Drama Scholarships will be awarded at Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form to pupils, both external and internal, who show an outstanding ability in Drama. 

Holders of a Drama Scholarship will participate fully in curricular and co-curricular Drama making a considerable commitment to the Faculty and show additional dedication to Drama through their co-curricular interests.   It is expected that successful Drama Scholars at Year 9 entry will take Drama at GCSE.

Scholars are expected to take part in whole-school drama productions each year, including in the Sixth Form.  It is important to emphasise that Drama Scholars may show particular promise as either a performer, director, technician or stage manager.  Holders of a Drama scholarship will be reliable, hard working and committed students to the craft of acting and drama, plus display a high level of technical skill.

Applicants should have an interest and aptitude in Drama. Although not a prerequisite, it is advantageous for applicants to be progressing in, or have completed recognised graded examinations in Speech and Drama through LAMDA, Trinity, Guildhall or the English Speaking Board, amongst others.

As a guide we would normally expect the following, although applicants should not feel dissuaded from applying if these benchmarks have not yet been achieved:

Sixth Form - Sixth Form Drama Scholars (both internal and external) are likely to have already achieved a Grade 6 or above in Speech & Drama, be regular theatre visitors, and demonstrate a passion for theatre. They will likely possess a significant track record of contribution to productions both within and outside of school;

Year 9 - Those entering Year 9, either internally or externally, are likely to have achieved a Grade 3 or above in Speech & Drama and would be expected to study GCSE Drama. They will likely have several experiences of drama both within and outside their school setting that they can confidently discuss at interview.

Year 7 - Accurately assessing those entering the Senior School at Year 7 can be more challenging to gauge but often successful candidates will have an experience of productions within or outside of their existing school & be able to discuss their passion and interest for Drama at length. 

Scholarships will be reassessed annually, and their continuance is subject to the successful candidate exhibiting satisfactory commitment and attitude towards their own progress.

Whilst the following opportunities are open to all of our students, there is an expectation that scholars will fully immerse themselves in our wide-ranging enrichment programme. All scholars will meet half-termly with Mrs Owen, Head of Scholarships, to discuss their involvement in the enrichment activities.

The enrichment programme encourages pupils to take advantage of the school’s Drama facilities, involve themselves in termly theatrical productions and clubs on various areas of performance and technical theatre elements.

Scholars are afforded opportunities to participate in internal and external workshops, develop scripted and devised work for local and national theatre competitions and experience world-class theatrical performances, both in London and our local community.

The application process is as follows:

1) Pupils wishing to apply for a Drama Scholarship should complete the application form.

2) Potential Drama Scholars will be invited to Radnor House for an assessment during the week following the normal entrance tests.  For the assessment they should:

• bring a scrap book or portfolio of their drama experiences to date

• prepare a monologue of their choice lasting 2 to 3 minutes.  Monologues should be carefully selected to show a range of acting skills. 

• prepare for an informal interview with the Head of Drama to talk through their portfolios, experiences and motivations.  

Application deadlines and assessment dates can be found here.

The Head of Drama is happy to discuss scholarship applications and answer any questions at any time.

Expectations of a Drama Scholar