Eton College, one of the world’s most famous private boarding schools for boys, has announced the launch of a fully funded sixth form place for a young musician playing at Grade 7 standard or above.
The award is part of Eton’s Orwell Award programme, which in September 2023 will see up to 12 Year 11 state school students receive free places at the College.
In order to receive the scholarship, a student will need to have achieved Grade 7 or above on their instrument, and be predicted 8s at GCSE in the subjects they will study at A Level and at least 7s in their other subjects.
Students joining Eton for sixth form, whether with a scholarship or not, usually need to have gained a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 7 (equivalent to the old A grade).
The student’s circumstances will also be considered, and their application will be assessed on ‘specific criteria’, such as if they have refugee status, are a looked after child, are in receipt of Pupil Premium, or attend a school rated as ‘requiring improvement’ or in ‘special measures’ by Ofsted.
Included in the scholarship are the cost of boarding, all music tuition, and allowances to ‘enable boys to fully participate in the life of the school’.
Tim Johnson, precentor and director of music at Eton College, said, ‘For the right boy, there is little doubt that the Sixth Form Music Award will be a life changing opportunity. They will be welcomed into a thriving and supportive musical community.
‘The first step is often the most difficult, but I would urge anyone who is interested in finding out more to get in touch with us and sign up for one of our open days or interactive webinars.’
Eton’s music department is the largest department in the school, with seven full-time music teachers and 76 visiting music teachers.
To date, Eton College has produced 20 UK prime ministers, including Boris Johnson. For fee-paying students in the 2022/23 academic year, it costs £15,432 per term to attend the school.
Eton College has recently announced plans to open selective sixth form colleges in Oldham, Dudley, and Middlesbrough to enable disadvantaged young people who have done well in their GCSEs the opportunity to get into Oxbridge and other elite universities.
Applications for the Sixth Form Music Award 2023 are now open, closing on 23 September 2022.
