"Exhibitions and Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence and to recognise students’ academic potential. Pupils in receipt of these awards have access to a wide variety of additional support and challenge to enable them to reach that potential and ensure that our brightest pupils can achieve highly here at RHS. From the Riddle Society in the Lower School, to Oxbridge preparation in the Sixth Form, at each stage of education there is an exciting range of opportunities carefully designed to encourage a love of learning and the pursuit of academic curiosity."

Mr G Johnson (Head of Academic Challenge)

"Awards for excellence in the co-curricular sphere are offered in Music, Sailing, Creativity, Drama and Sports. Typically, exhibitioners and scholars exemplify attendance, progress and leadership within their field as well as mentoring other pupils and representing RHS at fixtures, concerts and competitions." 

Mr B Martineau, Assistant Head (Co-curricular)

Academic Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 9)

Candidates will be considered following their performance in the entrance assessment in November. The award application and school references will also be taken into account. Successful candidates will be notified in early December if they have been successful.  

Academic Scholarship (for current Year 8 pupils at RHS)

Year 8 pupils will be considered for an Academic Scholarship on entry into Year 9 following their examinations in both Year 7 and 8. Demonstration of their commitment to the academic life of the School, for example attendance at the Riddle Society, completion of summer projects and engagement with public speaking, will also be taken into account. Pupils will be notified of their success at the end of the Summer term.   

Academic Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 12)

Candidates are asked to scan or photograph the following documents and email them to the Admissions Office in early November (admissions@royalhospitalschool.org): 

• Two pieces of recently marked work that the pupil is most proud of (which are relevant to potential A Level choices);

• On a separate page, the candidate should write a personal statement (no more than 750 words) addressing the following questions:

1. Why are you passionate about the subjects you have chosen for sixth form?  

2. How do you seek to challenge yourself academically?  

3. What is the hardest goal you have set for yourself and how did you go about achieving it?  

4. Tell me about something you learned outside of class and why it interested you.

• A copy of latest school report;

• A recent photo.

These documents, predicted grades and school references will all be taken into account. Candidates should be looking at achieving at the highest level across their 8 best subjects (including mathematics & English) at GCSE, plus at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to take at A Level. Successful candidates will be invited to attend our Academic Scholarship assessment morning in late November.  

On the assessment morning, candidates will be asked to complete a cognitive test and take part in an interview with a member of our academic team. The morning is designed to understand how each pupil thinks and learns, as well as to ascertain their intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Academic Scholarship (for current Year 11 pupils at RHS)

Year 11 pupils will be considered for an Academic Scholarship into Year 12 following their GCSE exams taken in the Summer term.

Demonstration of their commitment to the academic life of the School, e.g. attendance at the Studd Society, completion of summer projects and contribution to pupil journalism and public speaking, will also be taken into account. The School will invite applications following the mock examination results in the Spring term, and will notify pupils of their success following their GCSE results.  

De Neumann Maths Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 12 in 2024)

This scholarship is offered every two yeas. Successful applicants will be invited to an assessment in early February 2024, where candidates will undertake a mathematics exam covering GCSE Mathematics material, plus an interview with our Head of Mathematics, Mrs Suzanne Botley.  

Candidates should be looking at achieving the highest level at GCSE Maths and looking to study Maths and Further Maths at A Level, with a view to studying a Maths or a related STEM subject at university. The assessment will take approximately 1.5 hours. Candidates may also wish to attend our Year 12 Scholarship assessment morning in November.  

Music Scholarship (for new pupils entering Years 7 and 9)

The Music Scholarship assessment day will be held during an afternoon in late November. Candidates should have performance experience and play at least two instruments (which may include voice) to a level of at least Grade 4 (in one instrument) for Year 7 entrants and Grade 6 (in one instrument) for Year 9 entrants.

Candidates will be asked to perform:  

• Two contrasting pieces of their own choice on their main instrument or voice;

• One piece of their choice on a second instrument or voice;  

• A sight-reading test on their main instrument or voice; 

• A selection of aural exercises;  

• Candidates will also be asked to talk about their musical and other interests.  

  Candidates should bring copies of sheet music for the pieces they are going to perform (including the piano accompaniments, where applicable). They should also bring their own instrument(s) (if applicable). 

 The music assessment will last approximately half an hour and will be run by Mr Edward Allen, Director of Music, and another member of the academic music staff. Timings will be confirmed in due course, but candidates may stay for lunch following their standard entrance assessment. 

Music Scholarship (for current pupils in Year 8 at RHS)

Current Year 8 pupils will be considered for a Music Scholarship into Year 9 following demonstration of their commitment to the musical life of the school, e.g. membership of orchestras, bands and choirs. Success in music examinations will also be taken into account. Mr Allen, our Director of Music, will nominate pupils, who will be notified of their success at the end of the Summer term. 

Music Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 12)

Music Scholarship assessments  will be held at a mutually convenient time, ideally during November 2021. Candidates should have performance experience and play at least two instruments (which may include voice) to a level of at least Grade 7 (in one instrument).

Candidates will be asked to perform:  

• Two contrasting pieces of their own choice on their main instrument or voice; 

• One piece of their choice on a second instrument or voice;  

• A sight-reading test on their main instrument or voice;  

• A selection of aural exercises;  

• Candidates will also be asked to talk about their musical and other interests.  

 Candidates should bring copies of sheet music for the pieces they are going to perform (including the piano accompaniments, where applicable). They should also bring their own instrument(s) (if applicable). 

 The music assessment will last approximately half an hour and will be run by Mr Edward Allen, Director of Music, and another member of the academic music staff. 

Music Scholarship (for current pupils in Year 11 at RHS)

Current Year 11 pupils will be considered for a Music Scholarship into Year 12 following demonstration of their commitment to the musical life of the school, e.g. membership of orchestras, bands and choirs. Success in music examinations will also be taken into account. Mr Allen, our Director of Music, will nominate pupils, who will be notified of their success at the end of the Summer term. 

Sailing Scholarship (for new pupils entering Years 7, 9 and 12)

Successful candidates will be invited to either our Year 9, Year 9 or Year 12 assessment dates in November.

On the assessment day, candidates will be given a practical assessment plus take part in an interview with Mr Sibson, the Director of Sailing. References from the candidate’s current coach or club will also be considered. Candidates may bring their own boat if they prefer or can request a boat (see below for options). 

Scholarship assessments can be undertaken using video evidence for pupils from overseas. 

Scholarship Assessments (at all levels) usually take the form of: 

• Follow the leader exercise 

• Tacking on the whistle 

• Gybing on the whistle 

• Starting exercise 

• Short fleet races 

Assessments are usually sailed in: 

• Year 7 entry – RS Tera 

• Year 9 entry – Topper or RS Tera 

• Year 12 entry – ILCA 4 or ILCA 6 

For applicants that are predominantly crews or prefer sailing double-handed boats then assessments can be undertaken in: 

• Year 7 entry – RS Feva 

• Year 9 entry – RS Feva 

• Year 12 entry – RS Feva, RS 200 or 29er 

Sailing Scholarship (for current pupils in Years 8 and 11 at RHS)

Current Year 8 pupils will be considered for a Year 9 Sailing Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the sailing life of the School, e.g. participation in sailing activities and races. Interested candidates should notify Mr Sibson, the Director of Sailing, if they wish to apply and will be assessed alongside external candidates at an assessment afternoon in November. 

Current Year 11 pupils will be considered for a Year 12 Sailing Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the sailing life of the School, e.g. participation in sailing activities and races. Interested candidates should speak to Mr Sibson, the Director of Sailing, to arrange an interview, and will be assessed alongside our external candidates. 

Creativity Exhibition (for pupils entering Year 7)

Candidates are asked to provide a portfolio of their work early November; this should include work completed both at school and home and should cover a range of techniques. This can either be delivered to Reception, marked for Admissions, or photographic evidence taken and emailed to admissions@royalhospitalschool.org  (via Dropbox or similar if files too big).  
 
Successful candidates will then be invited to the assessment afternoon in late November. Candidates may choose to be assessed in either Art or D&T and will be asked to take part in a practical assessment and an interview with the relevant head of department.  

The Creativity Exhibition assessment will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be run by Mrs Harriet Barber, Head of Art and/or Mr Oliver Millington, Head of Design & Technology. Timings will be confirmed in due course, but candidates may stay for lunch following their standard entrance assessment. 

Creativity Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 9)

Candidates are asked to provide a portfolio of their work by early November; this should include work completed both at school and home and should cover a range of techniques. This can either be delivered to Reception, marked for Admissions, or photographic evidence taken and emailed to admissions@royalhospitalschool.org  (via Dropbox or similar if files too big). 

Candidates should also bring a portfolio of their work to the assessment day; this should include work completed both at school and home and should cover a range of techniques.  

The Creativity Scholarship assessment will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be run by Mrs Harriet Barber, Head of Art and/or Mr Oliver Millington, Head of Design & Technology. Timings will be confirmed in due course, but candidates may stay for lunch following their standard entrance assessment. 

Creativity Scholarship (for current Year 8 pupils at RHS)

Current Year 8 pupils will be considered for a Year 9 Creativity Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the creative life of the School, e.g. a high level of performance and participation in art, design & technology or STEM activities. Interested candidates should speak to Mrs Barber or Mr Millington to arrange an interview.

Creativity Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 12)

Candidates are asked to provide a portfolio of their work, completed both at school and home, and covering a range of techniques. This can either be delivered to Reception, marked for Admissions, or photographic evidence taken and emailed to admissions@royalhospitalschool.org (via Dropbox or similar if files too big).  

Successful candidates will be invited for an individual assessment at a mutually convenient time. Candidates may choose to be assessed in either Art or D&T and will be asked to take part in a practical assessment and an interview with the relevant head of department. Candidates should also bring a portfolio of their work to their assessment; this should include work completed both at school and home and should cover a range of techniques.  

The Creativity Scholarship assessment will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be run by Mrs Harriet Barber, Head of Art and/or Mr Oliver Millington, Head of Design & Technology.  

Creativity Scholarship (for current Year 11 pupils at RHS)

Current Year 11 pupils will be considered for a Year 12 Creativity Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the creative life of the School, e.g. a high level of performance and participation in art, design & technology or STEM activities. Interested candidates should speak to Mrs Barber or Mr Millington to arrange an interview. 

All potential candidates are asked to submit a scholarship application form detailing their interest and accomplishments in Drama and related activities such as LAMDA.

Drama Exhibition (for pupils entering Year 7)

Successful candidates will be invited to the assessment afternoon in November. Your award application and school/club references will also be taken into account. 

Candidates will take part in a 45 minute workshop, performing as a group, and will then be asked to perform a pre-prepared  monologue appropriate to their age, lasting between one and a half and three minutes. They will also be interviewed by the Head of Drama, Mr Damon Kerr, and an external adjudicator, where they will be asked to talk about their involvement and interest in drama. Timings will vary depending on the number of applicants and will be confirmed prior to the day. Candidates may stay for lunch following their standard entrance assessment. 

Drama Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 9)

Successful candidates will be invited to the assessment afternoon in November. Your award application and school/club references will also be taken into account. 

Candidates will take part in a 45 minute workshop, performing as a group, and will then be asked to perform a pre-prepared  monologue appropriate to their age, lasting between one and a half and three minutes. They will also be interviewed by the Head of Drama, Mr Damon Kerr, and an external adjudicator, where they will be asked to talk about their involvement and interest in drama. Timings will vary depending on the number of applicants and will be confirmed prior to the day. Candidates may stay for lunch following their standard entrance assessment. 

Drama Scholarship (for current Year 8 pupils at RHS)

Current Year 8 pupils will be considered for a Year 9 Drama Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to drama at school e.g. a high level of performance and participation in drama, LAMDA or backstage activities.  Pupils should express their interest by making an appointment with Mr Kerr in the Spring term of Year 8. A date and time will then be set for them to perform a pre-prepared monologue and attend an interview with Mr Kerr.  

Sports Exhibition (for pupils entering Year 7)

​Successful candidates will be invited for an assessment morning in November. Our Director of Sport, Mr Nick Cooper, may also contact any referees supplied.  

The assessment will comprise a fitness & agility test, sessions in our core sports of cricket, hockey, netball (girls) and rugby (boys), plus an interview with our Director of Sport. Candidates may choose to be assessed in one or more of these sessions but will take part in all activities.  

The assessment morning will take approximately 3 hours.

Sports Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 9)

​Following a review of all applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an assessment morning in November. Our Director of Sport, Mr Nick Cooper, may also contact any referees supplied.  

The assessment will comprise a fitness & agility test, sessions in our core sports of cricket, hockey, netball (girls) and  rugby (boys), plus an interview with our Director of Sport. Candidates may choose to be assessed in one or more of these sessions but will take part in all activities. The assessment morning will take approximately 3 hours.

Sports Scholarship (for current Year 8 pupils at RHS)

Current Year 8 pupils may be considered for a Year 9 Sports Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the sporting life of the School e.g. a high level of performance and participation in one or more of our core sports (netball, cricket, rugby and hockey). Interested pupils should speak with Mr Cooper and if successful they will be invited to join the sports assessment day in November.  

Sports Scholarship (for new pupils entering Year 12)

Following a review of all applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an assessment on a mutually agreeable day. Our Director of Sport, Mr Nick Cooper, may also contact any referees supplied.  

The assessment will comprise a fitness & agility test, a session in one or more of our core sports of cricket, netball, rugby and hockey, plus an interview with our Director of Sport. The assessment will take approximately 3 hours.  

Sports Scholarship (for current Year 11 pupils at RHS)

Current Year 11 pupils may be considered for a Year 12 Sports Scholarship following demonstration of their commitment to the sporting life of the School e.g. a high level of performance and participation in one or more of our core sports (netball, cricket, rugby and hockey). Interested pupils should speak with Mr Cooper to arrange an interview.