 15th January 2024. The shortlisting outcome will be communicated on Monday 22nd January 2024. The Academic Scholarship written exam date and interview date will be advised accordingly. And interviews for shortlisted candidates for Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships will take place between Monday 5th – Wednesday 7th February 2024. Scholarship offers will then be communicated on Friday 15th March 2024. See also Key Admissions Dates.
Academic Scholarships
All current Year 11 pupils and external candidates in receipt of a place offer for Sixth Form will automatically be considered for a Sixth Form Academic Scholarship based on their GCSE results in the Summer. All Sixth Form academic scholarships and exhibitions will be communicated to students shortly after the start of the academic year in September 2024. Academic Scholars are required to make a full contribution to the academic life of the school and to participate fully in OWLS (Oxford and Wimbledon Leading Scholars).
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: Acting or Production
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 for Acting will be invited to an audition. Shortlisted candidates for Production will be invited for an interview/presentation. 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 8, 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. Sports Scholars are required to make a full contribution to the sporting life of the school, including assisting on Open Evenings and helping to run at least one club a week. They are expected to play for teams as selected. To help you in your role, a place will be automatically reserved for you on the Sports Leadership course which runs in Year 12.