Academic rigour forms the cornerstone of an Ashford education, and our Academic Scholars are right at the vanguard of learning in the Senior School. As holders of an award, scholars are expected to engage fully with the Academic Scholars’ programme and take a proactive approach to their studies. We seek to ensure that all our scholars remain consistently challenged and able to set the benchmark for all students.   

To guarantee that all scholars are fully supported through academic life, each lower and middle school scholar is assigned both a staff and a Sixth Form mentor who meets them on a half-termly basis to discuss progress, challenges and points for development. These sessions are used as a springboard for academic discussion, promotion of wider reading and exposure to new ideas.   

Academic Scholars also have access to our Octagon Lecture Series, a bespoke programme of talks created to push students’ perception of and exposure to different subject disciplines.    

Additionally, scholars’ society teas are held on a termly basis. All Academic Scholars are treated to a meet-up with teas, hot chocolate and pastries served. From there, they participate in a briefing, activity or social time. These sessions build on the mentoring programme and encourage socialisation, cross-pollination of ideas, debate, exchange and cohesion.  

Assessment: 

Candidates are required to sit our entrance assessment, and the highest performers will be invited to a scholarship interview. 

The scholarship interviews take place at the Senior School and are conducted by the Director of Teaching and Learning and relevant Head of Section. Interviews last for a maximum of 20 minutes and include a range of in-depth questioning on academic record, interests and unseen texts. Each interview is meticulously scored, reviewed and discussed in conjunction with test performance before the final recommendation of awards.   

Our Academic Scholarship Package: 

If successful in gaining an Academic scholarship, our scholars have access to a rigorous package of stretch and support to ensure that they make the very best not only of their award but of their academic experience at the School.  

The central pillars of this are as follows:  

• Mentoring, with both staff and senior students 
• Lectures delivered by expert speakers, with follow-up seminars 
• Scholars’ society teas and socials  
• Scholars’ badge and recognition on our scholars’ noticeboard  
• Wider reading, article reviews, seminars, trips and enrichment 

Further information on these pillars are detailed in our Curriculum Pages.  

Our Expectation of Academic Scholars: 

At Ashford School, we have high expectations of Academic Scholars. The scholarship programme offers the opportunity to set the tone for academic excellence. Accordingly, scholars are expected to participate fully in the programme and act as role models for what hard work, high achievement and effective study skills look like at Ashford School. 

To apply: 

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form an Academic Scholarship Application Form.

Current Pupils at Ashford School: Please complete an Academic Scholarship Application form.

At Ashford School, our Art department trains pupils from Year 7 upwards to think independently and to be freely creative, therefore developing key skills that students need for their future at university and beyond.  

The aim for the department is that, whilst teaching the fundamental skills of drawing and old master painting techniques, we remain highly innovative and contemporary, offering various forms of new media, including full Adobe Creative Suite, film and animation. Our Art department is acknowledged as one of the very best because it encourages all students to step outside their comfort zone in a truly supportive environment. All students are taught the skills of observational drawing as well as experimenting with a huge array of artistic media – from digital imaging software for green screens, to ceramics, intaglio printing, reduction block printing, screen printing, various forms of textile techniques, dark room and digital photography.  

Assessment: 

Candidates are required to sit our school entry assessments and meet our minimum academic requirements.  If applying for an Art scholarship, candidates are required to send a summary of art achievements with their Scholarship Application Form. On review, the Head of Art will invite successful candidates to a practical assessment.    

On the practical assessment day, all candidates will be asked to bring a portfolio of work demonstrating a keen interest outside of School. A still life will be set up and candidates will produce observational studies.   Candidates will be asked to offer criticism of works of art.  There will be an informal conversation with the Head of Art. 

Criteria for an Award: 

For a minor award, candidates are expected to: 

• Demonstrate a good understanding of subject knowledge and engagement for Art 
• Show examples of excellent work produced both in and out of school 
• Have visited exhibitions, museums, galleries in own time and be able to discuss work seen 
• Be able to answer questions using art terminology 
• To show creativity in their work 
• To perform well in observational skills test, producing work that shows a good level of skill in composition, shading, accuracy of observations and details 

For a major award, in addition to the above, candidates are expected to: 

• Show many excellent examples of work, created in their own time (not at school) that is either exceptionally skilled and/or creative 
• Be able to answer questions confidently using specialist art terminology 
• Demonstrate imagination, creativity and initiative in their artwork 
• Perform exceptionally well in the observational skills test 

Our Art Scholarship Package: 

If successful in gaining an Art scholarship, our scholars have access to additional experiences and opportunities, including: 

• Artist in residence advice and support 
• Opportunity to join co-curricular activities run by our artist in residence 
• Inspirational talks by professional artists 
• Opportunity to exhibit work at public exhibitions, alongside our artist in residence 
• Opportunity to exhibit work at various pop up exhibitions 
• Scholars’ badge and recognition on our Art Scholars’ noticeboard 

Our Expectation of Art Scholars: 

At Ashford School, we have high expectations of Art Scholars.  They will be expected to set a good example to other Art students by participating in and entering various publicised competitions and exhibitions advertised throughout the year. They will be expected to model exemplary behaviour within all Art lessons, leading group discussions and showcasing artwork in a positive and supportive manner.

 Art Scholars are required to study Art at GCSE and continue to study Art at A level. If a Scholar does not study Art at A Level, the Scholarship will end.  

To apply: 

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form an Art Scholarship Application Form.

Existing Pupils of Ashford School: Please complete an Art Scholarship Application form.

Ashford School has an excellent reputation for creating drama to extremely high standards.  Drama is taught to all year groups at Ashford School by two qualified, full-time specialist teachers. The subject is a popular choice at both GCSE and A Level and we are fortunate to benefit from two dedicated teaching and performance spaces: a studio and a 300-seat theatre.  Both spaces are equipped with lighting and sound equipment. We also have a full-time lighting and sound technician who manages the theatre and supports GCSE and A Level technical Drama students.

Lessons are supplemented with a wide variety of extracurricular activities both for traditional acting and technical options. We stage three major productions a year as well as several other performance and assessment evenings.

Speech & Drama lessons are delivered on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis, preparing for individual examinations in LAMDA, and other exam boards, as well as preparing students for entry in local festivals and competitions.

Assessment:

Candidates are required to sit our school entry assessments and meet our minimum academic requirements.  If applying for a Drama scholarship, candidates are required to send a Performance CV with their Scholarship Application Form.  On review, the Head of Drama will invite successful candidates to an audition.

At the audition, candidates will be expected to:

• Perform a monologue (of the candidate’s choice) showcasing their skills and ability to demonstrate characterisation and strong vocal and physical skills. The monologue could be from a contemporary or classical play but must be from a published performance text.  It should also not exceed three minutes in duration.
• Have a brief, informal interview with the Head of Drama to talk about the work the candidate has presented, and to discuss their dramatic interests and experience as outlined in the Performance CV.
• Perform an improvisation task of the department’s choice to demonstrate imagination, initiative and developed performance skills. This should demonstrate a contrast in character to the rehearsed monologue.

Criteria for an Award:

For a minor award, candidates are expected to:

• Display a good understanding of performance skills (voice, movement, characterisation)
• Share examples of previous performances
• Have visited the theatre
• Be able to answer questions using drama terminology
• Display good creative and imaginative skills when improvising
• Show developing confidence of the use of space within a performance scenario

For a major award, candidates are expected to:

• Have LAMDA qualifications, Merit and above, in a grade relevant to their age
• Have experience performing regularly in school or local productions
• Take part in drama outside of school
• Be enthusiastic and passionate about the subject
• Share many examples of previous performance experiences
• Have visited the theatre regularly
• Be able to answer questions confidently using drama terminology
• Display excellent creative and imaginative skills when improvising
• Have highly developed characterisation
• Show a strong ability to use space effectively within a performance scenario

Our Drama Scholarship Package:

We offer both major and minor Drama scholarships, depending on the ability of the pupil applying.  All Scholars will:

• Be part of the Drama Scholars’ club, which will meet regularly to workshop, develop and create performance material for showcasing
• Be involved in the rehearsal, development and performance of School productions, either on or off stage
• Mentor and support the production and performance processes in both curricular and co-curricular Drama
• Take the opportunity to direct and lead others by example
• Take weekly LAMDA lessons, either in 1:1 or 1:2 sessions, working towards examinations

Our Expectation of Drama Scholars:

All Drama Scholars are required to be available to participate in all School productions, and must be available to support productions that they are not participating in.  They must perform in showcase presentations and support others in lessons to aid confidence and creativity.  They must attend at least one co-curricular club and will be expected to lead, direct and guide students within workshops and drama lessons.  They will take weekly LAMDA lessons and work towards graded assessments as an actor.

Scholars are expected to study Drama at GCSE, alongside a strong commitment to co-curricular productions throughout the scholarship. Reviewed annually.

Scholars are expected to study Drama at A Level, but this is not compulsory. However, a strong involvement in co-curricular productions is mandatory in Sixth Form years.

Scholarships are reviewed annually by the department.

To apply: 

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form a Drama Scholarship Application Form.

Existing Pupils of Ashford School: Please complete a Drama Scholarship Application form.

The Ashford School Music department is a busy and thriving environment full of opportunities for those passionate about music. Led by Director of Music, Emily Hall, the department strives to encourage pupils to engage in any form of music that inspires and intrigues them. 

In addition to offering GCSE and A Level Music, the department boasts 16 peripatetic music teachers allowing pupils to have individual lessons in a wide range of instruments and / or vocal lessons. 

We are proud to be one of only 18 Schools in the UK to be an All Steinway School and have an extensive range of upright and grand pianos.  We have a range of practice rooms, a large rehearsal space and an IT suite dedicated to music composition. 

Music at Ashford School is celebrated by a programme of highly successful and inspiring concerts throughout the school year where our pupils are encouraged to perform. 

We host and support the Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra and Ashford Choral Society, as well as being a centre for ABRSM and Trinity music exams. 

Assessment: 

Candidates are required to sit our school entry assessments and meet our minimum academic requirements.  If applying for a Music scholarship, candidates are required to send a summary of their musical achievements and interests with their Scholarship Application Form.  On review, the Director of Music will invite successful candidates to an audition.   

At the Audition candidates will be expected to:   

• Perform two contrasting pieces, one unaccompanied (pieces or extracts should be no longer than 2 minutes) 
• Perform a third piece if they play two instruments (no longer than 2 minutes) 
• Carry out a sight reading test in line with the candidate’s current grade 
• Undertake an aural test in line with the candidate’s current grade 
• Have a short informal interview with the Director of Music 

Criteria for an Award: 

For a minor award, candidates are expected to:  

• Be at least Grade 2 or above or show potential in, and talent on their chosen instrument / voice (Year 7) 
• Be at least Grade 3 on one instrument, including voice (Year 9) 
• Have a record of progression through music examinations 
• Have past experience of participating in an orchestra or choir 
• Have experience of performing in concerts 
• Have experienced live musical performances 
• Be working towards/have an understanding of music theory 
• Have a passion for playing music! 

For a major award, candidates are expected: 

• To be at least Grade 3 on one instrument/voice (Year 7) 
• To play two instruments/voice, one to Grade 4 standard (Year 9) 
• Have a record of progression though music examinations 
• Have past experience of participating in an orchestra or choir 
• Be able to show leadership experience within an ensemble (Year 9 & 12) 
• Have experienced performing in concerts 
• Have experienced live orchestral, choral or operatic performances 
• To be working towards/have an understanding of music theory to Grade 2 (Year 7) and Grade 4 (Year 9) 
• Have a passion for playing music! 

Our Music Package: 

We offer both major and minor Music scholarships, depending on the ability of the pupil applying.  All Scholars gain from:   

• Specialist music equipment including the use of our Steinway Pianos 
• Experienced and professional visiting music teachers 
• Weekly music theory lessons 
• Regular performance opportunities 
• Year round mentoring programme focusing on monitoring progress 
• Master classes and workshops from professional musicians 
• Exposure to a variety of different musical genres through visits to concerts and productions 

Our Expectation of Music Scholars: 

Our Music Scholars will be expected to take yearly music examinations, to attend weekly music ensembles and take part in all concerts.  Major scholars will be expected to be role models and mentors to our younger musicians, to be an ambassador for the department and the wider community and to attend weekly music theory lessons.  Our Music Scholars will be expected to progress through their music examinations and are expected to study Music at GCSE and encouraged to study A level. 

Scholars are expected to study Music at GCSE, alongside a strong commitment to co-curricular productions throughout the scholarship. Participation in the School Choir and/or Orchestra is compulsory dependent on scholarship.

For the right candidates, scholars are encouraged to continue study into A Level, alongside a strong commitment to co-curricular productions throughout the scholarship. Participation in the School Choir and/or Orchestra is compulsory dependent on scholarship.

Scholarships are reviewed twice yearly by the department.

To apply: 

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form a Music Scholarship Application Form.

Existing Pupils of Ashford School: Please complete a Music Scholarship Application form.

The Steinway Piano Scholarship Programme is designed to promote the use of the Steinway pianos and develop exceptional musicians through a rigorous music programme.

Senior Piano Scholar

• Grade 8+ candidates only
• 1 hour piano lesson
• 30 min instrumental lesson
• 30 min Aural Class
• 1 Chamber group per week
• MUST complete academic assessment
• All Scholars will be expected to be part of the School Choir

Intermediate Piano Scholar

• Grade 5+ candidates only
• 45 min piano lesson
• 30 min instrumental lesson
• 1 Chamber group per week
• MUST complete academic assessment
• All Scholars will be expected to be part of the School Choir

Beginner Piano Scholar

• Grade 2+ candidates only
• 30 min piano lesson
• 30 min instrumental lesson
• 1 Music Theory Lesson
• MUST complete academic assessment
• All Scholars will be expected to be part of the School Choir

Scholarships are reviewed twice yearly by the department.

Please note that there is no fee-discount attached to this award.

To apply:

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form and a Piano Scholarship Application Form.

Existing Pupils of Ashford School: Please complete a Piano Scholarship Application Form.

Sport is pivotal to life at Ashford School and the Sport scholarship programme identifies and develops our most talented sportsmen and sportswomen. Over recent years the School has had a record of excellent sporting performance at district, county and regional level with students going on to play national level sport. For those emerging athletes, we aim to provide students with the knowledge of what it takes to achieve in elite and professional sport, and the best opportunity to develop those characteristics. There are many talented athletes at Ashford School and it is our aim to recognise and nurture these talents.

All sports at Ashford School are taught by experienced coaches, several of whom play for, or coach, professional teams across Kent. Honing both physical and mental stamina, precision, confidence and team working skills, Ashford nurtures pupils to achieve sporting success.

Assessment:

Candidates are required to sit our school entry assessments and meet our minimum academic requirements.  If applying for a Sport scholarship, candidates are required to list their two main sports on their Scholarship Application Form.  On review, the Director of Sport will invite successful candidates to a practical assessment day.

On the practical assessment day, candidates will be assessed in the following areas:

• Team games including hockey, cricket, rugby, football or netball
• Individual activities with candidates having a choice between swimming, tennis or general fitness
• Fitness testing, which includes a 30m sprint, multi-stage fitness test, Illinois agility test, alternate wall toss, vertical jump and the press up challenge
• There will be an informal conversation with the Director of Sport

Criteria for an Award:

For minor and major awards, candidates are expected to:

• Demonstrate outstanding prowess in one of Ashford’s core sports (cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, football, swimming or pentathlon)
• Years 9 and 12 applicants – be at least county level in their main sport (or equivalent standard)
•  Year 7 applicants – have the potential to be county level in their main sport (or equivalent standard)

Be able to participate in more of Ashford’s core sports than just their area of specialism.

Our Sport Scholarship Package: 

We offer both major and minor Sport scholarships, depending on the level of the pupil applying.  All scholars are given a bespoke training programme in line with their age and maturity.  As well as catering for the physical development of our young athletes, we provide the opportunity to learn relevant sports psychology, sports nutrition and avenues towards professionals’ sports.

Our Sport Scholars participate in a weekly activity where they have access to:

• Highly qualified coaches
• Excellent sports facilities
• Competitive sport opportunities at all levels
• Regular structured training
• One-to-one and small group coaching with technical analysis
• Inspirational talks by professional athletes and sport scientists
• Year-round development in their sport
• Pathways to district, county, regional and national level sport
• A sports mentor
• Strength and conditioning programmes
• Regular fitness testing/screening
• Access to expert support in nutrition and psychology
• Medical and physiotherapy advice and support from the health centre and Northside Clinic (physiotherapist) with a 50% discount

Our Expectation of Sport Scholars:

Sport Scholars are expected to contribute fully to the sports programme at Ashford School and should commit themselves to as many sports as possible, not just in their area of specialism.

PE GCSE and BTEC Sport is not compulsory for scholars.

Please note that you cannot apply for both a Sport and a Swimming Scholarship.

To apply: 

External Pupils: Please complete both a School registration form a Sport Scholarship Application Form.

Existing Pupils of Ashford School: Please complete a Sport Scholarship Application Form.