Scholarships
As a school which values pupil progress and application, we are keen to show commitment to pupils who excel and show great progress in the classroom and beyond. It is for this reason that we offer scholarships and awards, which help to celebrate your son or daughter’s success.
Scholarship awards, by contrast, are awarded on behalf of pupils who exhibit outstanding academic achievement or who exhibit outstanding musical, sporting or artistic talent. Bishop Challoner is committed to recognising and rewarding talent and giftedness amongst pupils at 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+ entry. Bishop Challoner School recognises that promotion of gifted pupils is beneficial to the School’s profile, and is committed to making funds available for such awards.
7+ Scholarships
Academic Scholarships are available at 7+ on successful completion of assessments in Year 2.
Our 7+ Scholarships are awarded to pupils at the beginning of KS2 (Year 3). Each applicant must be 7 years of age on or before 31st August in the year of entry to Year 3. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit following a series of assessments in writing, reading comprehension and maths. Scholarships are open to both pupils currently at Bishop Challoner and to outside applicants. The deadline for applications is mid-December and applicants are invited to complete assessments in January.
If you wish for your child to be considered for the 7+ scholarship, please indicate this at the relevant section of the online application form. Current Year 2 Bishop Challoner parents will receive communication from us in the Autumn Term regarding the 7+ scholarship.
11+ Scholarships
11+ Scholarships are awarded to pupils joining the Senior School in Year 7 each year. Each applicant must be 11 years of age on or before 31 August in the year of entry to Year 7. Academic scholarships are awarded on merit using specific criteria from the 11+ assessment. All external pupils who sit the Entrance Examination in January will automatically be considered for Academic Scholarships so there is no need to apply for these. Academic, art, music, sporting and performing arts scholarships are available. Music scholarships should demonstrate a love for and a keen interest in the music which challenges them beyond the classroom.
Candidates will be assessed in the early part of the Spring Term; there will be practical assessments in sport, music, art and performing arts.
Application forms for September 2025 entrance:
13+ Scholarships
We realise that some pupils blossom after they have joined us or that some parents might be looking to transfer their son or daughter to join us some time after Year 7.
Hence, some 13+ scholarships for internal and external applicants are available. These are awarded at the start of Year 9 for the duration of the pupil’s time in school.
Application forms for September 2025 entrance
Candidates will be assessed in the early part of the Spring Term. There will be practical assessments in the creative arts and sport and a written scholarship test for the academic in Maths and English. Pupils who are already in receipt of 11+ scholarship awards are free to apply.
16+ Scholarships
Sixth Form scholarships will be awarded under the following subjects:
- Academic
- Art
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Sport
6th Form Scholarship Application Form
Candidates will be invited for practical assessments in the creative arts and sport. Students will also be interviewed by the Headteacher and Deputy Head.
Offers of places and scholarships will also be conditional on pupils gaining at least 5 grade 9-5 GCSEs including at least Grade 6 or above for the subjects that you wish to study at A-level. A minimum grade 4 is also required in Maths and English Language.
he number of scholarships awarded and the value of the awards will be determined by the number and calibre of applicants. They are awarded for academic excellence and potential.
The School also offers the 1950 Byrne Scholarship which is awarded on academic merit, commitment and wider contribution to school life at Bishop Challoner. This Scholarship will carry an award of fees to the value of £1,950 per annum for the candidate's two years in the Sixth Form. It carries with it a particular Bishop Challoner honour since it commemorates when the school opened in 1950. You can indicate your wish to be considered for this award on the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship form.
