A scholar is someone prepared to show full commitment, enthusiasm and perserverance to their future education as well as being academically / musically able. They must also show critical thinking skills and learn, lead, whilst making a difference.
1854 Scholar
At Freemen's we are committed to recognising and nurturing exceptional talent across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Our scholarship programme is meticulously crafted to support and enhance the skills of outstanding students who are entering at the ages of 11+, 13+, and 16+. We offer a comprehensive array of scholarships, ensuring that talented and ambitious students can flourish in an environment that celebrates and supports their achievements.
Our scholarships cover a wide range of areas, including: Academics, Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Design and Technology.Each scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers extensive support and enrichment opportunities. These include personalised mentoring, external trips, specialised workshops, and memberships to exclusive clubs. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where scholars can passionately pursue their interests, realise their potential, and contribute meaningfully to the dynamic life of our school community.
At Freemen's, we believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing individual talents. We encourage students and their families to explore our diverse scholarships offerings and embark on a journey of excellence and personal growth with us. Every child at Freemen's is inspired to explore their unique path, develop their skills, and achieve their aspirations in a supportive and enriching environment.
Scholarship application form link is for external candidates only
Academic Scholarships
We offer academic scholarships for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 to internal and external pupils.
There is no application process as candidates will be invited either following the entrance exams and interviews or following discussions with staff.
The academic scholarship assessments will take place in:
November for Sixth Form applicants
November for those applying for Year 7 and Year 9.
Music Scholarship
At Freemen’s, our music scholarship empowers musicians to reach their potential and enrich our vibrant community.
It supports talented students with free tuition for one instrument, dedicated Scholars’ Concerts, and subsidised music trips. Scholars join larger ensembles and smaller chamber groups, broadening their horizons under expert guidance. Weekly Jazz groups, a Music Production Club, and frequent concert opportunities are available. Scholars can also develop leadership skills by directing ensembles and choirs.
11+ Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are available to pupils seeking entry to Year 7 and to current Freemen's pupils in Year 6 on transition to Year 7. Applicants who wish to audition for a scholarship should be playing at grade 3 standard, although it is not necessary to have taken any grade examinations. Overall, it is desirable for a candidate to offer a second instrument/voice but not essential.
13+ Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are available to pupils seeking entry to Year 9 and to current Freemen's pupils in Year 8 on transition to Year 9. Applicants who wish to audition for a scholarship should be playing at grade 5 standard, although it is not necessary to have taken any grade examinations. Overall, it is desirable for a candidate to offer a second instrument/voice but not essential.
16+ Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are available to pupils seeking entry to Sixth Form and to current Freemen's pupils in Year 11 on transition to Sixth Form. Applicants who wish to audition for a scholarship should be playing at grade 7 standard, although it is not necessary to have taken any grade examinations. Overall, it is desirable for a candidate to offer a second instrument/voice but not essential.
Selection process for Internal and External Candidates
11+ Music Scholarships
Candidates should send in a video performance of two short extracts from two pieces on their first study, up to a maximum length of three minutes. A PDF of the scores should be sent in at this point.
Assessment day process
If invited to audition in person, candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces, one of which should be a complete performance of a piece submitted for the video recording. These two pieces should last up to a maximum of 5 minutes. If applicable, one piece on their second instrument should also be prepared for the audition. Printed scores of the music to be played in the audition should be supplied. Accompaniments will be provided by Music Department staff.
The audition will also include a Quick Study which will be provided fifteen minutes before the audition starts. The candidate will then be asked to play this in the audition. Some aural tests will be conducted, along with a conversation about their musical interests.
After the audition, there will be a chance to have a Q and A session with current Freemen’s music scholars along with a brief tour of the Music Department.
13+ Music Scholarships
Candidates should send in a video performance of two short extracts from two pieces on their first study, up to a maximum length of five minutes. A PDF of the scores should be sent in at this point.
Assessment day process
If invited to audition in person, candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces, one of which should be a complete performance of a piece submitted for the video recording. These two pieces should last up to a maximum of 6 minutes. If applicable, one piece on their second instrument should also be prepared for the audition. Printed scores of the music to be played in the audition should be supplied. Accompaniments will be provided by Music Department staff.
The audition will also include a Quick Study which will be provided fifteen minutes before the audition starts. The candidate will then be asked to play this in the audition. Some aural tests will be conducted, along with a conversation about their musical interests.
After the audition, there will be a chance to have a Q and A session with current Freemen’s music scholars along with a brief tour of the Music Department.
16+ Music Scholarships
Candidates invited to audition should prepare two contrasting pieces on their first study. These two pieces should last up to a maximum of 8 minutes. If applicable, one piece on their second instrument should also be prepared for the audition. Printed scores of the music to be played in the audition should be supplied. Accompaniments will be provided by Music Department staff.
The audition will also include a Quick Study which will be provided fifteen minutes before the audition starts. The candidate will then be asked to play this in the audition and this will be followed by a conversation with the candidates about their musical interests.
After the audition, there will be a chance to have a Q and A session with current Freemen’s music scholars along with a brief tour of the Music Department.
The programme
Free tuition at school on one instrument
Participation in the annual programme of Music Scholar’s events
Subsidised Concert and opera trips
Regular dialogue with Music Department staff and instrumental teachers concerning progress
A dedicated annual Scholars’ concert
Opportunities to direct ensembles and choirs
Ability to request a fixed music lesson slot with our peripatetic teachers
Ability to request to take ABRSM or Trinity exams on site even where the student is taught externally
Cake Friday – an opportunity for Music Scholars to gather socially with each other and music staff
A dedicated common room is available for Music Scholars in Year 9 and above to perform music and to socialise.
The Freemen’s Programme aims to nurture and develop talented sports scholars, encouraging both individual and team achievements. Aligned with our sport vision to “Develop character and change lives through sport,” the programme provides a meaningful, balanced, and competitive sporting education. Scholars will receive comprehensive support, including mentoring, coaching, strength and conditioning, physical fitness, and mindset training, to enhance their sporting prowess.
There will be a choice from the following sports for the Freemen's Sports Scholarship Programme:
Boys – rugby, football, cricket, swimming or tennis
Girls – hockey, netball, cricket, swimming or tennis
The Freemen’s SPORT vision statement is to ‘Develop character and change lives through sport’, and the sports scholarship programme is a vital part of this. The mission of the department is to ‘To deliver a meaningful, balanced and competitive sporting education’. Our sports scholars must buy into the meaningful and competitive aspect of this mission and live it each and every day.
Scholars will be offered mentoring and coaching within the department, as well as support in their Strength & Conditioning, physical fitness, and sporting mindset; supporting them through a balanced programme of activities, practice and education to develop sporting prowess.
11+ Scholarships
At 11+ we are looking for pupils with strong athletic ability, who will represent the school A teams in 2 or more of the core sports. Pupils should be competing in Club sport away from school and be in or aspire to be in County or Academy pathways / programmes.
There will be a choice from the following sports for the Freemen's Sports Scholarship Programme:
At 13+ we are looking for pupils with outstanding levels of athletic ability, who will represent the school A / first teams in 2 or more of the core sports. Pupils should be regularly competing in club sport and be in, or around County / Regional or Academy pathways / programmes.
There will be a choice from the following sports for the Freemen's Sport's Scholarship Programme:
At 16+ we are looking for pupils with outstanding levels of athletic ability, who will represent the school first teams at least one of the core sports. Pupils should be regularly competing in club sport and be a part of County / Regional or Academy pathways / programs.
There will be a choice from the following sports for the Freemen's Sport's Scholarship Programme:
Selection process for Internal and External Candidates
Candidates will be assessed at Freemen’s during the school day. School staff will oversee the organisation and delivery of all assessments and meet to discuss the findings, making recommendations to the Director of Sport. Recommendations will be submitted to the Headmaster for final approval.
Two references will be required from either external coaches or school staff.
11+ Sport Scholarships
Candidates will be assessed as follows:
Fitness Assessment: strength, speed, agility, power
Fitness Assessment: strength, speed, agility, power
Game sense and conditioned game
Performance Assessment in 1 or 2 sports: Netball, Football, Rugby, Tennis, Cricket, Hockey, Athletics
The programme
Successful candidates will be assigned a mentor, to meet with them regularly to help support the pupil in their sporting journey. Each term, a lecture / talk will be arranged by the head of Performance which all scholars will be expected to attend.
Scholars will also receive coaching, one-to-ones, and bespoke strength & conditioning opportunities. They will also benefit from sport specific trips.
A Drama scholarship at Freemen's provides students with bespoke training and performance opportunities. The programme supports the school's vision of "Learn, Lead and Make a Difference" by helping students excel in their craft, take on leadership roles in creative projects, and positively impact their community. The Drama Scholarship includes fortnightly mentoring, annual workshops, and free membership to the Freemen's Theatre Club. Scholars are expected to participate in the Senior Play/Musical, lead a co-curricular club, and represent the department at selected Open Events.
11+ Drama Scholarships
Candidates will be required to perform two monologues, followed by a short interview
13+ Drama Scholarships
Candidates must provide one reference from a Drama professional/practitioner on their suitability and an example of their written work (theatre evaluation, script excerpt, past paper response)
16+ Drama Scholarships (GCSE grade 8/9)
Candidates who have not taken GCSE Drama must provide two references from a Drama professional/practitioner on their suitability and an example of their written work (theatre evaluation, script excerpt, past paper response)
All candidates will be asked what drama activities they do outside school (LAMDA, Stagecoach, theatre/dance clubs etc.)
Selection process for Internal and External Candidates
The entry points for a Drama Scholarship are 11+, 13+ and 16+ for both internal and external candidates. Assessment day process
Students should perform one classical monologue from a play – Shakespeare, Marlowe or Webster AND one monologue from a published play written post-1990.
Each piece should be no longer than one to two minutes and fully memorised. Students should also be prepared to discuss their monologues.
The programme
Fortnightly mentoring sessions
Annual practitioner workshop
Free membership to the Freemen’s Theatre Club
Scholars will be expected to be part of the company of the Senior Play/Senior Musical, lead a co-curricular club and attend selected Open events to represent the department.
The Freemen’s Programme nurtures talented and passionate art scholars. This scholarship recognises students with exceptional skills and a deep commitment to art. Recipients receive mentoring, coaching, materials, regular meetings with department staff, access to trips and workshops, and opportunities to exhibit their work. Scholars are also encouraged to run or assist in art clubs.
Applicants to submit a portfolio of work.
This can include any work that the student feels best displays them as an artist. Photographs of 3D work can be included, and staff would like to see at least one example of a sketchbook.
This portfolio will be brought with them when they attend a designated session.
Assessment day process
On arrival portfolios will be handed in to the department.
In this session applicants will be shown around the art department and meet staff and existing pupils.
They will undertake a drawing task using materials of their choice and asked to evaluate their work. The practical task will be in response to a still life set up in the art room. Time allowed will be dependent on age group.
11+ will have 40 mins
13+ / 16+ will have 1 hour
A member of staff will talk through the portfolio of work with the candidate on a 1:1 basis.
The candidates will have a chance to talk about their work and their interests in all aspects of Art.
It would be expected that the candidate has been to visit an exhibition or gallery recently.
The programme
Throughout the year the successful candidates will be encouraged to create their own artworks.
They will be provided with space and materials to do so.
Scholars will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work.
There will be regular meetings between scholars and department staff.
Scholars will be encouraged to reflect upon their artistic practices and to feedback about experiences in and out of school.
Dependant on age range and numbers, trips and workshops will be organised for scholars.
Scholars will be encouraged to enter external competitions.
Scholars will be expected to visit external exhibitions and to present their experiences and findings to a club/ class.
Learn, lead and make a difference: scholars are encouraged to run or assist in running an art club of some description.
The Freemen’s Programme for Design Technology aims to foster technically and practically skilled scholars. This scholarship recognises and supports talented students with a passion for practical problem-solving and creativity in Design Technology.
Recipients receive mentoring and coaching within the department to help them grow as designers and innovators. Throughout the year, scholars are encouraged to work on individual projects, meet regularly with department staff, attend trips and workshops, visit external events, and participate in or help run clubs.
11+ Design Technology Scholarships
Must have a keen interest in the subject.
Submit a report to describe a recent project the pupil has personally undertaken to design and build an object or device that solves a problem or does something fun.
Wood, metal, Lego, and Meccano are all potential mediums you could work in.
Please describe what it is, what it does, and how you solved problems to build it in no more than 300 words.
Please show two or three photographs of your product and two or three photographs of you making it.
13+ Design Technology Scholarships
Must be intending to do GCSE DT.
Submit a report to describe two recent projects you have personally undertaken to design and build objects or devices that solve a problem or do something fun.
The first project should be hand built by you using at least one of, wood, metal, plastic and, if necessary low voltage electronics.
The second project could be made from a kit or component-based system such as LEGO or Meccano, or it could be handmade like the first project.
For each project: Please describe what it is, what it does, and how you solved problems to build it in no more than 300 words.
Please show two or three photographs of each of your products and two or three photographs of you making each of them.
16+ Design Technology Scholarships
9 or 8 grade in GCSE Design Technology predicted by existing teachers and backed up by a internal summer exam result.
Must be taking A level DT.
A detailed report from existing GCSE Design Technology teacher expressing how the student is progressing with their GCSE studies, their attitude to learning, and NEA project management.
Submit on one A3 page 5 different, creative and original hand drawn design ideas for a clock. Show both 2D and 3D drawing techniques for each, label key features, materials and dimensions and explain the design movement style and inspirations.
Submit a report to describe a recent project you have undertaken to design and build an object or device that solves a problem or does something fun. Not your GCSE NEA project.
The project should be hand built, by you, using wood, metal, plastics and, if necessary low voltage electronics.
Please describe what it is, what it does, and how you solved problems to build it in no more than 300 words.
Please show two or three photographs of your product and two or three photographs of you making it.
Assessment day process
In this session applicants will be shown around the Design Technology department and meet staff and existing pupils.
They will undertake a design sketching task to assess their creativity and communication skills. (30 minutes)
They will complete a practical task with tools to assess their approach to use of tools and task instructions. (60 minutes)
They will complete a written test to assess their factual knowledge and evaluative skills. (30 minutes)
The programme
Throughout the year the successful candidates will be encouraged to work on their own projects.
They will be provided with space and safety guidance to do so.
There will be regular meetings between scholars and department staff.
Dependant on age range and numbers, trips and workshops will be organised for scholars.
Scholars will be encouraged to enter external competitions.
Scholars will be expected to visit external events and to present their experiences and findings to a club/ class.
Learn, lead and make a difference: scholars are encouraged to join and assist in running the Design Technology clubs.
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