The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) offers talented and deserving students scholarships and bursaries at 11+ and 16+ entry. They particularly focus on students for who would find a GDST education truly life-changing.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Both the Girls’ Day School Trust and Brighton Girls were founded by philanthropists committed to making outstanding education available to young women – a legacy we are proud to continue today. We believe every girl who is bright and eager to learn should be given the opportunity to fulfil her potential regardless of financial circumstances. We therefore offer a limited number of bursaries to assist students joining us in Year 7 and Year 12.
These means-tested bursaries are called Brighton Awards, and it is essential that families who may wish to explore financial support options contact our Admissions Department well in advance of the proposed date of admission, so that they have the greatest chance of being considered for the limited funds available. We regret that we are unable consider late requests for additional funding support and all published deadlines will be adhered to.
Bursaries are available only in the Senior School and will only be awarded at 11+ (Year 7) and 16+ (Year 12) entry other than in exceptional circumstances.
More information is outlined below but if you have any further queries then please contact admissions at admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net or call 01273 280280.
Year 7 Bursaries are awarded based on performance in our entrance assessment process, school reference and interview.
To be considered for a Brighton Award:
A student must have performed exceptionally well in our Year 7 Assessment Day.
The student’s parents must be assessed as eligible for a Bursary Award by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Financial Means Assessment.
GDST Financial Means Assessment Eligibility
Bursary applications are assessed by the GDST, but an initial conversation about eligibility should always be had with our Admissions Department.
On receipt of your application we will advise you of the next steps, which will include completing on assessment of your family income and financial means. Bursary applicants will be assessed by the GDST and our staff may also make an appointment to visit you at home.
On completion of this process, the GDST will advise on whether you are eligible.
To assess who is eligible for a bursary we consider a range of objective criteria including the income and capital resources of the families applying. It is anticipated that bursary awards will last for the duration of the student’s time at school.
We re-assess every year to take account of significant changes in family income and circumstances. A bursary may go up or down to reflect these. This ensures those most in need receive our support.
Most higher-value bursaries are awarded to pupils from families with a total income of less than £37,500 per year who have no capital assets other than their home.
It is highly unlikely that a bursary would be awarded to a family whose annual income is greater than £87,500, other than in very exceptional circumstances.
A girl’s academic performance will be a key consideration when the School is deciding whether or not to award a bursary.
All bursary applications must be made prior to attending the December Assessment Day.
Scholarship assessments take place in January after candidates have undertaken our main entrance examinations .
Girls may apply for any combination of Scholarships and exhibitions. Scholarships cannot be deferred to a later point of entry and are time-limited. Pupils holding these awards are expected to be excellent ambassadors for Brighton Girls and their performance is reviewed annually.
Academic Scholarships
A small number of academic scholarships each year will be awarded to girls who perform very highly in the Entrance Examination taken in December of Year 6. There is no need to apply for these separately.
A small number of Temple Scholarships are awarded to candidates who we believe will make a significant contribution to the life of the school. We are looking for girls who will inspire their peers and act as ambassadors both for Brighton Girls and the Girls Day School Trust.
Areas for particular consideration are music, sport, drama, dance, art or any other activity to which the candidate brings a special enthusiasm or interest. Girls may apply for up to three areas for consideration.
Candidates will be initially assessed on the basis of a completed Temple Scholarship application form alongside their performance in the entrance Assessment.
Music Scholarships
Music scholarships and exhibitions are awarded to confident and inspirational musicians as part of our Temple Scholarship Awards. Our Music Scholars are expected to demonstrate sound technique and innate musical ability alongside a passionate commitment to, and genuine interest in, music. As such our Scholars are expected to contribute fully to the musical life of the school, show real commitment to our extra-curricular programme and inspire their peers.
All candidates are expected to offer two instruments, which can include voice, though applications are considered from musicians who show outstanding talent in only one instrument.
Applications for Music Scholarships are welcomed from girls who have attained Grade 4/5, but at this stage potential is regarded as being just as important. Girls who have not yet reached this standard but who exhibit significant musical potential may be considered for a Music Exhibition.
Assessment
- Girls will be asked to play two pieces – one on their first instrument and another on their second. An accompanist will be available on the day of the audition but candidates are welcome to organise their own.
- Some questions regarding musicianship and general aural skills will be asked.
- The audition will conclude with a short interview.
Vocal Scholarship
As part of our Music Scholarship Awards we have a new singing scholarship for entry in September 2023.
Sport Scholarships
Sport scholarships and exhibitions are awarded to pupils showing particular promise or commitment to sports as part of our Temple Scholarship Awards. Candidates applying for a sport scholarship would preferably have experience in a variety of sports, although they must perform in at least one of our major sports: Athletics, Gymnastics, Hockey and Netball – other sports may be considered on an individual basis. We are also interested in those who perform at a high level (at least at club level) in a variety of sports including Cricket, Football and Tennis. Other sports will also be considered.
There is a Sports Scholarship assessment day in January 2023, for September 2023 applicants.
Assessment
- Girls will be invited to complete an assessment session run by our Director of Sport
- All aspects of an individual’s performance will be considered during the session such as ability, attitude and enthusiasm
- The assessment will conclude with an interview
Sports scholarships include the following areas:
Skateboard Scholarship
Gymnastics Scholarship
Football Scholarship
Drama Scholarships
Drama scholarships are awarded as part of our Temple Scholarship Awards. Our Drama Scholars are expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to, and genuine interest in drama and performance art. As such our Scholars are expected to contribute fully to dramatic arts at school, show real commitment to our extra-curricular programme and inspire their peers.
Assessment
- Girls will be invited to take part in a practical Drama workshop lasting between 40 minutes and an hour, along with the other applicants. This will consist of read-throughs and improvisational tasks to test your ability to work within the group and your creative and imaginative thinking.
- Girls will be asked to perform one monologue (no longer than 2 minutes) – this can either be classical or contemporary, but should be age appropriate and we are looking for natural ability so do not feel that the piece has to be over-staged or choreographed
- The audition will conclude with a short interview.
Dance Scholarships
Dance scholarships are awarded as part of our Temple Scholarship Awards. Our Dance Scholars are expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to, and genuine interest in, dance. As such, our Scholars are expected to contribute fully to dance at school, show real commitment to our extra-curricular programme and inspire their peers.
Applications for Dance Scholarships are welcomed from girls who have attained Grade 3 or equivalent in at least one genre but, at this stage, potential is regarded as being just as important. Girls who have not yet reached this standard but who exhibit significant potential may be considered for a Dance scholarship.
Assessment
- Girls will be invited to an audition workshop, where they will take part in a short Contemporary-based class and will also have the opportunity to demonstrate creativity in response to a choreographic task
- Dancers will be assessed on their physical, technical and expressive capabilities, as well as their engagement, enthusiasm and ability to work effectively with others
- The assessment will conclude with an interview
Art Scholarships
Art scholarships and exhibitions are awarded as part of our Temple Scholarship Awards. Our Art Scholars are expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to, and genuine interest in the arts. As such Scholars are expected to contribute fully to the artistic life of the school and show real commitment to our extra-curricular programme.
Assessment
- Girls will be required to present a portfolio of current work, which should include one example of a drawing, painting, as well a 2D or 3D work (in photographic form). A sketchbook should be submitted alongside the above. Portfolio’s should be no bigger than A2 and should be submitted.
- Applicants will be invited for a short informal interview. The when girls will then be asked a range of questions related to their interests in Art including their favourite artists or shows recently attended.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
The key difference is that a bursary is means-tested and a scholarship is not. We offer bursaries so that a GDST education is accessible to the best and the brightest girls, including those who are not in a position to pay full fees.
A bursary takes into account academic ability but its value is directly related to the income and financial resources of your family. Scholarships are awarded purely on academic (or sporting, or artistic, or dramatic, or musical) merit, as measured in our entrance exam or subsequent scholarship process, and take no account of family income or resources.
Who can apply for a bursary or scholarship?
Our GDST bursaries and scholarships are available to any student for 11+ and 16+ entry. A girl may hold two scholarships at any one time, and they may also be held in conjunction with a bursary.
Could a bursary or scholarship be withdrawn?
Very rarely, the school may withdraw a bursary or scholarship if, for example, you provide inaccurate information, or your child’s behaviour or work is unsatisfactory. Please also note that we reassess each family every year to take account of significant changes in family income and circumstances.
A bursary may go up or down to reflect these changes. This ensures that those most in need receive our support.
Key dates
Registration for Year 7 2023 (11+)
Applications for Year 7 2022 remain open.
Scholarship and bursary applications for this year group are now closed.
Registration for Year 7 2024 (11+)
Applications are now open for Year 7 2024
Taster Days
Taster events will run throughout the Autumn term.
Find out more information on our Taster Day page.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to recruiting girls whom we believe are most likely to flourish at Brighton Girls, regardless of their means. To this end, GDST has specific funding available every year for fully and partially-supported places for talented girls. Please see the following Bursary pages for information.
It is essential that families who may wish to explore financial support options contact our Admissions Department well in advance of the proposed date of admission, so that they have the greatest chance of being considered for the limited funds available. We regret that we are unable consider late requests for additional funding support and all published deadlines will be adhered to.
More information is outlined below but if you have any further queries then please contact admissions at admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net or call 01273 280280.
Sixth Form Entry
Taster Days, Meetings with the Head and Tours of the School
We have a programme of events running throughout the Autumn term.
Key Dates:
Throughout January – One to one meetings to discuss Your A-Level options and our #Brightfutures programme with Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Lorrayne Lainchbury.
Monday 6 February 2023 – Scholarship application deadline
20 February 2023- 24 February 2023 – Presentations and interviews
Monday 6 March 2023 – Offer letters released to parents and girls
Monday 20 March 2023 – Acceptance deadline
August – GCSE results confirmed
Academic Scholarships
To be eligible Sixth Form candidates should be predicted a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade 8 and four GCSEs at Grade 7.
Assessments for this will be linked to an A-Level subject of the candidate’s choosing and assessments will take place in February. In addition, there are formal interviews with the Head and a senior member of staff.
- Minerva Scholarships - All Rounder
To be eligible for an all-round award Sixth Form candidates should be predicted a minimum of 7 GCSEs at Grade 7.
In addition to showing academic endeavour, Girls must demonstrate commitment in three of the following areas:
• academic strength in any one area, for example a language, art, music, dance, drama, STEM or sport• service, for example as a Captain/Prefect/Head of School or evidence of contribution outside school, within the communityWe will also consider other pursuits not listed, relevant supporting references may be submitted as part of this application.
Candidates applying for a scholarship will have an interview/audition with the relevant Head of Department and the Head.
- Year 12 Bursaries
Year 12 Bursaries are awarded based on performance in our entrance assessment process.
To be considered for a Brighton Award girls are required to:
Provide their predicated GCSE grades
State their preferred choices for subjects at A-Level study
Attend an interview with the Head or a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team.
Provide a recent report from their current school.
Based on the above a pupil may be offered a provisional place in our Sixth Form and a Bursary Award. Confirmation of a place and/or Bursary Award will be made in August 2023 subject to her achieving the GCSE grades required and following receipt by the School of proof of GCSE grades attained.
The student’s parents must be assessed as eligible for a Bursary Award by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Financial Means Assessment.
- Year 12 Academic Scholarships
A small number of Year 12 Academic Scholarships are awarded each year. These go to students who perform highly in their mock GCSE exams and in the scholarship exam and interview.
An interview then explores how each girl thinks they can contribute academically to the Sixth Form.
There are a number of prestigious bespoke scholarships available to girls entering Year 12. Students applying will have an interview or an audition with the relevant Head of Department and the current Head.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
The key difference is that a bursary is means-tested and a scholarship is not. We offer bursaries so that a GDST education is accessible to the best and the brightest girls, including those who are not in a position to pay full fees.
A bursary takes into account academic ability but its value is directly related to the income and financial resources of your family. Scholarships are awarded purely on academic (or sporting, or artistic, or dramatic, or musical) merit, as measured in our entrance exam or subsequent scholarship process, and take no account of family income or resources.
Who can apply for a bursary or scholarship?
Our GDST bursaries and scholarships are available to any student for 11+ and 16+ entry. A girl may hold two scholarships at any one time, and they may also be held in conjunction with a bursary.
Could a bursary or scholarship be withdrawn?
Very rarely, the school may withdraw a bursary or scholarship if, for example, you provide inaccurate information, or your child’s behaviour or work is unsatisfactory. Please also note that we reassess each family every year to take account of significant changes in family income and circumstances.
A bursary may go up or down to reflect these changes. This ensures that those most in need receive our support.
Key dates
Registration for Sixth Form 2023 (16+)
Applications, including scholarship applications, are open for Sixth Form 2023
