Bancroft's prizes scholarship and learning highly but it is our policy only to give fee-remission for pupils who otherwise would not be able to attend the school; all Assisted Places (Bursaries) at Bancroft’s are means tested. Academic and other achievement is recognised and celebrated by our prestigious Drapers’ Awards.
We are delighted to offer Music Awards to talented pupils who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and dedication. As Music Award holders, students will be provided with numerous opportunities to showcase their talents and enhance their musical skills.
Music Awards begin in September of the entry year and encompass complimentary music lessons on one instrument until the conclusion of Lower Fourth year. Exceptional students may have the chance to earn multiple awards, especially if they are interested in pursuing a new instrument alongside their current skills. Pupils will undergo reassessment to maintain the award for the subsequent two years in Upper School, with further evaluation at the Sixth Form level.
Award holders will have the privilege of performing at regular award holders’ concerts and participating in enriching activities such as masterclasses covering various instruments, composition, music technology, and conducting.
When registering for entry to the school, pupils should indicate if they wish to be considered for a Music Award. Those who express interest and are successful in their first academic assessment will be contacted closer to the audition period to complete a detailed application form.
Auditions will take place after the second round of the entrance process, our interview stage.
Current Preparatory students will be invited to sign up before Christmas for the opportunity to audition in January.
To apply, students are invited to complete the application form and share a brief glimpse into their musical journey so far, expressing why they feel they would be deserving of a Music Award. Applicants should be at least Grade 5 level or equivalent on their primary instrument.
Music Award holders are expected to actively contribute to Bancroft’s Music Co-Curriculum and serve as role models for younger students by demonstrating excellence and dedication.
During the audition, candidates are required to perform one piece on their primary instrument or voice, and a second piece on a different instrument or voice (which does not need to be at Grade 5 standard). Alternatively, if only one instrument is played, two contrasting pieces on the same instrument or voice are acceptable.
It is important to select pieces that are played with confidence and enjoyment. Backing tracks are permitted only for electric guitar, drums, or pop song vocals. For solo instruments or voice (excluding piano), candidates should choose pieces with piano accompaniment, which will be provided by one of our music teachers on the day.
In addition to the performance, candidates will undergo basic aural perception tests and a short interview.
Candidates will also have the opportunity to participate in an open orchestra or choir rehearsal as part of the assessment process.
We also offer Sixth Form Music Awards which are awarded before joining Bancroft’s. Award Holders will be strong musicians with the desire to extend and develop their skills in performance, alongside other musical attributes such as composition or conducting. For the assessment, candidates are asked to prepare a recital of 15 minutes on their main instrument, a combination of instruments, and/or a portfolio of compositions.
There will be a short interview. Candidates ideally will be around grade 6 or above on their first instrument and will have studied music at GCSE. Studying music at A-level is not a pre-requisite.
The award will be for the two years of the Sixth Form and carries with it free music lessons in school.
In assessing potential Academic Award holders, we look for academic leadership and intellectual curiosity. We try to distinguish the bright from the well drilled, the inspired from the effective and we aim to uncover flair.
Considerable time is taken to ensure that the process is fair. Although awards do not carry monetary values, they are a prestigious offer extended to only the best candidates – both internal and external. Academic award holders are among the most talented pupils here, and are often leading lights in their chosen subjects, making a wide and valuable contribution to the life of the school. Academic awards for pupils joining us at 11 are based on performance in our entrance tests and interview. Academic awards are held for one year at a time and are re-awarded each year during the school.
At 16+ we offer Drapers’ Academic Awards before pupils join us in the Sixth Form.
We do not offer fee remission for pupils who receive Drapers’ Academic Awards; fee remission is only applicable to Assisted Places.
Receiving a Music Award gave me the confidence to see my strength as a musician and provided opportunities to perform as a soloist in the most incredible venues.
L6th Music Award Holder
Once pupils join the school there are opportunities each year to achieve an additional variety of awards in creative subjects, Drama, Sport, for contributions to the school community as well as for the other key subject areas; these awards are given annually. We aim to recognise excellence and contribution in all areas of school life and for embodying and contributing to our school values; we try to ensure that all our pupils are given opportunities to win recognition for their contributions and achievements during their time in the school.
Awards will be based on the performance and commitment shown in the relevant area during each school year. As with other awards (but with the exception of Music), Sport, Art, Computing and DT, Drama and Community Awards are given every year and can be re-awarded.
