Sport scholarships are awarded to outstanding, all-round sportsmen and women who can demonstrate notable standards of performance, character and ambition in one or more sports.
Sport scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 and will only be awarded to pupils who have passed the school’s entry assessments.
At Year 7, sports scholarships are available to girls and boys who can demonstrate the ability or potential to excel in a minimum of two of the College's main sports (rugby, hockey, netball, football and cricket) and demonstrate overall fitness, agility and proficiency across a range of sports.
In Year 9, sport scholarships are available for pupils who can demonstrate the ability or potential to be excellent in a minimum of two but preferably three of the College’s main sports; rugby, rowing, football and cricket for boys, and netball, hockey, football, cricket and rounders for girls. Candidates should not only be talented and skilful players, but should also demonstrate confidence, leadership and a depth of understanding in their main sport. It would be preferable, though not essential, if they have achieved some form of county, regional or even international recognition.
In their application, applicants should detail all their achievements from the past two years, endorsed by their current PE teacher, together with references from coaches or trainers. A character reference from their current school is also a prerequisite for entry into the scholarship group. During the assessment process, additional credit is given to those candidates who show the willingness to try sports to which they may not be accustomed.
The sport scholarship assessment becomes more specific for those pupils wishing to apply for a Year 12 award. Applicants must be able to excel in their given sport. They are not necessarily asked to demonstrate ability in other sports but should note that this would of course be advantageous. Boys can apply for scholarships in rugby, rowing, cricket or football, whilst girls are eligible for rowing, netball, cricket, football or hockey. Candidates would normally be of a regional standard or equivalent. They must have demonstrated commitment, dedication and leadership in their sport. Candidates would be expected to have a high level of fitness and mental toughness. As senior figures at the College, Sixth Form sport scholars would undoubtedly act as role models to younger pupils and should therefore demonstrate an excellent attitude and application across all academic and co-curricular pursuits. In exceptional circumstances, we may consider applications for scholarships in sports other than our main sports above. Such applicants would need to be outstanding in their sporting arena and be able to demonstrate how they would thereby contribute to College life.
Application is by online form, and selected applicants will be invited for assessment by the Director of Sport and/or the individual heads of sport. They will be expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership, communication and teamwork qualities whilst also showing a willingness to develop new skills. Candidates will be required to provide a specialist reference from their current Head of Sport and a coach in their specialist sport. Scholars will be expected to make a widespread and valuable contribution to Shiplake College sporting life throughout their time at the College. They should strive not only to raise their own sporting standards but also that of their peers and the College as a whole. A candidate's behavioural record should also be exemplary.