As of 18th March 2024, Merchant Taylors' School will no longer be accepting 13+ applications. This change does not affect current offer holders for Year 9 entry in 2025 and 2026. You can find more information on the change here, or if you have any further questions please contact: admissions@mtsn.org.uk
Nurturing Talent
Merchant Taylors’ School runs a Scholarship Programme to recognise and reward talent and potential across a variety of fields. Scholarships are awarded on merit, irrespective of means and are available to pupils entering Year 7 and the Sixth Form. Scholars are expected to work hard and make a positive contribution to the life of the school throughout their time at Merchant Taylors’.
Academic Scholarships
Open to all, Academic Scholarships are offered based on a pupil’s performance at the entrance exams and interview. Candidates who have performed exceptionally well will be invited back for a scholarship assessment day. Successful pupils are rewarded with a reduction in their school fees.
We expect our Academic Scholars to uphold the ideals of scholarship and to be academic leaders and role models within the School, setting an example to others with their work ethic. Scholars are expected to be academically ambitious and to delight in opportunities to stretch themselves intellectually beyond the requirements of examinations.
“An Academic Scholar has a love of learning because they are curious, because they want to understand the world in which they live, and because they understand that the purpose of academic study is to provide a means of answering the questions they may have about that world.” Mr. P Hoyle, Head of Scholarship
Academic Scholars meet as a group several times each term for a lecture or seminar led by a teacher on a topic that is not encountered in the regular syllabus. Each year Scholars take on a major project and all Scholars keep a Scholar’s Journal to serve as a record of their academic pursuits. Scholars are required to:
- Participate in at least one society
- Undertake at least one piece of academic extension each half term
- Enter at least one internal competition or challenge
- Enter at least one external competition
Practical Scholarships
Practical Scholarships recognise outstanding ability and potential in a particular field. Art; Drama; Design, Engineering and Technology; Music and Sports scholarships are available to boys joining us in Year 7. These scholarships need to be applied for once you have registered your son. The deadline for Practical Scholarships is 30th September of the year preceding entry (when your son is in Year 6). Your son will be invited for an assessment session in January to showcase his skill and interest in his chosen field.
Click below to find out more.
Who are we looking for?
We are on the lookout for aspiring young artists who exhibit not only proficiency in drawing, painting, and sculpting, especially from life, but also a profound curiosity about the world around them. Our ideal Scholars are those who are captivated by the act of mark-making and are eager to embrace risk-taking in their artistic journey. We cherish those who seek to express and interpret their surroundings through their unique artistic lens.
How will the Scholarship support and develop them?
Our Scholars are expected to be exemplary ambassadors of art throughout the school community. They participate in 'The Art Café', our vibrant weekly art club. Each Scholar is provided with a comprehensive materials pack to support their artistic endeavours. Additionally, they have the privilege of attending exclusive outings and sessions. These are conducted not only by our dedicated Art teachers but also by esteemed external practitioners, offering a broad spectrum of artistic perspectives and experiences. This enriching programme is designed to foster a deeper appreciation and engagement with the arts.
How are they selected?
Prospective Art Scholars will be invited to showcase their artwork across their chosen mediums and to engage in a creative session with our Art teachers where we can get a deeper understanding of their creative process and motivations.
Who are we looking for?
A Drama Scholar at MTS will have a strong and genuine interest in Drama and the Performing Arts. Potential is more important than experience. Scholars are expected to contribute fully to drama at the school, in acting or technical roles. They often audition and take part in a range of school productions and competitions. They are also expected to continue with the subject to at least GCSE level.
How will the Scholarship support and develop them?
Drama Scholars are supported in a variety of ways. Scholars are invited to join theatre trips to the West End and beyond. In 2023-24, for example, Scholars saw Newsies at Wembley Park Theatre, Macbeth at The Globe and Guys and Dolls at The Bridge Theatre. Scholars are also invited to take part in theatre tours and workshops. In recent years, they have enjoyed interactive tours of the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. The boys were able to go on private behind the scenes tours to look at how design and technical elements contribute to a production and to learn about the history of performances at each venue.
Scholars are supported with applications to prestigious establishments including National Youth Theatre. In the last few years, six MTS students have successfully auditioned and taken part. Scholars in the Sixth Form wishing to apply to Drama School or a Drama-related course at university are also supported. An Upper Sixth Drama Scholar who left in 2023 is currently studying Technical Theatre at Central School of Speech and Drama.
How are they selected?
Potential Scholars will be invited for an assessment afternoon in which they will take part in a group activity as well as being asked to perform a three minute monologue.
Who are we looking for?
The Design, Engineering and Technology (DET) Scholarship Programme seeks to identify and support talented individuals who exhibit exceptional aptitude and passion in the field. Applicants for the Design, Engineering & Technology Scholarship Programme are required to demonstrate a strong commitment to the subject, as well as a track record of academic excellence and innovative thinking. Additionally, candidates should showcase their ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and apply creative solutions to real-world challenges.
How will the Scholarship support and develop them?
This competitive Scholarship is designed to empower aspiring designers and engineers by providing them with added academic support and extension activities through the DET Scholars after-school club. The programme aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of innovators who can contribute to the advancement of their Design, Engineering & Technology skills. The school also offers a variety of activities and nationally recognised opportunities such as competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, whose National Championship was recently won by a team of Merchant Taylors' engineers.
How are they selected?
The selection process, which consists of a Design Challenge and Interview on the DET Scholars afternoon, places a particular emphasis on the applicant's skills, portfolio, academic achievements, and their capacity to articulate a vision for the future of Design and Engineering. Ultimately, the Scholarship programme aims to identify and nurture individuals who not only excel academically but also possess the drive and creativity to make significant contributions to the world of Design and Engineering.
Who are we looking for?
There are two strands of Music Scholarship awards: Music Scholar, and Music Exhibitioner. Recipients of a Music Scholarship will display a genuine sense of scholarship in the mould of an Academic Scholar, as well as exceptional musical ability as a performer. Music Scholars are expected to make a considerable contribution to the musical life of the school, to opt for academic music in the Fourth Form and for GCSE, to sing in the School Choir and to play in such orchestras, bands and ensembles as the music staff think suitable.We are looking for Music Scholars to be role models to the other musicians at school, and to be ambassadors for Music at MTS.
How will the Scholarship support and develop them?
Specific performance opportunities for Music Scholars are arranged to complement the Music Scholars' enrichment programme. The programme of Chamber Music at school has been developed with Music Scholars in mind, which includes weekly coaching with experienced professional chamber musicians. Music Scholars' trips are organised each term to see professional performances together in London (recent trips have been to the Wigmore Hall, the Barbican, and the Royal Festival Hall), and all Music Scholars enjoy priority invitations to music tours to Europe and beyond.
How are they selected?
Potential Scholars will be invited to a day of auditions following the entrance exams. The audition process includes a group singing session, aural tests and sight-reading, an interview, and a performance on their main study in a concert to the rest of the applicants at the end of the day. Typically, all applicants offer two studies (which may include voice), with the main study being approximately a minimum of Grade 5 at 11+ and Grade 8 at 16+.
Who are we looking for?
The Sports Scholarship programme seeks to identify and nurture sporting talent. Potential Sports Scholars will be a prominent player in at least one of Merchant Taylors' core sports (Cricket, Hockey or Rugby) or participating in another sport to a significant standard. We expect Sports Scholars to act as role models to the wider school in terms of their commitment to training and fixtures in their chosen sports, as well as maintaining high academic standards.
How is the programme structured?
The Sports Scholarship programme is broken down into three stages, allowing for students to be monitored and supported in different ways. The three stages are:
- Performance Pathway - the first stage of the programme, with students between Year 7 and 9 being identified as having significant potential to join the sports scholar programme. These students will be monitored and supported through Physical Education and Games lessons. This pathway ends at the end of Year 9.
- Sports Scholar - the second and main stage within the Sport Scholarship Programme. This stage will allow the sports department the opportunity to engage and stretch those students, in order to progress and challenge them to make telling contributions within their sport(s).
- Elite Player Pathway - the third and final element of the Sport Scholarship Programme, where students are selected due to having exceptional talent. These students will likely be on an elite player pathway for their given sport and will be supported on an individual basis to manage their extensive sporting commitments.
How will the Scholarship support and develop them?
The Sports Scholarship programme will provide access to a variety of benefits in terms of training and wider opportunities. These include (but are not limited to): the creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP), mentoring schemes, sports scholar seminars/breakfasts and access to free physiotherapy. Sports Scholars will also receive priority access to extra sporting opportunities, such as coaching qualifications, visits to elite sports performance centres and a free kit package when awarded a sports scholarship.
How are they selected?
Prospective sports scholars will be invited to an assessment day, which will include assessment in our core sports of rugby, hockey and cricket, as well as team building and problem-solving exercises.