Bursaries It is the School’s policy to keep fees as low as possible in order to make the benefits of our education accessible to as many children as possible. Bursaries are not linked to ability (other than ability to achieve a place at Reading Blue Coat). They are means-tested and are awarded by the Bursary Sub-Committee. For full details of Bursaries, please read the Bursaries policy.
Bursary applications for pupils joining the School in September 2024 should be submitted by the following dates:
Friday 1st December 2023
NB: Students must be formally registered for entry before applying for a Bursary. For further information regarding Bursaries, please contact a member of the Admissions Team by email at admissions@rbcs.org.uk or by telephone on 0118 944 1005. Download Bursary Policy
Scholarships Reading Blue Coat School makes provision for the award of a number of scholarships at the point of entry to the School which are made purely on merit.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 2024 ENTRY A number of academic scholarships are available at 11+. The award of these scholarships is dependent on overall strong performance in the 11+ Entrance Assessment. There is no additional scholarship examination; all pupils sitting the entrance assessments will be considered for academic scholarships based on their performance in these assessments. The value of each award will not exceed 5% of the tuition fee.
Following an assessment day in January, pupils will be considered for the title of Academic Scholar in the Sixth Form. These scholarships are honorary, meaning they do not carry any fee remission, but they may be topped up with means-tested bursaries. Both new joiners to the Sixth Form and Blue Coat boys returning for the Sixth Form are eligible for this award. Awards are dependent on students having demonstrated a commitment to learning in their GCSE studies and a continued commitment to the academic life of the School as well as success in the assessment. Scholarships may be withdrawn if scholars do not show the requisite level of effort and progress. The academic progress of the Scholars is monitored by the Deputy Head (Academic).
Academic Scholars application deadline for 2024 entry
16+: Friday 5 January 2024
Academic Scholars assessment date for 2024 entry
16+: Saturday 13 January 2024
Please register your interest in the academic scholar assessment by emailing admissions@rbcs.org.uk
ART SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 2024 ENTRY Art scholarships are available at 13+ and 16+ only and carry a maximum reduction of 5% of the fees. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an additional interview with the Head of Art. Candidates will need to present their Art portfolio at interview. Applicants will be asked to complete a one-hour creative task set by the Head of Art, and will have an informal conversation to discuss their portfolios.
Art scholarship application deadline dates for 2024 entry
13+ and 16+: Friday 12 January 2024
Art scholarship audition dates for 2024 entry
13+ and 16+ Art scholarship assessments – Friday 19 January 2024
Art Scholarship Information
Art Scholarship Application Form
DANCE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 2024 ENTRY Dance scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and carry a maximum reduction of 5% of the fees. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School.
Dance scholarship application deadline dates for 2024 entry
11+, 13+, 16+: Thursday 11 January 2024
Dance scholarship dates for 2024
11+, 13+, 16+ Drama & Dance scholarship assessments – Thursday 18 January 2024
Dance scholarship Information
Dance Scholarship Application Form
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 2024 ENTRY Drama scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and carry a maximum reduction of 5% of the fees. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an additional audition/interview with the Director of Drama. Drama scholars are welcome to apply for either an acting or technical design scholarship. At Reading Blue Coat, Technical Design pathways are offered in lighting and/or sound design.
Application process Please complete a Drama Scholarship application form and return to the Admissions Office. Forms can be posted or scanned to admissions@rbcs.org.uk.
Drama scholarship application deadline dates for 2024 entry
11+, 13+, 16+: Thursday 11 January 2024
Drama scholarship dates for 2024
11+, 13+, 16+ Drama & Dance scholarship assessments – Thursday 18 January 2024
Drama scholarship Information
Drama Scholarship Application Form
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 2024 ENTRY Music scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and carry a maximum reduction of 5% of the fees. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an audition with the Director of Music. Music scholars are expected to play a full part in the musical life of the School and the award may be withdrawn if this is not the case. Musical commitment and progress will be monitored by the Director of Music as well as the Second Master.
Music scholarship application deadline dates for 2024 entry
16+: Wednesday 8 November 2023
11+: Friday 5 January 2024
13+: Friday 5 January 2024
Music scholarship audition dates for 2024 entry
11+, 13+ and 16+ Music scholarship assessments – Wednesday 17 and Monday 22 January 2024
Music Scholarship Information
Music Scholarship Application Form
SPORT ATHLETE DEVELOPEMENT PROGRAMME AND SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP 2024
Athlete Development Programme (12+ and 14+): The Athlete Development Programme (ADP) is a selective year 7-11 programme designed to support pupils that perform at a high level in the school’s focus sports (athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rowing and rugby).
To be considered for a place on the ADP year 7 and 9 pupils must firstly be nominated as part of a select shortlist by members of the sports department. Successful applicants will be offered up to two years on the programme (entry points at year 8 and 10) before having to reapply in an effort to join the programme for the following two years.
Sport Scholarship (16+): On entry into the sixth form, for those who are currently active at a representative level, are involved in academies or are already competing at national/international level there is an opportunity to apply for a sports scholarship.
Sport scholarship application deadline dates for 2024 entry
16+: Friday 12 January 2024
Sport scholarship dates for 2024
16+ Sport scholarship assessments – Friday 19 January 2024
Sport Athlete Development Programme and Sports Scholarship Information
16+ Sport Scholarship Application Form