SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Hurtwood House is offering a limited number of two-year A-level Performing Arts scholarships to boarding students for September 2026, one at 50% off the fees, two at 25% off the fees and three at 10% off the fees. The major scholarships are usually awarded to students auditioning in all three of the disciplines - acting, singing and dance.

Clearly, we are not expecting students of this age to have received a great deal of formal vocational training, but we are looking for evidence of outstanding talent and natural skills. We are looking for young people with enthusiasm and commitment who would make a positive contribution to the Hurtwood Theatre during their time here.

Scholarships are awarded for the full two-year period of the student's A-levels but will be subject to review at the end of the first year. Although successful candidates will not be expected to take A-level Theatre as part of their A-level programme, they will nevertheless be expected to take a full and active part in the extra-curricular Performing Arts programme, and to contribute to all major school productions.

Before auditioning for one of these scholarships, it is necessary for students to come for an interview, so if you decide you would like to apply for a scholarship and have not already visited us you should contact the school to arrange an appointment. Once you have had your interview, you may complete the scholarship application form and return it to us so that we can enter your name onto the list of candidates for the next audition. Please note that a reference from your present school will also be required, and this will be written for on receipt of your completed application form.

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS

Auditions for the 2026 cohort will take place early 2026. Applicants must have already been for interview prior to the auditions and we suggest that you book this before December 2025. Please contact us for further details.

Performing Arts:

WORD APPLICATION | PDF APPLICATION

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Parent

There are two possible ways to audition.

1 In person at Hurtwood House on [tbc]. Closer to the audition you will be sent a schedule letting you know what time you should arrive at the school.

2 A self-tape application that can be emailed to scholarships@hurtwood.net. Self-tapes should be submitted by [tbc].

If you would prefer to submit a digital audition, please read the advice/guidelines sheet at the end of this information. The material will then be reviewed shortly after the in-person auditions have taken place, so that all auditionees are considered together.

The scholarship panel will consist of:

Doug Quinn (Head of Performing Arts)
Nick Larkin (Musical Director in Residence)
Susannah Robertson (Head of Curriculum Dance)
Andy Johnson (Director in Residence)
Cosmo Jackson (Headmaster)
Richard Jackson (Headmaster)
Tina Jackson (Head of Admissions)

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO SHOW US

ACTING

You will present your work to us on your own in our Theatre Studio space. We would like you to perform EITHER a classical piece by Shakespeare OR a modern speech that lasts no longer than two minutes in length. (We will stop you after this time.)

After you have performed the piece we will direct you to see whether you can explore other ways of doing it.

SINGING

You should learn and prepare two contrasting songs. One pop and one musical theatre choice is ideal. Two minutes maximum per song.

An accompanist will be provided but you must provide the sheet music for both songs, fully written out for piano accompaniment and in the key in which you wish to sing. (The pianist will not transpose at sight.) Sheet music must be provided in a folder/book which the pianist can use straight away, rather than just lots of separate copied sheets.

Important note: Do not choreograph your songs extensively. The panel are looking for your ability to make an emotional connection in acting terms and to tell the story of the song - simply and to dramatic effect.

DANCE

There is no need to choreograph a special piece as you will take part in a short class that explores a variety of dance styles and techniques. Be prepared to work barefoot! You may bring along soft ballet shoes/jazz shoes if you wish. Please ensure that you wear sensible/dance clothes.

MATHS/SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Hurtwood House is offering five A-level Maths/Science scholarships in 2026. There are three at £1000 per term, one at £2000 per term and one at £4000 per term, and they would be awarded to particularly gifted students for the full two-year period of their A-levels. The successful candidates would be expected to take one or more of the A-level Sciences and/or A-level Mathematics as part of their A-level programme. We offer three Science subjects at Hurtwood House - Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Scholarship procedure

Scholarships will be awarded to candidates based on performance in our scholarship examination in the Sciences and Mathematics, on an interview at the school and on a reference from the relevant teacher or teachers at the student’s present school. Students may sit a general paper covering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; or they may choose to specialise in one or more subjects out of these four. It would be helpful if applications were supported by a reference from the relevant teacher or teachers at the student’s present school.

If you would like to apply, please complete and return the enclosed form. We will then contact you to arrange for an appointment for you to come to the school to sit the examination. Once the paper has been marked by our teachers, We will then write to invite suitable candidates to an interview.

Maths: WORD APPLICATION | PDF APPLICATION