Scholarships & Bursaries

The small class sizes and individual attention given to all pupils at Kent College allow our teachers to nurture academic ability, and to encourage intellectual development. Our excellent results reflect our passion for learning.

Year 7 (age 11+)
For Year 7 entry, all pupils are automatically considered for an Academic scholarship based on the results of the Kent College entrance tests held in January. No additional registration is required.

Year 9 (age 13+)
For Year 9 entry, Common Entrance results may be considered as a proxy for the Kent College entrance tests.

Year 12 (age 16+)
For Year 12 entry, predicted GCSE results may be considered. As well as Academic scholarships, applicants into Year 12 wishing to take the International Baccalaureate have the option of applying for an IB Scholarship.

The Academic Scholars Programme:

Academic scholars in all years are closely monitored and supported through our specialist KC scholars’ programme. In Years 7 – 9 this includes the Kent College Project Qualification (KCPQ). This is in addition to their timetabled curriculum, and provides students
with a structured opportunity for inquiry, and the development of intellectual curiosity. Scholars will meet with the Academic Scholars lead once per half term to discuss their progress and will work collaboratively with other scholars while also being supported by
a Sixth Form mentor in their area of academic interest. Scholars can also attend one trip
or lecture in Term 1 and 2 aimed at inspiring intellectual curiosity.

Kent College has been running the IB Diploma programme for more than 13 years, with an average points score of 37 for the past seven years. Many candidates achieve scores of over 40 while one student received the top score in the world for IB Geography, so the school’s excellent track record speaks for itself. The school is very flexible when itcomes to constructing timetables for Diploma candidates, and encourages applicants to identify the courses and subjects they wish to study. Kent College offers outstanding levels of teaching and support for the IB Diploma with additional classes and tutoring available as standard to ensure the very best outcomes for individuals.

The IB Diploma scholarship (Year 12 only) is for applicants studying the IB diploma for two years. The scholarship is awarded to IB applicants and cannot be transferred to other programmes in the Sixth Form.

Written work – applicants must submit two reports:

1. (maximum 300 words) which should explain why you particularly want to study the IB
2. (maximum 1,000 words) which should be an extended piece of writing based on an area of research that you have completed. This might be research based on reading or possibly some form of experiment/investigation. The assessment includes a short interview that will focus on the content of the two written reports.

The two pieces of written work must be submitted together electronically to the Deputy Head (Mr Letley) by 1st March. International students should contact Mr Letley directly about submitting their application.

Contact Deputy Head

The aim of the Art Department is to give each child an equal opportunity to achieve a valuable and worthwhile art experience that connects them with their own culture as well as that of the wider world. We give students every opportunity to experiment and experience a wide range of media and techniques allowing them to find a personal means of expression. Some of the media and techniques offered are drawing, painting (watercolour, oil, acrylic), printmaking (screen printing, drypoint etching collagraph, lino printing), 3D, ceramics, photography and digital media. The Art Department offers bright, well-equipped studios housed in it’s own building.

The Art Scholar can expect:

• Highly qualified art teachers who are practising artists
• One-to-one and small group tuition
• Visiting artists and art workshops
• Inspirational talks by leading artists and figures in the art world
• Access and entry to leading art competitions
• Opportunities to work on art in the community.

Art scholarships in Years 7, 9 and 12 are awarded on the basis of individual assessment by the Head of Art, and recommendation to the Head Master.

Candidates for Art scholarships will be asked to:

• Submit a portfolio of work. It is expected that the portfolio will showcase each student’s personal skill and abilities. Please include all work that demonstrates creative skills - this can include school- based projects, home-based hobbies and activities, work from workshops, illustrated written work, studies on admired artists, sketchbooks, photos or 3D work, and evidence of observational drawing.
• Have a short interview with the Head of Art, Mrs Marie Montague, to discuss their work
• Take a supervised test to demonstrate observational drawing and design skills

CONTACT HEAD OF ART

Design scholarships in Years 9 and 12 are awarded on the basis of individual assessment by the Head of Design and Technology Mr Peter Farnsworth, and recommendation to the Head Master.

Design teaches you to analyse and understand the world around you; it strikes the perfect balance - integrating arts and design-thinking with STEM subjects to develop analytical thought, problem-solving and to foster creative innovation. 

The Design Department is well resourced with laser cutters and 3D printers, as well as traditional manufacturing equipment enabling students to prototype their ideas and develop quality outcomes.

DT scholars can expect to:

• Have supervised access to DT facilities to pursue personal projects
• Have opportunities to enter competitions
• Help younger students in extra curricular clubs to build skills
• Help with DT activities on KC experience days, supporting year 5 and year 6 students
• Undertake design projects for other departments in school.

Candidates for Design scholarships will be asked to:

• Complete an individual design task
• Show a ‘portfolio’ of work that demonstrates things the applicant has sketched, built, tinkered with, fixed, generally designed or made that indicates an outside school interest for the subject.
• Have a short interview with a member of the Design department about prior experience, skills, passion, and general interest within the subject. 

Contact Head of Design

Drama scholarships in Years 7, 9 and 12 are awarded on the basis of individual assessment by the Head of Drama, Mrs Marie Christian, and recommendation to the Head Master.

Drama scholars at Kent College can expect to be encouraged, stretched and challenged in every aspect and element of performance. From lighting design workshops to whole school musicals, from Shakespeare masterclasses to meeting professional wardrobe assistants, directors and writers and from marketing a performance to 1:1 acting, reading and musical theatre tuition, Kent College enables those with passion and talent in the world of performance to fully immerse themselves in a range of opportunities.

Theatre trips:
There are a number of visits to the theatre across the key stages, throughout the year. Our Drama students are exposed to as wide a variety of plays and performances as possible, taking full advantage of our close proximity to the London Theatres and the local, reputable Marlowe and Gulbenkian Theatres. Whilst West End musicals are embraced, students have enjoyed fringe productions, physical theatre, immersive theatre, melodrama, classic Greek performances and verbatim and documentary theatre. Live screenings have also been a positive means of seeing live theatre for sell-out productions.

Performance Opportunities:
Throughout the year there is an impressive level of involvement in live performance opportunities. Alongside the popular whole school musical, the lower school work collaboratively on a junior production assisted by older students and the senior students take on challenging texts to perform in the summer term. House Drama is an inclusive affair, giving many a chance to direct and devise in a competitive but friendly environment. Several studio productions and performance evenings are organised each year and these are often student led. Any interest in theatre is nurtured, including stage management, lighting and sound, and costume and make-up. Most backstage activity is run by students themselves. We are proud to perform in local festivals and competitions and intend to take this to a national level.

Specialist 1:1 tuition:
At Kent College, we are fortunate to have a dedicated Speech and Drama coach who works on a 1:1 basis with a number of our students. Many of our students take LAMDA lessons and examinations, with 90 percent of students on average impressively achieving a distinction.  Visits to drama schools and universities are organised through the department and 1:1 support with interview technique, UCAS applications and auditions are available throughout the year.

Global links:
Our passion for Drama extends beyond Canterbury and we are privileged to enjoy a number of global partnerships that are hugely beneficial to our students. Our stateside contacts provided us with an entertaining and informative musical theatre workshop and our sister school, the Pennington School from New Jersey, share performance work with our drama department.

Visiting practitioners and bespoke workshops:
We are strong believers that drama and theatre are constantly evolving and the wider the experience that we can offer our students, the more informed and excited they will be about the potential that they can unlock. Technicians are on hand to share their knowledge and there are regular visits from drama specialists. These workshops have previously included Shakespeare in performance, devising verbatim theatre with The Paperbirds, exploring Brecht and Political Theatre with Splendid Productions, delving into Blood Brothers with Stage Ed, storytelling, musical theatre and costume design masterclasses.

Candidates for Drama scholarships will be asked to:

• Learn and perform a monologue from the selection specified by the school
• Choose a poem that contrasts with their chosen scripted piece and perform it
• Have a brief, informal interview with the Head of Drama to talk about the work they have just presented, and to discuss their dramatic interests and experience
• Perform together during the day withother potential scholars in a workshop
• environment.

Apart from attending regular drama classes, you will be expected to join our after-school Drama clubs and play a major part in helping to organise as well as performing in school productions. Older Drama scholars will also be encouraged to assist in the running of drama workshops for younger pupils. But most important of all, we expect our Drama scholars to show their enthusiasm and excitement about drama to the rest of the school.

Contact Head of Music

Music scholarships into Years 7, 9 and 12 are awarded on the basis of individual assessment by the Director of Music, Mr Julian Ross, and recommendation to the Head Master.

The quality and breadth of music-making at Kent College is excellent in both public and school performances, from a recent performance as finalists in the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition at the Royal Festival Hall, to productions of musicals, to individual performances by talented soloists at the annual Spring Concert. Many musicians from Kent College go on to further studies in music at one of the specialist colleges or at university, including the Royal College of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Choral Scholarships:
As part of our commitment to maintaining excellence in choral music, a Choral Scholarship may be awarded. This will be for a student who wishes to pursue singing as their main musical study, and who will likely have already had some previous experience performing in a choir at a high level. This award may be considered for Year 7 entry but will
be particularly suited to those applying for a scholarship into Year 9 or Year 12. Choral Scholars will be expected to take a leading role in the busy schedule of all school choral rehearsals and performances, especially the chamber choir, Sedecim, as well as having ambition to sing in regional or national choral groups as school commitments allow.

Facilities:
The Department is housed in its own purpose- built Music School and has outstanding facilities, including teaching and practice rooms, two large rehearsal rooms, and an impressive recording studio. There is a comprehensive stock of instruments available to pupils including two grand pianos, drum kits and orchestral percussion, a pedal harp and a 3 manual Makin organ in the Great Hall. Our state-of-the-art 600 seat auditorium, the
Great Hall, provides splendid surroundings for concerts and other musical performances throughout the year and also hosts many local Arts events including the Canterbury Festival.

Specialist 1-1 Tuition:

• Music scholars receive free tuition on at least one musical instrument
• An experienced and dedicated team of over 20 professional Instrumental Music Teachers, visit the school each week.
• Music scholars have regular opportunities to work with a professional piano accompanist Individual study programmes enable scholars to have practice time during the school day. Co-curricular classes in music theory and aural skills.

Performance opportunities:

• Regular participation in a variety of large instrumental, chamber and choral ensembles
• Performance in concerts both at school and in the community, e.g. Canterbury
• Festival Regular solo performances in our Lunchtime, Teatime and Evening Concerts
• Participation in the annual Crowther Competition
• Entry into local and national competitions

Candidates for Music scholarships will be asked to:

• Perform in an individual audition on their main instrument (or voice) and on a second instrument if applicable, and take some general aural assessments.
• Candidates should prepare at least one piece on their main instrument or voice,s omething on a second instrument if being offered, and a short piece to sing in any style. There will be an accompanist available and candidates should bring the piano accompaniments for their piece(s). Year 12 candidates should also expect a short piece of sight-reading.
• Have an informal interview with the Music staff to talk about their musical interests
• For Year 7 entry there will be group participation in a variety of musical activities, including ensemble playing and singing
• Bring recent Grade marksheets and a reference from a current music teacher to the assessment
• The session will end with a very informal ensemble concert for parents.

Audition requirements
Candidates should indicate on the application form that they are interested in auditioning for a Choral Scholarship. At audition they will be required to sing two prepared pieces, one specifically suited to the choral repertoire. There will also be some sight singing as well as aural tests.

Applicants should be at or above these ABRSM/Trinity standards on their main instrument or voice at the time of auditioning: Year 7 – Grade 3, Year 9 – Grade 5, Year 12 – Grade 6-7. If significant progress has been made in a short time but these recommended levels have not quite been reached, or the applicant has never taken grade exams, the Director of Music should be contacted to discuss potential applications.

What is expected of a Music Scholar:
It is expected that a Music Scholar will show significant development on their instrument/voice during their time at Kent College and play a full and active role in the busy day to day life of the school’s music. You will be asked to perform in, and attend regular concerts, both in school and at outside events. A more detailed breakdown of specific activities and expectations is issued to all Music Scholars and is available to potential applicants if requested.

CONTACT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Sport scholarships in Years 7, 9, and 12 are awarded on the basis of individual assessment by the Director of Sport, Mr Linden Lockhart and recommendation to the Head Master.

We boast a number of highly experienced coaches in our staff who have played at county, national and international levels in their chosen sports, and you will receive top class coaching in your chosen sports. Kent College also offers riding lessons from qualified instructors and offers scholarships to students with their own horses who can compete at the ages appropriate level of the National Schools Equestrian Association. 

Kent College operates a tiered approach to sports scholarships, allowing all scholars to
access the right support for their individual talent. Scholarships are reviewed at the beginning of each entry point in Years 9 and 11 to ensure that each student is reaching their full potential.

Tier 1: Pathway Scholar
Have the ability to play in the school 1st team in two or more of KC’s main sports,
Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Tennis, or be performing at a county/regional level/be part of a recognised representative Pathway Programme at national level.

• Individual monitoring and feedback through sports mentor
• Bespoke strength and conditioning sessions
• Access to all scholarship seminars
• 1:1 technical session in chosen sports
• Individual termly sports psychology support
• Free physiotherapy

Tier 2: Aspirational Scholar
Have the potential to contribute to the ‘A’ team in two or more of the following main
sports (Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Football, Tennis and Rugby). Or represent one of the
senior teams.

• Individual monitoring and feedbackthrough sports mentor
• Bespoke strength and conditioningsessions
• Individual monitoring and feedbackthrough sports mentor
• Strength and conditioning sessions
• Access to all seminars
• Sports specific group sessions
• Free physiotherapy

What will be asked of me?

You will be asked to attend a practical test which will include the following:

• Boys – Cricket, Hockey, Atheltics, Football, Tennis and Fitness Testing
• Girls – Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Rounders, Running, Tennis and Fitness Testing

Once you have completed the practical test there will be an interview with the Director of Sport. We may also take the opportunity to assess you in your own sporting environment. A portfolio, which should include testimonials or references from sports coaches, is essential to support your application. The Physical Education Department welcomes the opportunity to meet informally with parents and prospective candidates at any time before the formal assessments.

What are the benefits of a sports scholarship at Kent College?

We boast a number of top performance coaches on our staff and you will receive top-class coaching in your chosen sport(s). In addition, we provide support in all areas of athletic development e.g. nutrition, conditioning, injury prevention.

What do I have to do to maintain my scholarship?

We expect you be a leader in sport. Sport scholars are required to play for school teams in our major sports, to represent the school as required and to attend all team practices. All Sport scholars must fulfil the academic requirements of the school. We expect our sports scholars to make progress during their time at Kent College in all aspects of physical education.

CONTACT DIRECTOR OF SPORT