A number of music scholarships are awarded at 11+ and at 16+ on the basis of merit. Candidates who meet the required standard must pass the entrance examination and a music audition conducted by the Music Department to qualify.
More than simply a financial reward, our Music Scholarships provide access to a range of musical activities to support and nurture the musical potential demonstrated in an audition.
This includes:
- Access to our Chamber Music Programme: this is a particular area of specialism at North London Collegiate School. Along with Wycombe Abbey School and Harrow School, NLCS is a founding member of the South East Schools’ Chamber Music Competition and each year students perform at the Festival Concert held at St George’s, Hanover Square. Music Scholars receive regular coaching in small ensembles from leading chamber music specialists.
- Masterclass or workshop opportunities with leading professional musicians
- Solo performance opportunities in our high-profile Drummond Recitals, as part of the Old House Concert Series; as well as the opportunity to audition to perform a concerto in Year 13
- Performance opportunities in smaller ensembles for selected projects
The NLCS Handel Music Scholarship is awarded as a remission to the value of 10-20% of school fees. An increased award offer may be available to exceptional candidates at the discretion of the Headmistress.
11+ scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s studies at NLCS, though they are reviewed at the end of Year 11 to ensure students are taking full advantage of the programme. 16+ scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s 6th Form studies.
How to apply
A NUMBER OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED AT 11+ ON THE BASIS OF MERIT. GIRLS MUST MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARS AND PASS THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED FOLLOWING AN AUDITION BY THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
Candidates must already be at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 distinction or above on their first instrument.
Applications are also welcome from pupils performing on the following instruments at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 4 distinction: Viola / Double bass / Oboe / Bassoon / All brass instruments.
How to apply:
When completing the 11+ registration form select the box for Music Scholarship application. We will also require a copy of the latest music exam certificate, exam mark sheet(s) and a reference from the teacher of their first instrument. Please send these to admissions@nlcs.org.uk by our closing date – See Key Dates section.
Candidates who meet the required standard will be shortlisted and invited for a 20-minute audition where they will be required to:
- Perform for up to eight minutes (ONE of these options)
Two short pieces on the principal instrument/voice
One longer piece on the principal instrument/voice
One short piece principal instrument/voice and one short piece on the second principal instrument/voice
All pieces chosen for performance must reflect the minimum standard required for application to the scholarship
Sing an unaccompanied song from memory (ideally a folk song or similar)
Demonstrate their musicianship in some short aural tests
Discuss their music-making in and out of school
Auditions will take place for external candidates in January 2026.
A NUMBER OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED AT 16+ ON THE BASIS OF MERIT. GIRLS MUST MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARS AND PASS THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED FOLLOWING AN AUDITION BY THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
Instrumentalists auditioning should be at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 8 distinction or above on their first instrument. Vocalists will need to be performing repertoire of at least Grade 7 standard, with the intention of moving towards Grade 8 by the end of Year 12.
How to apply:
When completing the 16+ registration form select the box for Music Scholarship application. We will also require a copy of the latest music exam certificate, exam mark sheet(s) and a reference from the teacher of their first instrument. Please send these to admissions@nlcs.org.uk by our closing date – See Key Dates section.
Candidates who meet the required standards will be shortlisted and invited for a 20-minute audition where they will be required to:
- Perform for up to 12 minutes: either on one instrument – this could be two pieces or a longer single piece – or on two instruments if the candidate wishes to perform on a second instrument
- Perform a piece of sight-reading
- Discuss their music-making in and out of school
Auditions will take place during the week of November to coincide with second-round interviews.
All parts of the examination are important and must be prepared by all candidates. The School will provide an official accompanist (candidates will be able to have a short rehearsal with the accompanist prior to the audition); all candidates who need an accompanist must make use of his/her services.
These practical tests will be held in November for internal and external applicants. The times of the practical tests will be notified to successful candidates after the entrance examination.
