Scholarships & Bursaries

We have a vast range of financial aid opportunities available including bursaries, scholarships and The Maynard Award. Our fees assistance can cover up to 100% of your daughter’s education.

Fees assistance at The Maynard School takes two forms: means-tested bursaries, based on parental income, and Awards or Scholarships which are awarded to girls who are academically exceptional, have particular talents in Music, Sport, Art or Performing Arts, or are all-rounders who contribute significantly to school life.

Take a look at our range of fees assistance packages below.

If your daughter would benefit from the educational experience at the Maynard School, but your family is not in a position to cover the full fees, she may well be eligible for a means-tested bursary. A bursary is calculated by the Finance Office and can account for up to a 45% reduction in fees according to parental income, but as a general guide, a family with a combined income of £60,000 and over will not be eligible.

Applicants will be asked to submit evidence of income and other financial information. This will be reviewed annually and continue through your daughter’s time at the school, including the Sixth Form. Please email [email protected] if you require a bursary application form.

The Maynard offers a number of scholarships and bursarial support to girls entering the school at 11+. Scholarships may be combined with a means-tested bursary.

All scholarships are awarded on merit and are worth 5-10% of the tuition fees. Scholarships are conditional upon the recipient’s active and full participation in appropriate academic, sporting, musical or creative activities at school. External candidates for scholarships must be registered in order to apply. Equally, talented internal candidates from Year 6 (11+) are also encouraged to apply.

Candidates can apply for up to two scholarships and may only hold a maximum of any two scholarships throughout their time at The Maynard.

Applications for 11+ scholarships for September 2026 entry are now closed. For further details, please contact our Admission Team on [email protected] or on 01392 355998.

Academic

Assessment Process:

Candidates will be invited to a short interview with our Head, Mrs Gregory. They are encouraged to bring with them examples of their academic achievements and any particular areas of interest.

Candidates will be asked a series of questions to ascertain their intellectual curiosity, love of learning and appetite for exploring new ideas.

Scholarship decisions are based on 11+ assessment results, school reports and on their performance during their interview with the Head.

Scholastic Requirements:

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to maintain a high academic standard and show leadership in their scholastic approach to their studies, inside and outside of the classroom. It is expected that they will engage in wider clubs that are of an academic nature.

Academic Scholars are expected to be involved in the wider School community, helping at Open Mornings and being a role model for their peers.

Art

Assessment Process:

Candidates should include five images of their work with their online application.

They should also bring with them to the assessment day a portfolio of work as well as their school sketchbook as a focus for discussion during interview. Unframed work is preferable and all large scale/3D work must be photographed.

Applicants will also be required to produce a piece of work from a given stimulus as part of the assessment day. Materials will be provided by the department.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Art and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Art to at least GCSE level. The Head reserves the right to remove the scholarship if the candidate decides to drop the subject for A-level.

Art Scholars are expected to be involved with Art clubs for younger students and helping in the department on Open Mornings.

Drama

Assessment Process:

Assessment is made by interview and observation of practical performance or skills. Candidates must prepare in advance a short monologue of no more than 2 minutes to perform from a published play.

Candidates will also be interviewed by the Head of Drama to discuss their understanding and interest of drama as a wider subject. They should be prepared to discuss any recent performances they have taken part in and any recent productions they have seen, either professional or amateur.

All candidates will also have a short interview with Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

Award holders are expected to audition for every drama production available to them. Additionally, they are expected to be good ambassadors for drama around the School and to take an active part in House Drama.

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Drama to at least GCSE level. The Head reserves the right to remove the scholarship if the candidate decides to drop the subject for A-level.

Music

Assessment Process:

Candidates should be at a standard of Grade 3 on at least one instrument. We are not expecting applicants to necessarily have already achieved this in advance of an audition, but we would like to hear performances of at least this level at the audition.

Candidates will be required to perform two pieces of music. This can entail either two pieces on one instrument or one piece on two contrasting instruments. A member of music staff can act as an accompanist, if required, and sufficient time will be given for rehearsal before the audition.

There will also be some sight-reading and aural tests appropriate to the experience of the candidate.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Music and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

A Maynard music scholar is expected to play a full role in the musical life of the School. Girls will be required to take part in at least one regular ensemble and perform in at least one concert or music event each term.

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Music to at least GCSE level.

Sport

Assessment Process:

Candidates for the Sports Scholarship will offer one or more sports to a high standard, preferably having reached at least county standard.

Candidates must be competing in one or more sports outside of the school setting. As well as demonstrating natural aptitude, candidates will be required to be a good role model within the department and show good attitude in all lessons or extra-curricular activities.

Within the assessment, candidates will be expected to undertake a range of performance-based fitness tests. Components of speed, agility, power, coordination and game based aerobic/anaerobic endurance will be assessed. The candidates will also be required to demonstrate their technical skills and tactical knowledge of their chosen sports.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Sport and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

Sports Scholars at The Maynard School will have the opportunity to:

• Regularly play sport in both team and individual sporting competitions
• Become members of the Athlete Development Programme
• Benefit from general and specific strength and conditioning
• Be mentored throughout the duration of their programme.

Award holders are expected to maintain a high standard of fitness, represent the school in various sporting competitions and house matches, trial for representative sides and demonstrate the behaviours that would be expected of a higher performing athlete. Award holders will also be required to support the PE Department at school events, including Open Mornings.

The Maynard offers a number of scholarships and bursarial support to girls entering the school at 13+. Scholarships may be combined with a means-tested bursary.

Candidates can apply for up to two scholarships and may only hold a maximum of any two scholarships throughout their time at The Maynard.

Applications for 13+ scholarships for September 2026 entry are now closed. For further details, please contact our Admission Team on [email protected] or on 01392 355998.

Academic

Assessment Process:

Candidates will be invited to a short interview with our Head, Mrs Gregory. They are encouraged to bring with them examples of their academic achievements and areas of interest they have.

Candidates will be asked a series of questions to ascertain their intellectual curiosity, love of learning and appetite for exploring new ideas.

Scholarship decisions are based on 13+ assessment results (external applicants only), school reports and on their performance during their interview with the Head.

Scholastic Requirements:

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to maintain a high academic standard and show leadership in their scholastic approach to their studies, inside and outside of the classroom. It is expected that they will engage in wider clubs that are of an academic nature.

Academic Scholars are expected to be involved in the wider School community, helping at Open Mornings and being a role model for their peers.

Art

Assessment Process:

Candidates should include 10 images of their work with their online application.

They should also bring with them to the assessment day a portfolio of work as well as their school sketchbook as a focus for discussion during interview. Unframed work is preferable and all large scale/3D work must be photographed.

Applicants will also be required to produce a piece of work from a given stimulus as part of the assessment day. Materials will be provided by the department.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Art and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Art to at least GCSE level. The Head reserves the right to remove the scholarship if the candidate decides to drop the subject for A-level.

Art Scholars are expected to be involved with Art clubs for younger students and helping in the department on Open Mornings.

Drama

Assessment Process:

Assessment is made by interview and observation of practical performance or skills. Candidates must prepare in advance a short monologue of no more than 2 minutes to perform from a published play. Design candidates must present a portfolio of design ideas for a published play of their choice; either Lighting/ Set/ Sound/Costume. All candidates must be prepared to discuss a live theatre show that they have seen in the last two years.

Candidates will also be interviewed by the Head of Drama to discuss their understanding and interest of drama as a wider subject. They should be prepared to discuss any recent performances they have taken part in and any recent productions they have seen, either professional or amateur.

All candidates will also have a short interview with Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

Award holders are expected to audition for every drama production available to them. Additionally, they are expected to be good ambassadors for drama around the School and to take an active part in House Drama.

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Drama to at least GCSE level. The Head reserves the right to remove the scholarship if the candidate decides to drop the subject for A-level.

Music

Assessment Process:

Candidates should be at a standard of Grade 5 on at least one instrument. We are not expecting applicants to necessarily have already achieved this in advance of an audition, but we would like to hear performances of at least this level at the audition.

Candidates will be required to perform two pieces of music. This can entail either two pieces on one instrument or one piece on two contrasting instruments. A member of music staff can act as an accompanist, if required, and sufficient time will be given for rehearsal before the audition.

There will also be some sight-reading and aural tests appropriate to the experience of the candidate.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Music and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day.

Scholastic Requirements:

A Maynard music scholar is expected to play a full role in the musical life of the School. Girls will be required to take part in at least two regular ensembles and perform in at least one concert or music event each term.

Candidates awarded a scholarship are expected to study Music to at least GCSE level.

Sport

Assessment Process:

Candidates for the Sports Scholarship will be outstanding sportswomen who demonstrate exceptional skills for their age and who are playing one or more sports to at least county standard or higher. Ideally, the candidate’s expertise will be in one of the School’s major sports. Although other sports will be considered in the application, they may not be assessed on the day.

As well as demonstrating natural aptitude, candidates will be required to be a good role model within the department and show good attitude in all lessons or extra-curricular activities.

Within the assessment, candidates will be expected to undertake a range of performance-based fitness tests. Components of speed, agility, power, coordination and game based aerobic/anaerobic endurance will be assessed. The candidates will also be required to demonstrate their technical skills and tactical knowledge of their chosen sports.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Sport and by Mrs Gregory, the Head, during the assessment day. For this, they should prepare a short presentation about their sporting representations and achievements to date alongside any future ambitions.

Scholastic Requirements:

Sports Scholars at The Maynard School will have the opportunity to:

• Regularly play sport in both team and individual sporting competitions
• Become members of the Athlete Development Programme
• Benefit from general and specific strength and conditioning
• Be mentored throughout the duration of their programme.

Award holders are expected to maintain a high standard of fitness, represent the school in various sporting competitions and house matches, trial for representative sides and demonstrate the behaviours that would be expected of a higher performing athlete. Award holders will also be required to support the PE Department at school events, including Open Mornings.

The Maynard offers a number of scholarships and bursarial support to girls entering our Sixth Form. Scholarships may be combined with a means-tested bursary.

Candidates can apply for up to two scholarships and may only hold a maximum of any two scholarships throughout their time at The Maynard.

Applications for Sixth Form scholarships for September 2026 entry are now closed. For further details, please contact our Admission Team on [email protected] or on 01392 355998.

Academic

Assessment Process:

Candidates will be called to an interview. Candidates should bring with them to their interview a curriculum vitae and a short personal statement detailing their aspirations. At interview, they will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on a topic of academic interest (ICT facilities are available by prior request). This will then be followed by a brief conversation with the Head and Head of Sixth Form about their current achievements, academic aspirations, any extracurricular interests and their commitment to school.

An applicant’s predicted GCSE grades will also be taken into account during the selection process.

Scholastic Requirements:

Academic Scholars are expected to maintain a high standard of work, behaviour and commitment at all times, and to act as role-models for other pupils.

Art

Assessment Process:

All candidates will be called to interview. Candidates will be required to present a portfolio of their work at interview, which must include at least two pieces of GCSE coursework, together with supporting studies and sketchbook(s). Very large, or 3-D pieces should not be included, but rather photographed carefully from a variety of angles.

Candidates will be asked to talk about specific pieces of work they have included in their portfolio. In particular, they will be expected to discuss their influences from other artists, craftspeople, art-movements or cultures.

The Interview Day practical assessment will require candidates to produce a piece of work from a given stimulus. Materials will be provided by the Art Department.

Criteria for selection are as follows:

• Accuracy in drawing skills and evidence of work including observational drawing from first-hand source material.
• Evidence of work in a variety of media. Specialists in one area (e.g. drawing and painting) should be able to show evidence of a variety of techniques (e.g. watercolour, acrylic, oil, collage).
• Accurate and full visual notation in the form of sketchbooks or design sheets. This should reflect the working practice of the candidate, including research and development of ideas.
• Evidence of an understanding of the visual language of Art and Design and the role that the subject plays in all cultures, societies and times. The candidate should also have a degree of knowledge about individual artists and movements and be prepared to make informed critical judgements.
• Successful candidates will have made at least one visit to a gallery or exhibition in the past year, and be prepared to talk briefly about this experience.

Scholastic Requirements:

Art Scholars are be expected to contribute to, and promote, the work of the Art and Design Department; for example, through running Art clubs, helping at Open Mornings and/or assisting with Exhibitions.

Drama

Assessment Process:

Candidates will be called to interview. Candidates will be expected to prepare a short monologue from a published play text (lasting no more than two minutes) which they will perform to the panel. Importance will be placed on the candidate’s natural ability – their practical understanding of the character they are playing – and their understanding of the play as a whole.

Design candidates must present a portfolio of design ideas for a published play of their choice; either Lighting/Set/Sound/Costume.

Candidates will also be interviewed by a member of staff to discuss their understanding and interest in drama as a wider subject. They should be prepared to discuss any recent performances they have taken part in and any recent productions they have seen, either professional or amateur.

Scholastic Requirements:

Alongside auditioning for productions throughout the year, Drama Scholars are expected to be good ambassadors for Drama in the school taking an active part in school plays and House Drama, assisting with extra-curricular drama projects and taking every opportunity offered to visit the theatre in order to broaden their practical knowledge of the subject.

Music

Assessment Process:

All candidates will be called to interview. Candidates should be at a standard of Grade 7 on at least one instrument. We are not expecting applicants to necessarily have already achieved this in advance of an audition, but we would like to hear performances of at this level at the audition.

Candidates will be required to perform two pieces of music of her own choice: either one piece on two different instruments, or two different pieces on the same instrument. The candidate may use either the school’s accompanist or her own. If using an external accompanist, please supply details. If using the school’s accompanist, please ensure a copy of the music score is sent to the Admissions Department at least 1 week prior to interview.

Candidates will also be required to sight-read (singing or playing) a passage of unseen music.

The interview will also include a few short aural tests. (These will be similar to those set by the Associated Board at the level the candidate has already achieved.)

There will also be a short interview with the Director of Music.

Criteria for selection are as follows:

• Impact of performance (communication, commitment, involvement with the music, rapport with the audience).
• Technical accomplishment (accuracy, fluency and quality of tone).
• Awareness of style (expressiveness, interpretation, musical imagination).
• All-round musicianship (in performing, sightreading and aural tests).
• Interest in, and enthusiasm for, performing and participating in ensemble music (including musical ambitions).
• Potential (for continuing and further developing as a useful musician).
• Musical awareness (aptitude for the subject, display of interest in developing subject knowledge and competence).

Scholastic Requirements:

It is expected that a Maynard music scholar will play a full role in the musical life of the school. Girls will be required to take part in at least two regular ensembles and take part in a concert and/or musical event each term.

Sport

Assessment Process:

All candidates will be called to interview. Candidates for the Sports Scholarship will be outstanding sportswomen who demonstrate exceptional skills for their age and who are playing at least one sport and county level of above. Ideally, the candidate’s expertise will be in one of the School’s major sports. Although other sports will be considered in the application, they may not be assessed on the day.

Within the assessment, candidates will be expected to undertake a range of performance-based fitness tests. Components of speed, agility, power, coordination and game based aerobic/ anaerobic endurance will be assessed. The candidates will also be required to demonstrate their technical skills and tactical knowledge of their chosen sports.

All candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Sport and they should prepare a short presentation about their sporting achievements to date (alongside any future ambitions) and how they would contribute to sport at The Maynard.

Criteria for selection are as follows:

• A high level of sporting ability and impact as a performer with potential to develop their level of performance.
• Potential as a role model for aspiring younger performers within the school.
• Evidence of sporting achievement.
• Commitment and enthusiasm for their chosen sports with interest in and commitment to performing in school teams.
• Short interview.
• Preference will be given to students intending to study A-level PE.

Scholastic Requirements:

Sports Scholars at The Maynard School will have the opportunity to:

• Regularly play sport in both team and individual sporting competitions.
• Become members of the Athlete Development Programme.
• Benefit from general and specific strength and conditioning.
• Be mentored throughout the duration of their programme.

Award holders are expected to maintain a high standard of fitness, represent the school in various sporting competitions and house matches, trial for representative sides and demonstrate the behaviours that would be expected of a higher performing athlete. Award holders will also be required to support the PE Department at school events, including Open Mornings.

The Maynard Award Programme is an initiative aimed at making an excellent education more accessible, regardless of household income. It is designed purely for talented girls whose family is not in a position to cover the full fees.

In addition to all the usual scholarships and bursaries available, prospective students looking to join our Lower 6 (Year 12) can apply for a Maynard Award. This is a combination of scholarship & bursary which can potentially be worth up to 100% of the school fees. Year-on-year, we offer a minimum of two fully funded places into our Lower Sixth.

The Maynard Awards are allocated at the discretion of the Head, primarily for academic ability (but enhanced by other talents such as art, drama, music, sport), and are combined with a means-tested bursary based on total family income of less than £60,000.

We are an inclusive school and we hope that the Maynard Awards will open up many doors and provide opportunities to those who had previously ruled out the school because of financial circumstances.

Applications for Maynard Awards for September 2026 entry are now closed. For further details, please contact our Admission Team on [email protected] or on 01392 355998.

Who can apply?

External students interested in joining the Maynard Sixth Form can apply for a Maynard Award. You must be able to demonstrate excellent academic and, preferably, exceptional extracurricular achievements to be considered for a Maynard Award.

How to apply

You will need to complete the Maynard Award Application Form. Additionally, you will also need to submit a Bursary Application Form which can be obtained from the School Business Manager ([email protected]) and the Sixth Form Registration Form.

Assessment process

Maynard Award applicants will be invited to attend a Sixth Form Interview Day.

Candidates should bring with them to their interview a curriculum vitae and a short personal statement detailing their aspirations. At interview, they will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on a topic of academic interest (ICT facilities are available by prior request). This will be followed by a brief conversation with the Head and Head of Sixth Form about their current achievements, academic aspirations, any extracurricular interests and their commitment to school. Finally, candidates will attend short interviews with the Heads of Departments for their first three choices of A-level subjects.

An applicant’s predicted GCSE grades will also be taken into account during the selection process.