Scholarships

At Wisbech Grammar School, we believe in celebrating excellence, nurturing potential and inspiring ambition. Rooted in the vision of Aspire 2029, our scholarship programme reflects our commitment to developing well-rounded young people who embody our values of integrity, endeavour and compassion, while striving to be the best that they can be.

Scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate exceptional achievement and potential in academia, creative arts, performing arts and sport, recognising not only their current success but their capacity to grow, lead and inspire others within our community. The award enables pupils to carry the prestigious honorary title of ‘Scholar’.

The scholarship assessment process enables the School to evaluate both achievement and future potential within a candidate’s chosen field. In keeping with the aspirations of Aspire 2029, we look beyond individual accomplishment and seek pupils who will make a positive contribution to the life of the School through their attitudes, commitment and spirit. Successful scholars will demonstrate a willingness to embrace opportunities, support their peers, and act as positive ambassadors for their area of specialism and for Wisbech Grammar School. Scholarship assessments are inevitably competitive, reflecting the high standards we uphold; however, we are committed to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent and accessible to all applicants, recognising excellence whilst nurturing the leaders, changemakers and contributors of the future

Exhibitioners are chosen following the scholarship assessment programme; to recognise those who have not yet reached the standard to be awarded a scholarship but would benefit from further development opportunities. Exhibitioners may choose to re-apply for a scholarship at the next opportunity.

Scholarships are reviewed annually to ensure scholars continue to meet expectations and benefit from the programme and the School. They may also be relinquished if a pupil’s interests or commitments change. We are aware that pupils develop at different rates, so all scholarships are automatically reconsidered at the end of each year.

The entry points for Academic, Creative Arts & Performing Arts Scholars are First, Fourth and Sixth Form (years 7, 10 and 12), although external joining applicants could apply at any time. This runs alongside the Exhibitioner programme for those who are not awarded a scholarship, but in whom we see potential.

The Sports Scholarship programme works in tandem with the Talented Athlete Pathway (TAP). The entry points to TAP are First, Third, Fourth and Sixth Form (years 7, 9, 10 and 12). Those pupils who obtain TAP Gold status from Fourth Form will be known as Sports Scholars. For further information on TAP please click here.

Benefits of being a scholar:

Scholars are recognised within the School community as exemplars in their chosen field.  They will come together as groups for discussion, mentoring and support.

All Scholars will participate in an enrichment programme, with a range of lectures and visits available throughout the year. Some of these opportunities will be open to all Scholars and are designed to broaden their knowledge, experiences and interests.

• Academic Scholars – weekly study groups, lectures, presentations and visits.
• Creative Art Scholars – creative sessions with Art and Textiles staff each week, lectures, presentations, gallery visits.
• Performing Arts – individual or small group Music, Speech & Drama or Musical Theatre sessions each week, Theatre/Concert visits, Scholars concerts and productions
• Sports Scholars – weekly skill specific coaching tailored to athletes’ needs, personalised strength and conditioning, performance analysis and priority physiotherapy.

No fee remission is attached to a Scholarship as we believe its integrity lies in its honorary capacity. All scholarships can, however, be underpinned by bursary assistance if the financial circumstances of an individual family necessitate it.  Bursary awards are often oversubscribed and so have to be prioritised. Scholars are easily identifiable as contributing to the life and outcomes of the school, and so are likely to receive the financial support that means-testing identifies is required. For further information on bursaries please click here.

Further detailed information

Academic – Year 7, 10 and 12

Academic Scholarships are awarded based on the very strongest academic performance assessed either at entrance or internal exam, with an in-depth interview and supported by predicted grades, and by references from either the Head of Year (internal candidates) or the Head of the child’s current school (external candidate). For year 10 and 12 internal candidates there will be recommendations from the scholar and exhibitioner programme leads.

Selection of Academic Scholars for entry into Year 7 2027 is based on the entrance assessment and interviews with the Headmaster, you do not need to apply to be considered.

Creative Arts (Art, Design & Textiles) – Year 7, 10 and 12

Applicants are expected to show great potential within the field of Creative Arts as demonstrated through outstanding ability, evidence of a creative and inventive mind at work, and a passion for the world of art around them.  They will be required to demonstrate a portfolio of their work.

Performing Arts (Music, Drama)– Year 7, 10 and 12

Drama – Applicants are expected to demonstrate notable success in, and an aptitude and passion for, Drama. They are likely to have made a significant and tangible contribution to Drama at their present school or in wider community based dramatic activities. They will be required to take part in an audition on the assessment day alongside current scholars and other applicants.

Music – Applicants are expected to demonstrate either notable success or significant potential (for example, a Year 7 candidate would be expected to have reached Grade 5, a Year 10 candidate at least Grade 6, and a Year 12 candidate should have the potential to achieve Grade 8 during their Sixth Form). They will be required to take part in an audition on the assessment day, along with current scholars and other applicants.

Sport – Year 10 and 12

Applicants must make a significant contribution through competing at a high external standard in their first choice sport (typically County standard or above) and at A-team level in other sports.

Scholarships are awarded to candidates who we believe have the potential to reach an elite level in one of our major sports or who would make a significant impact across two or more of our major sports (rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and athletics). Other sports played at an elite level (Regional or above) may also be considered.

Candidates will be assessed in all our major sports as appropriate, as well as taking part in athletic testing, movement skills evaluation, a physiotherapy assessment and an informal interview to discuss their sporting ambitions.

Sport scholars will be expected to commit fully to the School’s sporting endeavours, representing the School at sport fixtures throughout the school year.

Contact our Admissions Team to register

Exhibitioners

Alongside the scholarship programme we run an exhibitioner programme from year 7 upwards. This is for pupils who do not achieve a scholarship but would benefit from further activities to stretch and develop them. Scholarship opportunities expand further up the School, with some candidates for year 10 and 12 progressing from this group.