Scholarships | Bursaries | Ryde School | Isle of Wight

SCHOLARSHIPS & EXHIBITIONS 

The information below gives details of scholarships for joining us in September 2027.

Scholarships and bursaries provide opportunities for individuals who have particular skills and talents to attend Ryde School. Their involvement with the School will further develop their own skills and also enrich the student body in key areas of the School.

 

Principle: Scholarships and Exhibitions provide opportunities for individuals who have developed particular skills, predominantly but not exclusively on the Isle of Wight, to attend Ryde School. Their involvement with the School will further develop their own skills and also enrich the student body in key areas of the School. 

● No Scholarship or Exhibition attracts a direct fee discount.
● There are two levels of academic awards: Scholarships and Exhibitions. Being awarded an Academic Scholarship into Years 7, 9 and the Sixth Form allows access to means-tested bursaries up to a maximum of 90% of fees. Academic Exhibitions allow access to bursaries up to a maximum of 25% of fees.
● There is one level of co-curricular awards: Scholarships. Being awarded Sport, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Music and Sailing Scholarships into Years 7 and 9 allows access to means-tested bursaries up to a maximum of 50% of fees and into the Sixth Form up to 90%.
● All Rounder (McIsaac) Scholarships may be awarded by the Head Master to a candidate showing exceptional
qualities in more than one area and allow access to bursaries of up to 90% of fees.

There is a scholarship programme of support and opportunity for pupils receiving Scholarships and Exhibitions, which is detailed in the booklet. All awards are subject to review: there will be a presumption of renewal but the School reserves the right to remove awards if a pupil is not showing an appropriate scholarly attitude. A warning will be issued prior to any removal of an award.

If you wish to apply for a scholarship and/or means-tested bursary, you must have registered and paid the non-refundable £300 registration fee.  To register click here.

 

All pupils wishing to apply for a scholarship must be registered (link to Registration form) and have completed the scholarship application on our portal by the deadlines stated below.

Timetable for scholarships for entry to Years 7, 9 and sixth form in september 2027

Deadline for applications

 TBC
Entrance tests for entry to Years 7 & 9 TBC
Sixth Form Academic Scholarship exams TBC

Interviews, Exams and Assessments*  (Academic, Arts, Music & Sport)
*sailing assessments will be on an ad hoc basis

 TBC
Results sent out by

TBC
Academic

Year 7 & 9 Entry 

Criteria: Year 6 or 8 pupil – internal and external candidates may apply
Current school reports indicate excellent levels of academic attainment and effort

Provision:

  • Scholars’ Mentor
  • Intellectual Interests Programme

Process:

  • Non Verbal Reasoning, Maths, English, Puzzle and Problem Solving, Creative Comprehension and Continuous Writing tests
  • Shortlisted candidates have an interview with at least two senior members of staff.

Expectation:
Pupils awarded an Academic Scholarship or Exhibition would be expected to:

  • Be a role model to peers and younger pupils in all areas of School life
  • Maintain high levels of academic progress and effort
  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for academic study
  • Participate fully in the academic life of the School

Year 12 (Sixth Form) Entry

Criteria: Year 11 students – internal and external candidates may apply
Current school reports and predicted GCSE grades indicate excellent levels of attainment and effort

Provision:

  • Sixth Form Scholars’ Mentor
  • Intellectual Programme

Process:

  • Non Verbal Reasoning, Maths, English, Puzzle and Problem Solving, Creative Comprehension and General Essay tests
  • Shortlisted candidates sit two written papers and interviews in their chosen subjects
  • Interviews with senior staff

Expectations
Students awarded a Sixth Form Scholarship or Exhibition will be expected to:

  • Be a role model to both peers and younger pupils
  • Maintain high levels of academic progress and effort
  • Act as an ambassador for their subject both within the School and in a wider context
  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for academic study
  • Participate fully in the life of the School
     
Sport

Year 7 & 9 Entry 

Criteria:

  • A high level of potential in major team sports at Ryde School: rugby (boys), netball (girls), football hockey and cricket (boys and girls).

  • Clear evidence of advanced physical literacy, athletic potential and hand-eye coordination are assessed

  • Playing at a strong school A team or high club standard in at least one of the above sports.

  • Outstanding and consistent performer across sports and fixtures played at primary/prep school or club.

  • The ability to perform highly and willingness to contribute consistently across multiple sports at Ryde is given particularly favourable consideration.

Process:

  • Candidates will be assessed for potential in a variety of Ryde School’s major sports. Pupils are required to demonstrate skills in our main sports and their effort, progress and potential will be recorded. Assessors will be looking for potential as well as current developed ability in each sport.

  • Candidates will participate in a fitness assessment and unfamiliar sports and teamwork tasks.

  • If applicants have an additional sport they excel at then they should provide details of achievements.

  • Sport Awards depend upon successful completion of the School entrance assessment.

Expectations

  • Be a role model to peers in all areas of School life, but especially in sport – this includes upholding our Ryde School Sport expectations of wearing correct kit and being on time, working hard and working together.

  • Participate fully in the sporting life of the School and be available for School matches/fixtures throughout the year, even in unfamiliar or non-scholarship sports if needed.

  • Attend weekly scholars’ coaching and fitness sessions at School and attend guest speaker seminars or trips.

Provision:

  • Specialist coaching sessions

  • Strength and conditioning sessions

  • Annual sports-related visits

  • Mentoring by specialist staff and/or senior pupils

Year 12 (Sixth Form) Entry

Criteria:

  • Outstanding level of skill in one or more Ryde School major team sports: rugby (boys), netball (girls), hockey and cricket (boys, girls).
  • Playing school or club sport to a very high standard.
  • County or Academy level (or equivalent).
  • The ability to perform highly and willingness to contribute consistently across more than one major sport at Ryde is given particularly favourable consideration.
  • Achieve GCSE requirement for Sixth Form entry.


Process:

  • Candidates will be assessed for potential in a variety of Ryde School’s major sports. Pupils are required to demonstrate skills in our main sports and their effort, progress and potential will be recorded. Assessors will be looking for potential as well as current developed ability in each sport.  Video evidence will also be reviewed if submitted but not mandatory.
  • Candidates will participate in a fitness assessment and unfamiliar sports and teamwork tasks.
  • If applicants have an additional sport they excel at then they should provide details of achievements.
  • Sport Awards depend upon successful completion of the School entrance assessment.

Expectations:

  • Be a role model to peers in all areas of School life, but especially in sport – this includes upholding our Ryde School Sport expectations of wearing correct kit and being on time, working hard and working together.
  • Participate fully in the sporting life of the School and be available for School matches/fixtures throughout the year, even in unfamiliar or non-scholarship sports if needed.
  • Attend weekly scholars’ coaching and fitness sessions at School and attend guest speaker seminars or trips.
  • Mentor younger sports scholars.
  • Act as an ambassador for their subject both within the School and in a wider context.

Provision:

  • Specialist coaching sessions
  • Strength and conditioning sessions
  • Annual sports-related visits
  • Mentoring by specialist staff and/or senior pupils
SAILING

Year 7, 9 and Sixth Form Entry 

Criteria:

  • Competitive sailing at club level
  • Experience and proven track record of successful elite racing

Process:

  • Candidates are asked to provide evidence from their choice of at least three of the following:
  • Reference from sailing captain, Commodore or race officer from their local sailing club outlining their skills, experience and ability and specific to sailing rather than personal characteristics
  • List of results from national or reputable local competitions.
  • A range of results over several different regattas/races must be submitted to show continuity and development
  • Written statement (maximum one typed page) outlining current experience and the personal goals, aims and objectives for their sailing future
  • Practical assessment (to take place at Tackt-Isle).
  • Advanced planning will be required for this assessment type and it is likely to take place on a Saturday. Plus successful completion of School entrance assessment.

Expectations:

  • Be a role model to peers and younger pupils in all areas of School life, but especially in sailing
  • Participate fully in sailing activities and clubs Be available for School competitions, specifically Eric Twiname TR event, BSDRA Southerns and BSDRA Finals Attend scholars’ coaching sessions
  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for School sailing including sailing during games for a minimum of two terms
  • Act as an ambassador for sailing both within the School and in a wider context

Provision: Opportunity to sail within School programmes Opportunity to take part in sailing competitions (locally and internationally)
music

Year 7, 9 and Sixth Form Entry 

Criteria:

  • Have the potential to be Grade 4 / 5 (Year 7 entry), Grade 5 / 6 (Year 9 entry) or Grade 7/ 8 (Year 12 entry) or equivalent on principal instrument by the time they start at Ryde School
  • An expectation of an ability to sing or play a second instrument, but not essential

Process:

  • Audition with music staff – two contrasting pieces. Followed by discussion about music and their performance
  • Sight-reading test on principal instrument
  • Aural tests of approximately Grade 5 (Year 7), Grade 6 (Year 9) or Grade 8 (Year 12) standard
  • General interview with music staff
  • Interviews with senior staff
  • Successful completion of School entrance 

Expectations:

  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for making music
  • Demonstrate themselves as being a role model within the Music Department
  • Participate fully in the musical life of the School involving
    themselves in: choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles according to interest and expertise
  • Take a leading role in class music lessons
  • With other music scholars, organise and perform in a busy concert programme
  • Act as an ambassador for the subject both within the School and in a wider context

Provision:

  • Instrumental lessons for one instrument
  • Weekly musicianship lessons
VISUAL ARTS

Year 7, 9 and Sixth Form Entry 

Criteria:

  • Scholarships will be awarded to candidates who demonstrate a high level of skill in Art, Design or Technology. Evidence through a portfolio of prior achievement in at least one area.

Process:

  • have an interview with the Head of Art/Design Technology to review their portfolio and explore their interests.
  • be required to complete a timed assessment set by the Head of Art/Design Technology in their chosen medium
  • have a general interview with the Head Master or a senior member of staff to explore general interests and academic studies
  • be required to successfully complete the School’s entrance assessments

Expectations:

Provision:
  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for the Arts
  • Participate in the Visual Arts Award tutorial sessions, where they will be given expert guidance in art/design techniques.
  • Take a leading role in class art/design technology lessons
    themselves in: choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles according to interest and expertise
  • Act as an ambassador for the subject both within the School and in a wider context.
    • Appropriate subject visits/events
    • Inclusion within other scholarship provision if relevant
    • Due to the flexible nature of the award, bespoke programmes of support/opportunity will be created for students receiving this award

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?

 

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