Music Scholarships

A number of music scholarships and exhibitions are offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+ to pupils who show outstanding potential in at least one instrument.

Music Scholarships and Exhibitions at 11+

The 11+ music process at St. Paul’s Prep is a warm and inspiring journey for young musicians.  

Our department is thriving – it is busy with creativity and full of energy and with over 27 ensembles running every week, the co-curricular programme offers something truly special for those who want to immerse themselves in music.  

Boys wishing to pursue a Music Award are encouraged to apply if they are working above Grade 5 on their first study (Grade 6 or higher for piano) and demonstrate a similar standard on a second instrument.  

Music awards offered at 11+ continue through into the Senior School, provided there is sustained level of commitment and progress.  

Holding a music award is both a privilege and a responsibility. It recognises not only a pupil’s current musical ability, but also their potential, curiosity, and commitment to contributing fully to the musical life of the school. Award holders are expected to lead by example – rehearsing diligently, participating enthusiastically in ensembles, and supporting their peers while embracing the many opportunities to perform and represent the school in concerts and events.  

At the same time, it is great fun: award holders become part of a close-knit, ambitious, and supportive community, where music-making is shared, celebrated, and enjoyed at the highest level. 

The audition process is designed to give each candidate the opportunity to demonstrate both their musical ability and their potential in a supportive setting.  

Boys are asked to prepare two contrasting pieces on their principal study, along with one piece on their second instrument. The assessment will also include aural tests, during which candidates will be invited to sing, as well as a short sight-reading exercise on their principal study, which will be provided during the warm-up period immediately before the audition. The process concludes with a friendly interview with the panel, offering candidates the chance to talk about their musical interests, experiences and aspirations.  

Each Scholarship is worth £60 per annum, plus free tuition on two instruments. Exhibitions consist of free tuition on one instrument only. 

For more details about the examination and entry standards, please contact Leah Hickie, Director of Music, St Paul’s Prep School – SLH@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Music Scholarship and Exhibitions at 13+

Once an offer of a place has been accepted for 13+ entry, pupils may apply for a Music Award (Scholarship: free tuition on two instruments or Exhibition: free tuition on one). A number of awards are offered each year to thinking musicians with enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to our thriving music programme. St Paul’s is an exciting place to make music as there is always something going on and the community is a strong and supportive one. Whether you are a serious chamber or orchestral musician, a budding singer-songwriter or a jazz aficionado, there is a place for you here!  

The closing date for entries is mid-January and shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition, usually very late in January or early in February prior to entry. Candidates will perform (on one or more instruments), complete a quick study (like sight reading but given on the day during the warm-up), respond to aural tests, complete a 20 minute written paper and answer general questions relating to their music making. It may sound a lot, but the whole process should take no more than an hour and will give us a really comprehensive snapshot of you as a musician. 

You can download some example theory papers below: 

13+ Music Scholarship paper 2019

13+ Music Scholarship paper 2017

Candidates would normally be expected to be at Grade 6 level or above, though it is not always necessary to have taken the exam and this level fits some principal studies more than others (singers and trombonists may not yet be at this level but will still have a strong chance; Grade 6 in Piano, Violin or Cello is unlikely to be competitive). Above all, we are looking for potential and enthusiasm to develop as a thinking musician and to take a leading role in our musical community. 

Each Scholarship is honorary, worth £60, plus free tuition on two instruments. Exhibitions consist of free tuition on one instrument. Awards at 13+ are retained for three years and are reviewed for the final two years of school. 

Music Awards at 16+ 

Further Awards are available at 16+ and the expected level for these awards would be Grade 8 or above. Current pupils are eligible and encouraged to apply for these awards. 

For more details about the examination and entry standards, please contact Mark Wilderspin, Director of Music – MDW@stpaulsschool.org.uk