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Secondary education

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Advantages of being a scholar

28 replies

Yuwehqcuo · 25/11/2020 10:22

Hello, everyone. Year 7 mum here. My son already has a place in a top London independent school for 13+ entry. He is currently in the scholarship set in his prep school and one of the academically better performing students in the set. Getting a scholarship in the school of his choice would probably involve stepping up, especially in terms of putting in the hours with Latin, Greek and French which are not his strong subjects. The scholarship would make little difference financially as I understand it is a few hundred pounds at best. My question is whether it is worth putting in that extra couple of hours each week for these subjects which, in my mind, makes very difference to him 10 years on. How would a scholarship enhance his opportunities in the secondary school? Or will the students be set regardless whether they have a scholarship or not?

OP posts:
Yuwehqcuo · 25/11/2020 11:21

Thanks, @swanker and @ElfDragon

I agree that it might be different with music, drama or sports scholarships. But my DS will stand no chance in these. LOL.

I am just deliberating about pushing him with Latin, Greek and French. His prep is very keen for us to put a little more pressure on him for these subjects and I can see why. The other subjects are okay and we have been told he should be on track for a scholarship. But I get the feeling that if it is pointless, then why bother?

OP posts:
ElfDragon · 25/11/2020 11:11

Depends on the school, and whether there is a scholar’s programme.

My dd is a music scholar. We get 10% fee reduction plus free instrument tuition. She also gets her music boosted via the scholar’s programme, so (in normal times!) masterclasses with professionals, extra mentorship as well as further clubs etc. The academic programme at her school has an extension club for scholars, where extended projects are undertaken to enhance and challenge the academic scholars.

swanker · 25/11/2020 10:23

Boasting rights mostly, as far as we could see. Scholarship boys are well regarded at DS' school, but there aren't really any other perks.