11+ and 13+ Scholarship Guidelines for
September 2017 Entry
Entry into Years 7 and 9
What Scholarships do we offer?
Leweston offers 11+ and 13+ scholarships in academic subjects and specialist scholarships in Art (13+),
Music, Drama and Sports. A limited number of All-Rounder awards are also available. It may be
possible to apply for a scholarship in more than one area of specialism. Please discuss this with the
Deputy Head Academic, Mr Smith prior to your application.
The value of a scholarship is listed in the criteria below. Exhibitions are awarded to those candidates
who show promise but do not meet the full standards required of scholars. Exhibitioners will be offered
the same programme as scholars but with no financial reduction attached to their award.
11+ and 13+ awards are valid up to the end of GCSE and can be reapplied for on entry into
the Sixth Form. All awards are kept under review during the pupil’s time at the School and whilst it
is extremely unusual for an award to be removed, a significant decline in commitment or performance
would bring into question its continuance.
Scholarship details
All awards will take into account the following:
a)
b)
c)
An interview with the Head, Mrs Reynolds;
A confidential report from the Head of your child’s present school;
Your child’s performance in Leweston’s standard assessment tests of verbal, numerical and
perceptual reasoning.
1. Academic Scholarships
The value of an Academic scholarship ranges from a minor scholarship award of 10% to a major scholarship award of
20% of the current termly day fees.
In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates will complete two specialist subject papers
from the following list:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Latin
English Literature
Humanities (History or Geography)
Mathematics
Modern Languages – open to non-native speakers only
Religious Studies
Science
And also be required to present a short presentation on an academic subject of the candidate’s
choice. Candidates will be required to give a presentation of approximately 5 minutes. The
presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer session.
Academic scholars and exhibitioners will be expected to attend Leweston Lectures delivered by
visiting academics, be part of the Gifted and Talented programme including weekly ‘Rhetoric’
sessions, join regular TED talks and deliver presentations at various symposia as well as continuing
to achieve high academic standards.
Please note - candidates choosing Latin and/or Modern Languages will be asked to indicate the
number of years they have been studying the language so that the level of difficulty of the paper fairly
tests their achievement.
Each paper will be one hour long unless otherwise stated.
Latin – candidates will be required to read a passage of Latin prose and then answer questions on
it, in English, which test their understanding of the passage. Candidates will also be required to
translate a section of the text from Latin into English.
English Literature - Candidates will be required to respond in essay form to a poem. Abilities in
analysis, imaginative engagement and written expression will be assessed. Bullet points are provided
in order to help candidates to structure their answer.
Humanities – candidates are free to choose either History or Geography on this paper.
History – this exam is not designed primarily to test candidates’ knowledge but rather their ability
to construct convincing arguments based on an understanding of the nature of history and of
historical inquiry.
Candidates will be given a choice of two types of task. They will be asked either to answer a set of
questions which will require analysis of an historical source or to write an essay in response to a
general question about the meaning, nature or utility of history. Such an essay question might be
‘Those who do not know their own history are doomed to repeat it’. Discuss.

Geography -
Candidates for entry at 11+ will be required to:
•
•
•
Show an awareness of the Geography of the UK, for example countries, key cities and
mountain ranges
Write about a topic they have studied in Geography up to Year 6, showing an
understanding of the key terms and places and awareness of the broad issues
To display a general awareness and interest in the world around them through some
knowledge of current affairs
Candidates for entry at 13+ should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge,
understanding and skills:
•
•
Knowledge of places to include the major continents, oceans, rivers, mountain ranges,
countries and capital cities.
The ability to read and interpret Ordnance Survey maps
•
•
Knowledge of earthquakes and volcanoes, including case study examples
Display understanding of weather and climate
•
•
Knowledge and understanding of river and coastal systems
Knowledge of population and settlement and also of Transport and Industry
Mathematics – candidates will be asked to complete a range of problem solving questions which
will be appropriate to their level of entry.
Modern Languages – candidates will be asked to answer a variety of questions in their chosen
language. Credit will be given for accurate and imaginative use of the language at the candidate’s
disposal.
Religious Studies - a range of questions will be set. Those requiring short answers will be on
general knowledge while those requiring longer answers, in short essay form, will cover:





The Bible – Old Testament Stories from Genesis
The Life of Jesus
Christian Festivals
World Religions
Religious Practices – e.g. prayer, pilgrimage
A wide choice of questions will be available so that candidates can show the extent of their own
knowledge, understanding and interest.
Science – Candidates will be set a written examination covering all three sciences based on work of
an appropriate level.
2. Art & Design (13+)
The value of a scholarship award in Art and Design will be a fixed amount of £1000 per annum, of the current termly
day fee.
Candidates are to supply a portfolio of work which could include a range of the following:
a) observational drawing, painting and sketch books;
b) work in different mediums – collage, print, textiles ;
c) three dimensional work which could be in clay, plaster, papier mâché, card or other
constructional material;
d) a sketch book of work produced outside of School in any media.
Candidates will be tested on drawing in various materials. The test will last one hour from a project
set by the Head of Art and Design.
Candidates will also have an interview with the Head of Art and Design. This will include questions
on recent exhibitions that they have visited and their knowledge of Art and Design history.
The award of a scholarship commits the candidate to attending Scholars’ Art projects and
workshops run by the department. As an Art Scholar, candidates are expected to maintain high
standards of commitment and involvement in the Art and Design departments. Award holders
should be prepared to produce art for display around the School, attend life-drawing classes and
assist with workshops and art clubs run by the department.
3. Drama
Should the candidate be successful in gaining a Drama scholarship this will entitle the scholar to free Lamda lessons
for the duration of their scholarship.
Candidates will be assessed by the Head of Drama. They should have a proven track record of
achievement and interest in Drama at school or outside school. Drama award holders will usually be
expected to take Drama at GCSE and to audition for roles in School Productions.
Firstly, candidates will be asked to perform two extracts from two different plays. The extracts
should be chosen with the intention of demonstrating the candidate’s vocal and physical skills, and
their ability to interpret a role. The extracts do not need to be lengthy; one or two minutes each is
sufficient. Candidates should bring hard copies of their scripts to the audition.
Secondly, candidates will have a short interview with the Head of Drama in which they should talk
about their interest in Drama. They will be encouraged to reflect on plays they have seen (these
need not be professional productions) and their own experiences of performing.
Scholars will be expected to partake in extra-curricular Lamda lessons; should the candidate be
awarded a major scholarship, the award will entitle the scholar to free Lamda lessons for the
duration of their scholarship. There will be no additional financial award with a Drama Scholarship.
4. Music
The value of a Music scholarship ranges from a minor scholarship award of 5% to a major scholarship award of 10%
of the current termly day fees. Should the candidate be awarded a major music scholarship the scholar will be
entitled to free music tuition on their first instrument.
Music holds a very special place in the tradition of excellence at Leweston. The School offers
Scholarships for outstanding ability in any instrument, including voice.
Award holders will have the opportunity to perform regularly both as members of musical groups
and as soloists and in the high-profile annual Scholars’ Concert. Music scholars will also have the
opportunity to attend the Music scholars’ music/theatre trips and will benefit from specialist
individual instrumental teaching and masterclasses from high-class professional musicians.
To be considered for a Music Scholarship candidates must offer two instruments. To be considered
for a Music Exhibition candidates must offer one instrument. Candidates for entry at 11+ should be
of Grade 3 Associated Board standard on their principle instrument/voice and Grade 2 on their
second instrument/voice. Candidates for entry at 13+ should be of Grade 5 Associated Board
standard on their principle instrument/voice and Grade 4 on their second instrument/voice. If the
candidate is awarded a major scholarship, the award will entitle the candidate to free music tuition
on their principle instrument for the duration of their scholarship.
During the Scholarship Day candidates will complete:
a) An audition: Candidates will perform two contrasting pieces of the candidate’s choice on their
principle instrument, one piece on their second (for Music Scholars).
b) A quick study: Candidates will practise a previously unseen piece of music on their principle
instrument for 20 minutes. A short lesson based upon the piece will follow.
c) An Aural test: Candidate will be asked to, for example, sing back a short melody, tap the pulse
to a piece of music and state whether it is in 2, 3 or 4 time.
In addition, a confidential report should be provided from the candidate’s instrumental teachers.
The award of a Scholarship commits the student to performing in school concerts, orchestras,
ensembles and choirs. Students are expected to represent all that is best in Leweston Music through
their dedication to learning and passion for performance.
5. Sports and Equestrian Scholarships
The value of a Sport or Equestrian scholarship ranges from a minor scholarship award of 5% to a major scholarship
award of 10% of the current termly day fees.
Candidates entering for Sports scholarship are expected to be of a high standard in at least one of
the major sports. County standard or above is advantageous.
Candidates will be assessed by members of the PE Department in their chosen sport(s) and will be
expected to show excellence and flexibility in performance and, where appropriate, will compete
against or with existing students.
In addition all candidates will undergo an interview with members of the PE Department and the
Director of Sport. They are expected to be conversant with rules, tactics and training schedules for
their sports relative to their age and standard and to be familiar with current topics of debate in the
world of sport. Candidates should submit a written record of all their sporting achievements and of
positions of sporting responsibility held throughout their time at school. Candidates should provide
two written references with their application. Candidates should bring all their own kit and
equipment.
Award holders are expected to maintain a high level of fitness and take part in sports activities with
total commitment and enthusiasm. They will be expected to attend practices and matches
throughout the year. As a School, we will also support the scholar with mentoring programmes,
specialist coaching opportunities, and training programmes.
Modern Pentathlon Scholarship Award
The value of the Pentathlon Scholarship is up to a maximum of 50% of the current termly day fees.
Candidates who are applying for this scholarship will need to be part of the Pentathlon programme,
and if made a scholar would be expected to train and compete in the full Modern Pentathlon
programme. Candidates would be expected to represent the school at National and local events.
The school will provide for the scholar a weekly training programme and hold monthly one to one
meetings with the Head of Pentathlon. Award holders will also have the additional opportunity of
working with professional Fencing and Shooting coaches.
Equestrian Scholarship
The value of an Equestrian scholarship ranges from a minor scholarship award of 5% to a major scholarship award of
10% of the current termly day fees.
Leweston is delighted to introduce this year an Equestrian Scholarship for a deserving candidate at
11+ and at 13+. The criteria for entry at 11+ are that the candidate will be expected to be a Pony
Club or Riding Club Member or competing BD, BS or NSEA. For entry at 13+ the candidate will be
expected to be competing either BE, BS, BD NSEA, or be a Pony Club or Riding Club Member.
During the scholarship process the candidate is to provide a video or on line assessment of a
minimum of 6 minutes of video footage showing competition or training in preferably more than one
discipline. They will also be expected to provide a letter to support their application from a current
trainer, instructor, mentor or Pony Club DC. On the scholarship day the candidate will have an
interview with the Equestrian Team Manager and the Director of Sport.
Award holders are expected to compete on behalf of the school at relevant events throughout the
year, they are required to liaise closely with the Equestrian Team Manager about competitions and
training and ensure they keep a concise training and competition diary. As a school we will support
the scholar with mentoring programmes, specialist coaching opportunities and training programmes
where applicable.
6. All rounder awards
The value of an All-Rounder scholarship is 5% of the current termly day fee
Each year Leweston offers one or more All-rounder scholarships to the maximum value of 5% of
the current termly day fees. These awards are given to pupils who are not quite strong enough to
win another award outright but show outstanding all-round ability. Candidates for such an award
will need to show evidence of good all-round skills across the curriculum, particular gifts in some
aspect of extra-curricular life, and be likely to make a significant contribution to the overall life of
the school.
Any potential applicants should be discussed with the Deputy Head Academic, Mr Smith at the
earliest opportunity. The awards will be based on three elements, an Academic Paper of the
candidate’s choice and two out of Art (13+), Music, Drama or Sport. There will also be an interview
with the Head.
Entry into Leweston School is via one of the following routes:
1.
2.
3.
Scholarship examinations taken at the School in the January preceding September entry - see
below.
Common Entrance examinations taken by pupils at their Preparatory schools preceding
September entry.
Leweston assessment tests for all pupils entering Leweston. If the candidate has not been on a
previous taster day at Leweston and had an assessment test, these tests will happen alongside the
scholarship.
What is the procedure for entering Leweston School?
We encourage all prospective pupils to visit the School to have an individual tour with a pupil and to
meet the Head, Mrs Reynolds, and other members of staff. You are also most welcome at our Open
Days and if your child wishes to experience the School ‘in action’, taster days are also available.
If you wish to pursue an application to Leweston, there is a Registration Form to complete and a fee of
£100 which enables the School to process your child’s application.
Your child then either sits a Scholarship paper, Common Entrance or the School assessment. The Head
may then make the offer of a place and/or Scholarship. This offer must be accepted in writing and
accompanied by a £500 deposit which will be returned to you when your child leaves the School.
Regrettably, this deposit is non-refundable, should you later decide not to take up the place.
What do I do now?
If you decide to go ahead with a scholarship application for your child, forms can be obtained from the
Marketing and Admissions Department. Please email [email protected] or telephone
01963 211010.
Dates for your diary:
Open Day
Monday 1 May 2017
10.00am
Deadline for Scholarship applications
Monday 16 January 2017
Scholarship Dates
Monday 23 January 2017
Tuesday 24 January 2017
If your child is successful in gaining a scholarship the offer must normally be accepted within five working
days. Scholarships are tenable for the duration of a pupil’s stay at Leweston, subject to the conditions
laid out in the Scholarship Acceptance Form.
All candidates must be registered before they make a scholarship application.
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or to arrange a visit to the School to
talk about your child’s application. Please contact Mr Smith, Deputy Head Academic on 01963 211026
or alternatively via email [email protected].
Notes