Bursaries – Foundation Scholarships
The School has a strong history of providing fully funded places to students who would benefit from an education at the School, but for whom Independent Education is not financially viable. Each year, the School awards up to two Foundation Scholarships to new students. These cover 100% of tuition fees, plus additional assistance to cover extra costs (lunches, transport, uniform, equipment, trips etc.).
Foundation Scholarships are awarded to applicants who have shown that they will benefit greatly from, and contribute to, the environment at Reading Blue Coat, but for whom education at an Independent School is not accessible owing to their family’s financial circumstances.
All applicants wishing to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship should tick the box on the registration form where it asks ‘Do you wish to apply for financial assistance towards the fees?’ Once the form has been submitted, the Bursary Office will be in touch. If you have any queries relating to this, please contact bursar@rbcs.org.uk
Applications for students joining the School in September 2025 should be submitted by Friday 1 November 2024
Please be aware that students must be formally registered for entry before applying for a Foundation Scholarship.
Foundation Scholarships Policy September 2024
Each year Reading Blue Coat offers a number of scholarships celebrating students who demonstrate exceptional talent, passion, and potential across various fields.
Our scholarship programme is designed to ignite curiosity and foster growth. With personalised mentorship at its core, scholars are immersed in exciting opportunities that challenge them.
As a scholar, you’ll take on a leadership role, becoming a source of inspiration for your peers. We expect our scholars to be ambassadors, championing their areas of specialism.
These awards are honorary and do not carry any fee remission. They are a mark of distinction, recognising both achievement and potential. Scholars gain valuable experiences and opportunities that help them grow and make a lasting impact within the school community and beyond.
The closing date for scholarship applications is Friday 3 January.
Please be aware that students must be formally registered for entry before applying for a Scholarship.
ACADEMIC (11+ & 16+)
Who
Pupils with outstanding academic achievement as demonstrated by their entrance assessment outcomes.
What we offer
- Academically enriching scholars trip (weekend academic retreat for Sixth Formers)
- Programme of events focussed on extending academic aspirations
- Mentorship
What we ask
- Pupils act as role models within the School and ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School
- Attendance at academic enrichment clubs and societies
To apply
There is no need for 11+ students to apply. Selection will be based on entrance assessment outcomes.
16+ students will be invited to apply for the Sixth Form Academic Scholars Programme in January 2025
ART (11+, 13+ & 16+)
Who
Pupils with exceptional artistic ability, creativity and commitment.
What we offer
- Workshops held by external art practitioners
- Creative scholars exhibition evening to showcase talent and development
- Art Department mentoring sessions
- Complimentary school trip
What we ask
- Pupils act as role models within the School and ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School.
- Participation in Open Art Studios and studying art (GCSE and/or A Level) when the opportunity is presented.
To apply
Please complete the following form here
From January 2025 pupils will be invited for an interview and the opportunity to undertake a creative task and portfolio assessment.
DANCE (11+, 13+ & 16+)
Who
Pupils with strong technical ability, creativity and dedication to dance who show a commitment to inspiring others.
What we offer
- Workshops held by external dance companies or practitioners each year
- Creative scholars exhibition evening to showcase talent and development
- Drama Department mentoring sessions
- One to one support with external auditions
- Complimentary school trip
What we ask
- Students act as role models within the School and ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School
- Participation in dance productions and studying academic Dance when the opportunity is presented
To apply
Please complete the following form here
From January 2025 pupils will be invited for an interview and audition with academic assessment
DRAMA (11+, 13+ & 16+)
Who
Talented individuals with a passion for theatre who are eager to develop their acting and production skills and contribute wholeheartedly to the School’s vibrant Drama Department.
What we offer
- Workshops held by external theatre companies or practitioners
- Creative scholars exhibition evening to showcase talent and development
- Drama department mentoring sessions
- One to one support with external auditions
- Complimentary school trip
What we ask
- Students act as role models within the School and ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School
- Participation in drama productions and studying academic drama (GCSE and/or A Level) when the opportunity is presented
To apply
Please complete the following form here
From January 2025 pupils will be invited for an interview and audition with academic assessment
MUSIC (11+, 13+ & 16+)
Who
Musicians with exceptional skill and dedication, who demonstrate leadership in ensembles, show musical versatility, and are eager to inspire their peers.
What we offer
- Workshops held by external music practitioners each year
- Creative scholars exhibition evening to showcase talent and development
- Music department mentoring sessions
- One to one support with external auditions
- Complimentary school trip
What we ask
- Students act as role models within the School and ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School
- Participation in at least two musical ensembles and studying academic music (GCSE and/or A Level) when the opportunity is presented
To apply
Please complete the following form here
From January 2025 pupils will be invited for an interview and audition with academic assessment
SPORTS (11+, 13+ & 16+)
Who
Athletes who show outstanding ability, commitment, and a strong team ethos, with the potential to inspire others and uphold the school’s sporting excellence in our focus sports.
What we offer
- Access to the Athlete Development Programme which includes an individualised strength and conditioning programme, nutritional support and access to the School physiotherapist
- Trip to professional Sports fixture
- Sports lectures
- Sports Department mentoring sessions
What we ask
- Students act as role models both on and off the pitch and act as ambassadors for the department, inspiring others around the School
- Students compete for the School in fixtures for which they are selected (including weekends)
To apply
Please complete the following form here
From January 2025 pupils will be invited for an interview and assessment