St Edmund's
Drama Scholarship | Year 7 | 11+
With its excellent pupil to staff ratio, St Edmund’s School can guarantee its Scholars the personal and professional attention that their talents deserve.
The highly prized title of ‘Scholar’ exemplifies pupils who contribute to the whole of school life but will take advantage of the many extension opportunities to develop their academic abilities. Our specialist, dedicated teachers nurture this enthusiasm, inspiring pupils to reach greater heights.
St Edmund’s School has an enviable reputation for its Drama and is proud of its 400-seat theatre with one of the largest school stages in the South East.
In recent years, productions have included The Crucible, Sondheim’s Assassins,Twilight Crane, A Chorus Line, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Animal Farm, Time and the Conways, a whole school production of Oliver, and the groundbreaking Chicago.
There are many opportunities to see professional productions, locally and in London’s West End, as well as annual trips abroad. The Department visits New York and LA to see Broadway productions and to partake in workshops with cast members.
KEY DATES
Assessments will take place the w/c 16th November 2026
Closing date for entries: Monday 2nd November 2026
REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Awards are open to candidates entering Foundation at 11+ (Year 7), Senior School at 13+ (Year 9) or Sixth Form 16+ (Year 12). External candidates will be expected to sit the appropriate academic entry tests.
The auditions and interviews will take place in the w/c 16th November 2026 for 11+
The Head Teacher of the candidate’s present school will be asked to provide a report on the candidate’s general progress and academic ability, as well as dramatic ability. Candidates must supply their dramatic curriculum vitae with their application.
The Scholarship audition will be in three parts:
a. Prepared monologue (maximum 2 minutes) of the candidate’s own choice.
b. Theatre workshop.
c. Interviews with the Head or a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Director of Drama.
Singing and Dance may be offered as additional components of the audition.
Entries should be submitted by Monday 2nd November 2026. Late entries may not be accepted.
A timetable for the examination will be issued to all candidates.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Candidates must be able to demonstrate exceptional performance ability. This includes skillful interpretation of their monologue and a good grasp of theatrical technique- vocal and physicality. | The candidates drama CV demonstrates a history of commitment to drama and evidence of performing regularly. |
| Candidates should also demonstrate excellent spontaneous ability for improvisation and devising activities | The ability to offer singing or dance in addition to acting as a discipline. |
| Candidates at 13+ and 16+ must be able to demonstrate exceptional performance ability. This includes skillful interpretation of their monologue and a good grasp of theatrical technique- vocal and physicality. | The ability to demonstrate directional skills when working on text and devising. |
| Candidates must also demonstrate excellent spontaneous ability for improvisation and devising activities. | Participation in outside productions such as National Youth Theatre. |
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Complete the online Registration form.
- Complete and submit the Drama Scholarship form and upload any relevant reports and documents.
Awards of varying value, offset against the tuition fees for both day and boarding pupils, are awarded in the categories of Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport. Where fees are still prohibitively expensive, annually means-tested bursaries can be awarded to supplement a scholarship.
