We offer a number of Music Scholarships at 11+ and 16+ to students who show outstanding musical promise. These are awarded on merit, following both the entrance exam and a practical audition with our Music Department.
WHAT WE OFFER OUR MUSIC SCHOLARS
Our Music Scholarships are about more than financial support—they are designed to nurture talent, develop confidence, and help students flourish as musicians.
Music Scholars benefit from:
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- Chamber Music Programme access – A distinctive part of musical life at NLCS. As a founding member of the South East Schools’ Chamber Music Competition (alongside Wycombe Abbey and Harrow), we offer scholars the chance to perform at the annual Festival Concert at St George’s, Hanover Square, and work regularly in small ensembles coached by professional chamber musicians.
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- Workshops and masterclasses with leading performers and educators,
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- Solo performance opportunities in our high-profile Drummond Recital Series, Old House Concerts, and—for those in Year 13—the chance to audition to perform a concerto.
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- Selected ensemble projects, tailored to stretch and support developing musicians.
We’re proud to offer a programme that recognises not only musical excellence but the individuality and creativity each scholar brings to our musical community.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR MUSIC SCHOLARS
Our Music Scholars play an important role in shaping the musical life of the School. While we understand that students will have a variety of academic and co-curricular commitments, we ask our Scholars to approach their role with commitment, pride and a strong sense of responsibility.
We expect our Scholars to:
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Be active members of at least two large ensembles or choirs, attending weekly rehearsals, supporting with setup, and performing in concerts. These may include:
Vocale • NLCS Chorus • Concert Orchestra • Wind Orchestra • Clarinet Ensemble • Saxophone Ensemble • MS/US Flute Ensemble • Symphony Orchestra -
Attend rehearsals regularly, missing only in exceptional circumstances
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Set a positive example for others—knowing ensemble parts thoroughly and helping to lead and support fellow musicians
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Maintain high personal standards by continuing to receive regular instrumental or vocal tuition, and performing as a soloist when the opportunity arises
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Communicate any scheduling clashes with the Music Department as early as possible and respond promptly to communications
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Attend key School concerts throughout the year as part of their commitment to our musical community
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(For Sixth Form string players) – Assist with marking up orchestral parts, including fingerings and bowings
We value the dedication our Music Scholars bring to the school and are committed to helping them flourish as musicians, leaders and collaborators.
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 STANDARDS 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 or
One longer piece on the principal instrument/voice or
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. 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.
- Perform a piece of sightreading (at Grade 5 level)
- 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
All parts of the examination are important and must be prepared by all candidates.
In general, in any Music Scholarship audition we are looking for:
• Technical confidence and proficiency
• Ability to perform with a natural musicality
• A willingness and confidence to perform in significant school occasions
• Although musical potential is important, in order to be successful in auditioning applicants will already need to be performing at a particularly high level.
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.
