The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) offers talented and deserving girls scholarships and bursaries at 11+ and 16+ entry. They particularly focus on girls for who would find a GDST education truly life-changing.
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) offers talented and deserving girls scholarships and bursaries at 11+ and 16+ entry. They particularly focus on girls for who would find a GDST education truly life-changing.
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 girls 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.
2020/21 – For entry in September 2021
Scholarship and Bursary applications for this year group are now open.
Year 7 Entry 2021 Key Dates
Taster Experiences, Meetings with the Head and Tours of the School
We have a full programme of virtual taster events running through the Autumn term.
Application dates:
Monday 30 November 2020 – Bursary application deadline
Please note, all bursary applications must be made prior to attending the January Assessment Day.
Friday 4 December 2020 – Application deadline
Friday 4 December 2020 – Scholarship application deadline
Assessment dates:
Monday 4 January 2021 – Assessment Day Part 1
Saturday 8 January 2021 – Assessment Day Part 2 (Activities and Interviews)
January 2021 – Scholarship assessments
February 2021 – Offer letters released to parents
March 2021 – Deadline for confirming your acceptance of a place offered
Please note: due to the current Covid19 situation we reserve the right to amend these dates nearer the time if necessary, however, we will do our very best to stick to this timetable.
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 girl must have performed exceptionally well in our Year 7 Assessment Day.
The girl’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 £35,000 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 £85,000, 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 January Assessment Day.
Key dates:
Bursary Application deadline: 30 November 2020
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Scholarship Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment Day for Entry in Sept 2021: January 2021
Scholarship assessments take place in late Jan/early February after candidates have taken our main entrance examinations in January.
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 January 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.
Key dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessments: throughout January 2021
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
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment: Following consideration of applications by the Director of Music auditions will take place at Brighton Girls in January 2021 for September 2021 applicants.
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 2021, for September 2021 applicants.
Assessment
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment: Following consideration of applications by the Director of Sports the Sports Scholarships assessment day will take place at Brighton Girls in January 2021 for September 2021 applicants.
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
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment: Following consideration of applications by the Director of Drama auditions will take place at Brighton Girls in January 2021 for September 2021 applicants.
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
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment: Following consideration of applications by the Director of Dance assessments will take place at Brighton Girls in January 2021 for September 2021 applicants.
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
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 4 December 2020
Assessment: Portfolio’s should be submitted on Monday 11 January. Following consideration of portfolios by the Director of Art interviews will take place at Brighton Girls in January 2021 for September 2021 applicants.
Year 7 2021 (11+)
Application deadline: Friday 4 December
Late applications for a place in Year 7 2021 will be considered by the Head. Please note, our Bursary application deadline has passed.
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. At Sixth Form we have two fully funded places available.
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 full programme of virtual taster events running throughout the Autumn term. Please contact admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net for dates and sign up details.
Key Dates:
Throughout January – One to one meetings to discuss Your A-Level options and our #Brightfutures programme” with Assistant Head, Mrs Angela Watson
Monday 8 February 2021 – Scholarship application deadline
15 February 2021- 23 February 2021 – Presentations and interviews
Monday 1 March 2021 – Offer letters released to parents and girls
Monday 22 March 2021 – Acceptance deadline
August – GCSE results confirmed
Please note: due to the current Covid19 situation we reserve the right to amend these dates nearer the time if necessary, however, we will do our very best to stick to this timetable.
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.
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:
We 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 are awarded based on performance in our entrance assessment process. Two fully funded (100%) places are available in Year 12.
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 2021 subject to her achieving the GCSE grades required and following receipt by the School of proof of GCSE grades attained.
The girl’s parents must be assessed as eligible for a Bursary Award by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Financial Means Assessment.
A small number of Year 12 Academic Scholarships are awarded each year. These go to girls 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. Girls applying will have an interview or an audition with the relevant Head of Department and the current Head.
VIRTUAL EVENT: One to one meetings to discuss your A-level options and our #Brightfutures programme – are available with Assistant Head, Mrs Watson.
Virtual Open Evening & Tasters
Monday 8 February 2021 – Application deadline
11+ Early Doors Pre-Assessments (Year 5 for entry 2022)
Pre-assessments in Year 5 are available for those applying to join Year 7. The assessment is not a compulsory part of the admissions process but many families may find it useful.
Conditional offers will be made for 11+ entries in 2022 and bursary applications will be considered. Accepted pupils will be invited to take part in special school events and activities held throughout the year.
Early Doors Assessments will consist of small group session with 3-4 candidates and a member of the Early Doors Assessment Team. Candidates will be asked to talk about some of their current work and favourite activities at school. There will be a chance for candidates to interact and for them to complete a variety of practice questions in Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR).
Applicants who are awarded firm or conditional places are then able to apply for Scholarships prior to September 2022 entry in the usual timetable.
Bursary Assessment
Early Doors bursary applications will be considered. Please refer to Admissions for further information.
Key dates:
Application deadline: Monday 8 February 2021
Assessment for entry in September 2022: February 2021
Please note: due to the current Covid19 situation we reserve the right to amend these dates nearer the time if necessary, however, we will do our very best to stick to this timetable.
Taster events will run throughout the Autumn term. Please contact admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net for dates and sign up details.