Scholarships / Bursaries
Entry September 2012
Summary of Scholarships
Ratcliffe College offers a wide range of scholarships to recognise academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic talent amongst applicants for the Senior School, all of whom should be supportive of our Catholic, Christian ethos that welcomes all with a universality of warmth and respect.
Academic scholarships are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the student continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All students wishing to hold scholarships in the Sixth Form must meet the criteria for Sixth Form Academic Scholarships, based on their GCSE performance.
Talent scholarships (sport, music, drama, art & design) are retained until the end of Year 13, providing the student continues to show the attributes of a scholar in the relevant discipline.
The School may also be able to offer bursarial assistance in addition to any scholarship award. Please see ‘Bursaries’ section for details.
Each scholarship is worth £1000. Points at which scholarships are offered are Years 7, 9 and 12.
Candidates can apply for more than one scholarship.
For details on how to apply, please contact the Registrar, Miss Kelly Smith, tel: 01509 817072.
Year 7: available to internal and external Year 6 pupils, with auditions and tests associated with sport, music and art & design scholarships held in the January prior to the year of entry (and therefore just after the academic entrance examinations) and conditional upon meeting our academic expectations for entry into the School
- 3 academic scholarships;
- One boy’s Sports Scholarship;
- One girl’s Sports Scholarship;
- One Music Scholarship (The Henry Goldstraw / Gerald Yell Scholarship);
- One Art & Design Scholarship.
Year 9: available to internal and external Year 8 pupils, with auditions and tests associated with sport, music and all-rounder scholarships held in the January prior to the year of entry (and therefore just after the academic entrance examinations) and conditional upon meeting our academic expectations for entry into the School
- 3 academic scholarships;
- One boy’s Sports Scholarship;
- One girl’s Sports Scholarship;
- One Music Scholarship (The Henry Goldstraw / Gerald Yell Scholarship);
- One Drama Scholarship.
Year 12: available to internal and external Year 11 pupils, with auditions and tests associated with the sports and music scholarships held in the January prior to the year of entry, and conditional upon meeting our academic threshold for entry into the Sixth Form
- 10 academic scholarships linked to strong performance at GCSE;
- One boy’s Sports Scholarship;
- One girl’s Sports Scholarship.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
YEAR 7
Each scholarship is awarded on the basis of performance in the entrance examination and the evidence contained within the student’s school report.
Academic scholarships are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the student continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All students wishing to hold scholarships in the Sixth Form must meet the criteria for Sixth Form Academic Scholarships, based on their GCSE performance.
YEAR 9
Assessment papers are generally taken in January each year and consist of papers in English, Mathematics, Science, a language (French, German or Spanish), Non-Verbal Reasoning and two further Humanities subjects selected from Geography, History or RE.
All UK-based candidates will be expected to attend Ratcliffe College for these assessments, which are spread over two days. Free overnight accommodation will be provided. (Overseas candidates may have papers sent to their current school.) Candidates whose first language is not English will take an EAL paper and will not be expected to take an additional language paper if they have not previously studied French, German or Spanish.
Academic scholarships are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the student continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All students wishing to hold scholarships in the Sixth Form must meet the criteria for Sixth Form Academic Scholarships, based on their GCSE performance.
SIXTH FORM
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of the 10 best overall academic performances or determined by GCSE results.
We reserve the right to review a scholarship at any stage if a student does not maintain a pleasing standard in the Sixth Form.
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
A Sports Scholar is expected to show outstanding sporting ability, relative to their age, which is reflected in a genuine enthusiasm and a consistency of effort.
Sports scholarships are retained until the end of Year 13 providing the student continues to contribute to at least two terms of sport as well as showing a commitment to training and matches.
At all entry levels, Ratcliffe College must, prior to the assessment, also receive from the potential Sports Scholar’s present teacher or coaches a written report on his or her talent, commitment and approach to sport. Any additional information and references from external clubs should also be submitted. In addition to an interview between our Director of Sport and all prospective candidates, our Director of Sport may wish to visit the child’s current school to observe him/her in sporting situations.
cholarships can be withdrawn at any time if candidates who have been made an award fail to continue to fulfil their commitments to the sports programme within the School.
YEAR 7
All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Ratcliffe College for an afternoon of practical assessment during which they will be expected to demonstrate a range of abilities. Assessment will be made by various members of the PE Department as the candidates take part in skills-based practices and conditional games, to observe co-ordination, speed, balance and tactical awareness.
YEAR 9
All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Ratcliffe College to join a practical lesson during which they will be assessed by various members of the PE Department. They will also be interviewed by the Director of Sport.
SIXTH FORM
All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Ratcliffe College for a personal interview with the Director of Sport. A successful candidate will be expected not only to contribute strongly in all three terms of sport, but also to lead by example in training and matches. This may be reflected by representative honours already achieved or being worked towards.
A practical assessment will also be required, observed by various members of the PE Department.
It is not essential for candidates to have studied PE at GCSE, although this would be an advantage.
Overseas candidates, who are unavailable for interview at Ratcliffe College, must submit photographs, CDs, DVDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from specialist tutors at their current school or club. Any overseas candidates awarded a Sports Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival. On the evidence of this test, the award of the scholarship will either be confirmed or declined.
The School reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.
Acting Director of Sport – Mr Philip Gilchrist (01509 817000)
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Music Scholarships to Ratcliffe College are awarded annually following auditions held at the School, in which candidates are tested for musicianship and musical potential and not solely for actual examination achievement.
Music scholarships are retained until the end of Year 13 providing the student continues to maintain pleasing musical and academic progress, including contributions to the extra-curricular programme of choral and/or instrumental music-making throughout the year.
Music Scholars are expected to make the most of the many opportunities offered by the School’s musical activities and to be involved prominently in them. All Music Scholars are encouraged to choose Music as an option for GCSE; Sixth Form Music Scholars are expected to choose Music as an option at ‘A’ Level. They should show distinctive musical skills which are normally reflected in high quality passes in music examinations. Where a student has not taken examinations (on an instrument such as guitar), the School will look for a demonstrably high quality of musicianship on the assessment day.
At all levels of entry, Ratcliffe College must also receive from the candidate’s present teachers a written report, commenting on his or her talent, commitment and more general musical activities such as choirs, orchestras, bands, etc. The Director of Music is pleased to meet prospective candidates and their parents at any time during the year to discuss the awards in more detail.
YEAR 7
An interview is arranged during the visit to the Music School, giving an opportunity for the Director of Music to talk with the potential scholar.
Each candidate is required to prepare the following for the interview:
- First Instrument
a) Two places of a contrasting nature must be offered. The standard should be a minimum of Grade 3 for a Year 7 Scholarship.
b) Sight Reading - Second Instrument (optional and if available)
One piece (sight reading on this instrument will be optional) - Singing
A short piece of the candidate's own choice. - Aural Tests
As appropriate to the standard of the performance being offered.
On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical assessments as listed above.
YEAR 9
An interview is arranged during the visit to the Music School, giving an opportunity for the Director of Music to talk with the potential scholar.
Each candidate is required to prepare the following for the interview:
- First Instrument
a) Two places of a contrasting nature must be offered. The standard should be a minimum of Grade 6 for a Year 9 Scholarship.
b) Sight Reading - Second Instrument (optional and if available)
One piece (sight reading on this instrument will be optional) - Singing
A short piece of the candidate's own choice. - Aural Tests
As appropriate to the standard of the performance being offered.
Overseas candidates who are unavailable for interview at Ratcliffe College, must submit compositions, CDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from music tutors at their current school. Any overseas candidates awarded a Music Scholarship, on the basis of written or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival. On the evidence of this test, the award of the scholarship will either be confirmed or declined.
The School reserves the right to withdraw any such scholarship if it emerges that the student is not of a sufficient standard in all areas of their musical study, or has not made a bonafide application.
Director of Music – Mr Edward McCall (01509 817000)
ART & DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP: YEAR 7
An Art & Design Scholar is expected to show genuine enthusiasm and consistency of effort as well as demonstrate artistic and/or design talent.
An Art Scholarship can be retained until the end of Year 13 providing that in Years 7 and 8, the student attends at least one Art & Design club each week and participate in the life of the Department. In Years 9 – 13, they are required to take an active interest in the after-school activities provided by the Art & Design Department throughout the year.
In Design Technology, the Head of Art & Design will look for a student who enjoys solving problems by making or building, drawing upon systems and electronics, studies of materials and construction. Each candidate is expected to show an enthusiasm for the subject beyond the classroom, and to demonstrate an enquiring mind and a lively interest in what makes the world ‘tick’.
At entry into Year 7, Ratcliffe College must, prior to the assessment, also receive from the potential Art & Design Scholar’s present teacher a written report on his or her talent, commitment and approach to the subject.
Assessment at Year 7 entry
An interview is arranged during the visit to the Art & Design Department giving an opportunity for the Head of Art & Design and/or Department staff to talk with the potential scholar.
Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview:
1) EITHER: a portfolio of art work containing at least 6 neatly presented pieces of work of any size in any medium of painting, drawings, prints, etc. (Three-dimensional work can also be submitted or photographed.) Sketchbooks are very valuable.
OR: a portfolio of photographs and drawings of things made. Any actual models that are transportable would also be beneficial.
2) A personal written response to one piece of work that you admire or by which you have been influenced.
On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical exercises run by a member of staff. This is usually based on still life, or model making.
Overseas candidates, who are unavailable for interview at Ratcliffe College, must submit photographs, CDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by a reference from an art and design teacher at their current school. JPEGS can be e-mailed for the attention of the Head of Art. Any overseas candidates awarded an Art & Design Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival. On the evidence of this test, the award of the scholarship will either be confirmed or declined.
The School reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.
Head of Art & Design – Mr Dominic Berry (01509 817000)
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP: YEAR 9
An Drama Scholar is expected to show distinctive dramatic skills, relative to their age, which are reflected in a genuine enthusiasm, an understanding of the medium and a consistency of effort.
A Drama Scholarship can be retained until the end of Year 13 providing that the student continues to be involved in a drama club or society separate to their current school, in addition to having taken part in school productions.
At entry into Year 9, prior to the assessment, Ratcliffe College must also receive from the potential Drama Scholar’s present teacher or tutor a written report on his or her talent, commitment and approach to the subject.
Assessment at Year 9 entry
An interview is arranged during the visit to the Drama Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Drama to talk with the potential scholar.
Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview:
A portfolio showing evidence of involvement in drama. This can include photographs, programmes, press cutting, certificates, etc.
On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to perform a short monologue, lasting a minimum of 2 minutes, which they should have prepared and memorised for the occasion.
Overseas candidates, who are unavailable for interview at Ratcliffe College, must submit photographs, CDs, DVDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from specialist tutors at their current school or club. Any overseas candidates awarded a Drama Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival. On the evidence of this test, the award of the scholarship will either be confirmed or declined.
The School reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.
Head of Drama – Mrs Claudette Caven-Henrys (01509 817000)
BURSARIES
There are three forms of bursarial assistance offered by Ratcliffe College: Ratcliffe College Bursaries, Ratcliffian Association & Cunningham Fund Bursaries and Peter Daley Bursaries.
Ratcliffe College Bursaries:
A limited amount of bursarial assistance is available to encourage the inclusion of children, from all sections of society, whose parents feel that they can share in and benefit from the ideals and environment of the School.
Such assistance is usually offered to children joining in Year 7 and above.
To apply, you need to complete the Statement of Financial Circumstances form available from the Registrar’s Department. This is to be completed and returned at the same time as the application to join the School is made.
Subject to meeting the School’s standard entrance assessments, bursarial applications are assessed by the Headmaster and the Director of Finance, who will forward their recommendations to the panel of Governors responsible for the bursaries, for approval.
In order to give meaningful assistance to as many students as possible, bursaries would not normally be awarded at a level greater than 30% of the full day fee.
The awards are reviewed annually.
Further information can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, registrar@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk
Ratcliffian Association Trust Bursaries:
Ratcliffe College is indebted to the Ratcliffian Association Trust, which seeks to provide financial assistance towards the cost of fees for a student who currently attends Ratcliffe College and whose parents encounter financial difficulties owing to a significant change of personal circumstances.
Applications are put forward directly to the Clerk to the Trustees. Details are available from the Director of Finance, drobson@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk (01509 817005), who will be happy to discuss any issue prior to application.
Applications are determined by a means-tested process. Support of the Catholic, Christian ethos of Ratcliffe College is a significant factor in determining these bursaries.
The decision to award (or not award) a bursary and the size of the bursary are then decided by the Ratcliffian Association Trust, in consultation with the Headmaster.
The Awards are usually reviewed every two years.
Peter Daley Bursaries:
In addition, the Headmaster, Mr Gareth Lloyd (01509 817006) has a limited number of Peter Daley Bursaries available, primarily to support existing families within the context of a Catholic, Christian community, with an emphasis (but not exclusively) upon boarding.
Subject to meeting the School’s standard entrance assessments, applications for the Peter Daley bursaries are assessed by the Headmaster and the Director of Finance, who will forward their recommendations to the panel of Governors responsible for the bursaries, for approval.
General:
If a bursary is awarded, it is tenable for twelve months; normally it will be re-awarded if there has been no significant change in the family’s financial circumstances. Therefore, the annual review of the family’s financial position may lead either to the bursary being renewed on the same terms or, if the financial situation has changed significantly, to it being decreased or (funds permitting) increased. In addition, the School reserves the right to withdraw a bursary should a pupil’s conduct or work prove unsatisfactory and there is evidence that he or she is not making the most of the opportunities provided by the School.
We encourage families who feel that they may require the support of a bursary in order to send their son or daughter to the School, to discuss the matter with the School well in advance of the entrance assessments to Ratcliffe College. In some cases the School may recommend that a pupil be entered for consideration of a scholarship as an alternative method of possibly helping a family to afford the fees.
Headmaster,
September 2011.
