Scholarships

13+ academic scholarships are awarded based on the results of an online scholarship assessment and written test. The online assessment consists of:

• Mathematics
• English
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Candidates will be able to draw on a range of skills and experiences from the varied elements they will have learnt already and it is not necessary to prepare for this exam.

What is covered in the assessment? The assessment is an online exam. It is composed of maths, English, and non-verbal reasoning. The maths and English sections are based on the national curriculum. They assess the candidate’s ability to recall what they have been taught and apply this knowledge to solve problems. The non-verbal reasoning section is designed to test the candidate’s academic potential. They assess the ability to solve problems with written or visual information.

The assessment is adaptive: this means that questions will get harder or easier as a candidate moves through the assessment. This ensures that each question is at the right level of difficulty for each candidate. Please note, candidates will not be able to skip or go back to any questions, nor will they be able to change any of their answers.

How long is the assessment? The assessment takes a total of 60 minutes – 20 minutes for Mathematics, 30 minutes for English and 10 minutes for Non-Verbal Reasoning. During the assessment, candidates will see a timer on their screen showing them how long they have left for each section. It will be visible but not so large as to distract them from their work. Candidates eligible for extra time will be asked to indicate their entitlement at the point of application. Where extra time is approved for a candidate, the additional time will be automatically added to the timer visible on their screen for each section of their assessment.

How to prepare for the assessment: we recommend that all students look at the familiarisation materials provided here. The assessment will test the knowledge and skills highlighted in the national curriculum. Candidates will develop these skills as part of their school education, so they will not need any special tuition or intensive practice.

Is the assessment multiple-choice? The majority of questions will be multiple-choice, with only a few questions requiring a student to type a single word or number. There is no extended typing exercise required, so typing ability will not impact results.

What device can be used for the assessment? The assessment can be taken on many different types of devices, including iPads, PCs, laptops, tablets and Chromebooks which will be provided by the school.

What can my child use during the assessment? Candidates will be permitted blank scrap paper and a pencil/pen in all subjects for any working out. Students may not use any other additional materials during any stage of the assessment, e.g. dictionaries, thesauruses, calculators, rulers, mobile phones, etc.

My child is an overseas applicant. Where will they take the assessment? If you would prefer your child to sit the assessment overseas, please contact our Admissions Team to find out how to proceed. Candidates who are living overseas may take the assessment under exam conditions at their current school or at a test centre.

We are seeking scholars who have strong observational drawing skills, a creative flair and a genuine passion for the visual arts.
In order to demonstrate this, candidates are requested to submit a digital portfolio and undertake a practical assessment.

Supporting evidence – digital portfolio submission: candidates are requested to submit a digital portfolio of creative work, up to 10 slides, which they have completed unaided. It is expected that candidates will use work created at school as well as at home within the submission. The portfolio of work could include some of the following:

• Drawings from direct observation, (not from pictures), some that are shaded and some using line only. They can be completed with a variety of materials such as: pencils, charcoal, fine-liner, or colour pencils.
• Copies of paintings that the candidate admires, using any materials which they feel are suitable. Candidates can also include any other painting they have completed, or other artwork such as illustrations or designs.

Please ensure all attachments are clearly labelled.

Practical assessment: During the practical assessment candidates will be required to produce an observational drawing within 90 minutes. This will be explained in full on the day. All materials and subject matter will be provided.

Please see the list below and provide as supporting evidence when applying for a drama scholarship.

• A list of drama activities and productions in which the candidate has participated.
• Any LAMDA/Guildhall/Festival comments sheets, if applicable.
• A short review of no more than 500 words of a live or digital/online/streamed theatre production they have seen. This will form the basis for an informal discussion.

Auditions: Following an evaluation of all supporting evidence, candidates will also be asked to undertake a short audition. The audition process is informal and relaxed as we want candidates to enjoy the experience and perform at their best.

For the audition, candidates will need to have prepared a short character monologue of no more than two minutes in length and be prepared to participate in a drama workshop.

Accompaniment scores: please submit any scores required for accompaniment . We do not require further submissions such as certificates prior to audition. Applicants may bring their own accompanist if desired, but the Director of Music will gladly play any accompaniments that are required. Performing with backing tracks is permissible and the relevant files must be supplied in advance.

Auditions: all candidates will be invited to audition. The audition process is informal and relaxed, as we want candidates to enjoy the experience and perform at their best. For the audition, each candidate should be prepared to:

• Perform two contrasting solo pieces on her FIRST instrument.
• Perform a solo on her SECOND instrument/voice, if more than one instrument.
• Undertake some simple aural tests.
• Provide information on her level of skill (for example, practical exam grades/music theory) and involvement in music in or out of school.
• Perform unaccompanied or use their submitted accompaniment score.

As part of the audition, the Director of Music will talk to the candidate about her music interests and activities as well as general interests and involvement in school life and outside school.

Candidates awarded a scholarship will be expected to make a strong contribution to the musical life of the school and encouraged to follow the music course to GCSE. All music scholars will be expected to support their musical progress by attending at least two of the many extracurricular choirs and instrumental ensembles that take place at Notre Dame.

Sports scholarships are awarded to students with a proven high level of sporting ability and potential. Candidates are expected to offer at least one sport to a high standard. Candidates must also demonstrate flair for acquiring new skills as well as a passion and commitment to sport in general.

It is expected that sports scholars will contribute to the sporting life of the school and engage with the sports scholars programme.

Each candidate should submit a written record of their sporting achievements. This is to include scans or photos of awards and certificates, and photos of any cups or medals received. Please do not submit original certificates, awards, cups, or medals.

The written record could include:

• How long the candidate has been participating in her chosen sport or sports.
• School/club/county or national participation.
• Courses attended, awards gained (along with awarding body/level/year achieved).
• Details of positions of responsibility (e.g. captain).
• Candidate’s aspirations.
• Candidate’s other interests, sporting or otherwise, in and out of school.
• Any other relevant information to support the candidate’s application.

Interview: the scholarship assessment will include a 15-minute interview where the candidate will be invited to talk about their sporting achievements as well as considering the evidence from the portfolio.

We are delighted to announce that from September 2026, we will be offering STEM scholarships to Year 9 students (13+).

STEM scholarships are awarded to students with a proven track record and passion for STEM subjects (Science & Maths).

As STEM scholars, they are expected to represent the School and become STEM ambassadors at various events and activities.
Most importantly, STEM scholars will be strong positive role models for students in the younger years.

Students applying for STEM Scholarships must provide evidence of the following criteria:

• Demonstration of school participation in co-curricular STEM activities
• Letter of application setting out STEM engagement over time (could be from in school activities or outside)
• High attainment in maths and science during Years 7 and 8
• Practical engineering assessment

Successful applicant benefits:

• 10% fee remission
• STEM competitions and masterclasses
• Opportunities to attend STEM trips and in-school events
• Opportunity to assist in leading STEM clubs for younger pupils
• Participation in STEM promotion events both in School and externally