At Leighton Park, a limited number of scholarships are granted for entry to Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form, to prospective and existing students of the School.
Awarded on the basis of a competitive process, candidates can apply for any combination of scholarships and may be awarded a maximum of two. Our scholarships offer a range of 5-30% off the day fee. Scholarships are intended to recognise exceptional talent and Scholars enjoy benefits from a package of support with exclusive access to facilities to help them develop further. If affordability is a limiting factor for families then they should look at our Bursaries, which offer means-tested awards.
Once received, a scholarship customarily lasts throughout the student’s time at Leighton Park but is subject to a satisfactory review of progress each year.
How to apply
The deadline for Lower Sixth applicants for September 2026 is Friday 7th November 2025. The deadline for Year 7 and 9 applicants for September 2026 is Friday 14th November 2025.
You can read more in our Scholarships Booklet.
There are four categories of scholarship. Each scholarship offers a programme of support for each Scholar in their specialist area and carries a level of responsibility to act as an ambassador for their subject.
Scholarship packages include exciting benefits such as free instrumental lessons in Music or membership of our Advanced Performer Programme (APP) and access to our Go Perform partnership in Sport.
Explanations of each scholarship programme; the application process, benefits and expectations, are detailed on this page.
If you should have any additional queries please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected] or call 0118 987 9608.
Academic Scholarships cannot be applied for for Year 7 or Year 9 entry.
Year 7 candidates will be selected following the entrance tests in January and will be invited to attend an individual scholarship interview with a member of the academic team.
Year 9 external candidates will be selected following the entrance tests in January and will be given the choice of subjects to be assessed on. Internal candidates should submit the application form via MySchoolPortal as publicised in the weekly eBulletin. All candidates will have a 20-minute group interview with members of our academic team.
Lower Sixth candidates will need to apply for an academic scholarship submitting a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be considered. Candidates will be invited to sit written assessments in a maximum of two subjects and have a 20-minute group interview with members of our academic team.
Please note, that in order to suitably assess a candidate’s natural academic aptitude, we will not be issuing exemplar test papers or any further details regarding Scholar’s interviews in advance of the scholarship assessment day. Students are unable to take the French, Spanish or Mandarin paper if this is a home language, spoken by one or more parents.
Assessment Days: Lower Sixth – Thursday 27th November Year 9 – Friday 28th November Year 7 – Friday 16th January
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to departments and their own development through:
Candidates are requested to submit a portfolio of work and a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be an Art Scholar at Leighton Park.
The portfolio is one of the most important aspects of the Scholarship submission. It should show an understanding of representational drawing, as well as a personal response to the individual’s own experiences, environment and culture. The work submitted need not be restricted to drawings and paintings, but may show evidence of a broad area of study, which might include, for example, prints, photographs or ceramics. Within a portfolio we are looking for the ability to record observations and experiences, develop ideas through various materials and techniques, and communicate ideas and feelings in a visual form.
Candidates successful at the initial screening will be invited to take a short practical exam. In advance of the assessment day, candidates will receive an examination paper and are advised to spend some time producing preliminary/supporting studies. This work forms a very important part of the examination. We are looking for ideas from various sources, the development of these ideas and an ability to work independently towards a final piece. The final piece will need to be produced unaided and under supervision in the Art Department on the Art Scholarship Assessment Day.
In the final stage of the assessment process each candidate is interviewed by a member of the Art Department. This is an opportunity to discuss their portfolio and general interests.
Art Scholarship Assessment Day is Wednesday 3rd December
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the Art Department and their own development through:
Candidates are requested to provide support for their application in the form of examination certification (RAD, ISTD, BBO, NATD). If this is not available, information on the student’s involvement relating to performance, choreography, critical appreciation within dance should be provided. Candidates are also required to submit a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be a Dance Scholar at Leighton Park.
The Dance Department encourages applications from students interested in all aspects of performance, and wishes to emphasise that scholarships are also open to students who are keen to pursue their interest in the choreographic and critical analysis aspects of dance.
Candidates successful at the initial screening, will be invited to audition. The dance audition performance will be a choreographed solo in response to a selected stimulus. In the final stage of the assessment process each candidate will take part in a group practical workshop followed by an interview with a member of the Dance Department. This is an opportunity to discuss their dance ambitions and general interests.
Dance Scholarship Assessment Day is Thursday 4th December
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the Dance Department and their own development through:
Candidates are requested to provide support for their application in the form of examination certification (LAMDA/RADA) or some form of drama grading. If this is not available, information on the student’s involvement relating to performance, design or technical support within drama must be provided. Students are also required to submit a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be a Drama Scholar at Leighton Park.
The Drama Department encourages applications from students interested in all aspects of performance, and wish to emphasise that scholarships are also open to students who are keen to pursue their interest in the technical and design aspects of theatre.
Candidates successful at the initial screening will be invited to audition or present their portfolio. The audition performance could be any scripted piece from any medium and time period or even an original presentation devised by the student themselves. The optional design portfolio could include original designs for costume, lighting or sound together with any visual evidence of the candidate’s interest in these areas.
In the final stage of the assessment process each candidate is interviewed by a member of the Drama Department. This is an opportunity to discuss their theatrical ambitions and general interests.
Drama Scholarship Assessment Day is Friday 5th December
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the Drama Department and their own development through:
This scholarship is open to Lower Sixth candidates applying for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Candidates need to be applying to complete the full two-year programme to be eligible for the scholarship. Late applications from international students may be considered.
Assessment will include a scholar’s essay and scholar’s interview with a member of the academic team.
UK Candidates Applicants from the UK are requested to complete this form by Friday 7th November and will be invited to attend the assessment day on Thursday 27th November.
International Candidates Applicants from overseas will be considered on a rolling basis.
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the IB Diploma programme, their respective departments and their own personal development through:
Candidates are requested to provide support for their application in the form of graded examination and theory certificates (if applicable). If the student’s current music teacher would like to provide a reference, this should be included in their application. Students are also required to submit a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be a Music Scholar at Leighton Park. Both practical performers and aspiring composers are encouraged to apply.
Candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces for the first instrument offered and one for any subsequent instrument if applicable. Compositions can be included as an ‘instrument’. Voice is included as an instrument.
In the final stage of the assessment process each candidate is interviewed by our Director of Music, and is encouraged to talk generally about their musical experience and ambitions. We expect students to demonstrate evidence of widening musical interests and to complete some aural tests.
Please note candidates are assessed on the basis of musical potential as well as prior musical achievement. Associated Board practical exams and other examination boards are a useful indicator but other factors are considered.
A means-tested Ian Austin Bursary worth up to 100% of fees is also available for applicants to our Sixth Form demonstrating remarkable musical talent: https://www.leightonpark.com/bursaries/.
Music Scholarship Assessment Day is Monday 24th November.
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the Music Department and their own development through:
Candidates are requested to provide evidence of playing for a netball, hockey or football team (core sports) as well as rugby, cricket, tennis or athletics at county level or equivalent, or be on an advanced pathway, to support their application. Students who play alternative sports will also be considered but should be able to evidence playing their sport at a level that is considered elite. It must be noted that the final decision on these criteria will be down to the discretion of the Director of Sport.
Students are also required to submit a maximum of 250 words expressing why they would like to be a Sports Scholar at Leighton Park.
References from clubs/trainers inside or outside of school can be submitted along with competition results, personal bests and other evidence of achievement. Successful candidates will be expected to attend an assessment day during which they will participate in a range of sports and will cover sports specific practices and conditioned games. They will be assessed on their general level of fitness through aptitude tests carried out by NVP Analytics, their adaptability and ability to transfer and link their dominant skills to other sports, their response to coaching and their leadership skills.
In the final stage of the assessment process each candidate is interviewed by members of the PE, Sport & Wellbeing Department. Students are encouraged to talk generally about their sporting experience and ambitions.
Sport Scholarship Assessment Day is Tuesday 2nd December.
Sports Scholars are expected to play a leading role in the sporting life of the School and should give a high level of commitment to School sport across all three terms throughout their school career.
This scholarship is intended for Sixth Form applicants only. The STEAM Scholarships recognise excellence in creative problem solving and interdisciplinary approaches, where students are able to demonstrate a passion for tackling complex problems by combining creative habits of mind with the analytical skills from STEM.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate good grades in any relevant subject alongside a strong interest in, and capability for, entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approaches. They should have a passion for creative problem solving and innovative thinking with a desire to change the world for the better.
Students are required to submit their application form which includes a maximum of 500 words expressing why they would like to be a STEAM Scholar at Leighton Park.
Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal selection process. This will require the submission of a portfolio of evidence such as a letter of recommendation, examples of participation in STEAM competitions or awards and/or an example of STEAM related project or class work that they are proud of. Candidates should also read up and reflect on current issues and developments as they will be asked about something in STEAM that has inspired them recently.
During the selection process there will also be an unseen task, which students will be given 10 minutes prior to the interview to prepare for, and a short general interview.
STEAM Scholarship Assessment Day is Thursday 27th November
Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to STEAM and their own development through:
This scholarship is intended for Sixth Form applicants only. The Ethical Changemaker Scholarship recognises students with a determined desire to change the world. This scholarship aims to give the School’s Quaker values currency and purpose and focuses on values-led leadership and active citizenship.
This focus draws on the impressive history of Quakers who set up forward-thinking businesses that treated staff and suppliers fairly and created social good, such as Cadbury, and well-known charities and campaigning organisations, such as Amnesty International.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate: good grades in relevant examinations to date e.g. Global Perspectives, Geography, Religious Studies or Philosophy, as well as a track record of success in one or more of the following areas:
Candidates are required to submit a maximum of 500 words expressing why they would like to be an Ethical Changemaker Scholar.
This process will include a presentation on a suitable topic which will be followed by panel interview. The topic for the presentation will be communicated at the appropriate time.
Ethical Changemaker Scholarship Assessment Day is Thursday 27th November.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ