Our Lady's Abingdon - McAuley Scholarship Application Form

McAuley Scholarship Application

At Our Lady’s Abingdon School we believe that every pupil should do their very best in whatever subject they select for study. Our motto, ‘whatever you do, do it well’ is aptly supported by our extensive scholarship programme which includes Academia, Art, Drama, Music and Sport. All scholarships are open to both internal and external candidates and are awarded in the academic year before they come into effect. The application process begins with completing the below ONLINE application form. This helps us determine your suitability for a specific scholarship programme. Scholarships are not means tested and may vary in value.

Pupil Details

First Name*

Surname*

Parent Email Address*

Parent Telephone Number*

What School are you currently attending*

Current Year*

Date of Birth

Address Details

Street Address*

City / Town*

County*

Postal Code*

Signature Date

Parent Signature

Supporting Documents

Please upload your most recent school report, all the documents requested in other sections of this form (dependent on the scholarship programme applied for), and any other documents in support of your application.

Scholarship Programme

Scholarship Programme:

Year group of entry: select one of:

Academic Scholarship (11+ / 13+)

Answer the following questions briefly (no more than 200 words):

Question 1: Which school subject to you enjoy the most and why?

Question 2: Tell us about a book you recently read. What did you learn from it?

Question 3: Tell us about a recent achievement you are proud of and the work you had put in to make it happen.

Question 4: What do you find the most challenging at school (or other learning) and what do you do in order to improve there?

Please upload two sample pieces of schoolwork (no more than 2 pages long each) from the last 12 months. Also upload any certificates for extra-curricular and academic achievements (such as best in year award or competition award)

Academic Scholarship (16+)

Question 1: Please list your participation and achievements in academic competitions and Olympiads within the last three years.

Question 2: What extra-curricular activities do you currently take part in (both academic and other)?

Question 3: OLA 6th Academic Scholars are expected to co-chair an academic or extra-curricular society for younger pupils. What society would you like to co-organise this way? Describe briefly (no more than 300 words) how you would run it.

Question 4: Choose a book (which is not covered). What did you learn from it?

Please upload a sample piece of academic work from the last 12 months which goes beyond the exam curriculum in subjects you study. Also upload any certificates for events you mention in your answers above.

Art Scholarship – 11+ or 13+

Please provide brief (one to two paragraphs) answers to the questions below:

Question 1: What first got you interested in creating art? What role does art play in your life?

Question 2: Why are you interested in applying for this art scholarship?

Question 3: Can you name an artist or art styles you admire and explain why?

Question 4: Describe a project or piece you’ve imagined but haven’t created yet.

Question 5: What aspect of art do you find most challenging and how do you plan to improve in that area?

Art Scholarship – 16+

Choose one of the options

Please answer each of the following questions in up to 400 words.

Question 1: Describe a piece of art you’ve created that you feel best represents your skills and vision. What makes it stand out?

Question 2: Imagine you're curating an art exhibition. What theme would you choose and why? Which artists (past or contemporary) would you feature?

Question 3: How do you handle critique about your work? Can you give an example of a critique that helped you grow as an artist?

Question 4: Where do you see yourself in the world of art in five years?

We request that you submit a portfolio containing 8 to 15 pieces of your most compelling work. Your portfolio should reflect a wide range of techniques, mediums, and concepts, showcasing your proficiency in at least two different mediums (e.g., graphite, ink, watercolor, acrylic, digital, mixed media, sculpture, photography, etc.). We encourage you to include works that demonstrate your understanding of composition, colour theory, and your ability to convey ideas or narratives through art.

For each piece, please provide a brief commentary (about 100 words) that discusses the concept behind the work, the process of creating it, and any challenges you encountered along the way. If applicable, also mention how this piece fits into your larger body of work or artistic journey.

Your portfolio is a reflection of your artistic identity and vision. As such, it should not only display technical skill but also originality and a clear personal voice.

Music Scholarship

Question 1: Please provide a record of musical experience and grades

Question 2: What qualities would a music scholar need to demonstrate?

Question 3: Which aspects of music performance, listening and composition inspire you to become a musician and a Scholar? Refer to at least one musician in your response. Answers should be approximately 500 words and presented as a formal piece of writing.

Please upload any evidence of your musical experience and grades with a short comment from a referee (in practice a current instrumental/singing teacher)

Drama Scholarship

Question 1: Please list your contributions, stating play titles and character roles, to drama at your present school or in activities outside of school.