Music Scholarships

Willington students, both singers and instrumentalists, have consistently been successful in gaining Music Scholarships or Exhibitions at their Senior School of choice.

As a general rule, the minimum standard for applying for an 11+ Music Scholarship is Grade 3 in the first instrument, although for many schools Grade 5 is the minimum for the first instrument and Grade 3 for the second. Voice is sometimes accepted as an additional instrument, or first study instrument at schools with strong choral programmes (such as Whitgift, Reed's, City of London, Trinity)

Several singers have achieved Minster Scholarships and Vocal Scholarships without having taken any formal music examinations.

Successful students are usually involved in a variety of co- and extra-curricular musical activities, display an interest in composing and/or have made rapid progress in their musical studies. Some participate at Regional and National Level in groups such as National Children's Orchestra, London Youth Choir, National Youth Choir, NYMT or BYMT (musical theatre organisations).

Technical ability and personal passion for musical activities and the chosen instrument/s are the most important aspects of a music scholar's application.

Individual schools have detailed information about the requirements and application procedure - it is worthwhile to investigate this information and make contact with the Music Department of any schools in which your son or daughter is interested in attending. The school does not make scholarship applications on students' behalf - interest in applying is usually indicated on the registration form or by supplementary form at the time of application to the school/s of interest.

Music Scholarship preparation classes are run in the Summer Term of Year 5 and the Autumn/Spring Terms of Year 6 for applicants who choose to attend. These classes are also available to those who may not yet be certain if they wish to apply but wish to receive training in the aural, sight-reading, performance and musicological skills required for success in auditions. The Director of Music will begin conversations with potential applicants at the start of KS2 and any student who is identified as having potential interest in 11+ music scholarship application will be guided through the process from this time.