Scholarships

Prior's Field scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit to pupils who show above-average ability and can be worth up to 20% of the fees for either day or boarding pupils. Exhibitions of up to 10% are also awarded. Further information on the scholarships we offer is given below.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded to students who show high levels of ability in Mathematics, English and Science. The School Entrance Examination results will be used in identifying academic scholars and candidates may be recalled for interview.

In recent years our academic scholars have obtained excellent public examination results, gaining places at some of the country’s top universities, including Oxbridge.

Exceptionally Able

At Prior’s Field, we have a ‘whole school’ approach to ensure that every student reaches her full potential. Therefore, once identified by test results or by teacher recommendation, an able, gifted or talented student in any field, will be encouraged and stretched within the subject area by her teachers. She will also have opportunities to participate in external activities organised by our Tutor for Scholars as well as by subject staff.

We meet the needs of the scholars and other academically able students in the school with a programme designed to stimulate and challenge. The Exceptionally Able Co-ordinator and Tutor for Scholars liaise with the Heads of Department to ensure that academic enrichment is offered across the board.

There are opportunities to attend conferences throughout the year and for students to meet those who are equally gifted in other schools.

In Year 11 and Sixth Form we provide expert support and guidance, especially for girls wishing to take the Oxbridge route or apply to other competitive universities – meeting previous students, attending the Oxbridge conference, practising interview techniques and enjoying the School’s annual Oxbridge Dinner with Admissions Tutors.

Art Scholarship

Prior’s Field's Art Department provides an exciting and stimulating environment where students have the freedom and opportunity to explore their creative skills. The department offers a strong foundation of skills and learning in the lower school which is then built on at GCSE and A Level. The Art Department believes in challenging and stretching students as well as offering support. Scholars have the opportunity to work alongside artists in residence and to experience art through trips to local, national and international attractions. Students are encouraged to experiment with a large array of techniques and media while there is a strong under-pinning of sketchbook work and investigation.

The majority of Art Scholars go on to pursue a career in Art and Design. Most students opt for an Art Foundation course before going on to specialise in their chosen area at art school or university.

The department is looking for individuals who genuinely enjoy, and are excited by, creativity. Portfolios and sketchbooks should show an interest in and passion for the subject and potential scholars should be able to demonstrate evidence of work pursued in their own time. Final pieces can be in any media, but should be backed up with preparatory work, experimentation and investigations.

Candidates will be expected to deliver a sketchbook and two pieces of work to the school a week prior to the scholarship. These will be assessed by the Head of Art and, during interview, candidates will be expected to talk about their own work. They will also be invited to a two hour drawing examination.

Art scholars may be requested to contribute to exhibitions and to loan their artwork for school display.

Music Scholarship

The Music Department is a thriving environment in which students can grow as musicians. We offer tuition in a wide range of instruments from oboe to saxophone, french horn to trombone, classical guitar to bass guitar and violin to cello. School ensembles include four choirs, orchestra, string quartet, string group, cello group, jazz group and numerous rock and pop bands. There are frequent concert opportunities every year, including the school Carol Service, Breast Cancer Carol Service in London, Royal County Surrey Hospital and other charity events, pop and jazz evenings, Battle of the Bands, informal tea-time concerts, inter-house Music Festival, Musical Showcase and participation in local Music Festivals.

Candidates are required to be approximately Grade 3 Associated Board standard on their first instrument. Music scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance, musicality, potential and enthusiasm.

Candidates will be required to prepare two pieces on their chosen instruments. Sight-reading and aural tests will also be given. Candidates may bring their own accompanist or a member of staff in the Music Department may accompany them. Music should be sent to the school a week prior to the examination.

Music scholars are expected to be members of the choir and/or orchestra and to attend all music events as requested.

Drama Scholarship

The Drama Department offers a lively and imaginative approach to all areas of drama from mime and mask work, to improvisation and the use of technical resources. Drama Scholarships are offered as an incentive to motivated and enthusiastic students whose individuality is likely to benefit the department as a whole. The aim is to include as many students as possible in drama activities and to vary the content and style of practical work to give students the widest range of possibilities in performance situations.

In preparation for the drama scholarship candidates are required to prepare a performance piece lasting approximately two minutes. This may be poetry, prose or a speech from a play and should be performed from memory.

Candidates are required to spend two hours at the school. They will be involved in a practical drama workshop and then asked to perform their pieces to one another.

Drama scholars are expected to undertake considerable involvement with both curricular and extra curricular activities and to become role models to the wider school community in respect of their commitment to drama.

Sports Scholarship

Prior’s Field has an excellent reputation for sport and in recent years there have been many notable achievements. The department recognises the importance of sport in keeping girls healthy and fit and in encouraging team spirit. Through enjoyable and challenging experiences, Prior's Field girls develop a positive attitude towards physical activity, gain a sense of achievement and build self-confidence.

The main winter sports are hockey, netball and cross country and, in the summer, rounders, tennis and athletics. Annual sports tours are run to different venues for both the junior and senior teams.

Facilities include a large well-equipped sports hall, outdoor netball and tennis courts and two grass hockey pitches /athletics track.

Sports Scholarships are awarded to students with a proven, high level of sporting ability and potential. Candidates will normally be expected to offer two major sports to a high standard or any one sport to an exceptionally high standard. Candidates must also demonstrate flair for acquiring new skills, passion and commitment to the subject.

Potential scholars are required to provide a letter of recommendation from their current school and/or club. They will then be invited to Prior’s Field for approximately two hours to participate in a group games session and will attend an interview with the Head of P.E.