Choosing a 6th form school based on (non-monetary) academic scholarship. Is it worth it?

[coldanddreary]

DD has 2 offers for 6th form from 2 comparable girls-only colleges. All things being equal, she would have gone for college A. However college B has offered DD an academic scholarship. This scholarship is non monetary - what it offers according to the website is « scholars are given access to a rich landscape of opportunities », « engage in a vibrant programme of enrichment activities » etc.

DD hopes to pursue medicine at university and UK universities seem to put quite a lot of weight on super-curricular activities. Will attending college B and being on their academic scholarship programme help boost DD’s chances of studying medicine at university vs going to college A?

DD is undecided and has suggested I ask on Mumsnet and tap the collective wisdom of Mumsnetters!

No

Utterly pointless and there will be expectations dd will do certain things (debate club or something) which with no monetary value is meaningless. That’s not a scholarship imo, just a vague encouragement. Look at both schools and go for the one dd feels happier in.

Call college A, and ask them what they offer for enrichment, and explain the situation.

Presumably, as she’s got to the point of being accepted, she has had a conversation with School B where they detailed exactly what these opportunities are. And how they differ from the opportunities and enrichment they offer non-scholars in the sixth form? I would be surprised if they’re not activities she could replicate at any decent college, or by herself.

Is there a list of past scholars and their successes post college?

It’s awkward … We’re in a period of flux, where most traditional scholarships have become meaningless (as it’s means tested bursaries that make a transformative difference).

What was the competition for the scholarship? Is it something that most people who are interested in education would recognise? (Like the KS at Eton?) If not, it’s not much use on a CV.

Essentially, although she has no doubt done well to get it, it’s a ‘nice to have’ if she wants to go to that institution. It doesn’t sound as if it should be determinative if she’d be happier elsewhere.

So, if there's not monetary value to the scholarship, basically what they are saying is they offer enrichment activities to those they think will benefit from them. What, very exactly, are these enrichment activities, and are they unique to this school? I would suspect not.

(I have to admit that I'd be actually put off a school that cherry picks some students for preferential activities).

As the schools are equal, apart from the academic scholarship, and Dd prefers College A, that’s the one she should go to. She’s going to be there a long time.

Ds 2 was chosen for a sports enrichment programme at his (state) school. When the teacher that organised it left, the scheme ended as well.

Does DD actually want to do these activities? Do you know what they are? How often? Etc.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. The general consensus seems to be that DD should go for the college she prefers. I agree that a decent college should be offering all those extras anyway, and they should be offered to all students.

We didn’t speak to the admission team about what these extra enrichment/mentoring/opportunities are as we didn’t indicate our interest in any scholarships on the application form. I have sent an email to the college with some of the questions suggested by previous posters so hopefully it will give us more clarity.

Yes, that’s a good idea - then it’s up to them to impress your daughter enough to change her mind.

@MsOtisReflects after reading all the responses, DD is even more sure about college A! It seems like such a big decision to make and I just want to make sure she/we make the ‘right’ one.

Honestly, that kind of scholarship sounds like marketing. It’s obviously nice to be chosen, but could mean anything.

To your list of questions, I’d add one about how many they offer. It might be the case that they have a very large scholarship group, and it’s a way of attracting all the most able kids (who would thrive anywhere).

Hmm … There’s not much satisfaction in a scholarship you haven’t actively competed for!

What does College A offer in terms of enrichment? I’d be surprised if they didn’t also offer a rich and varied programme.

@Slothey, I do believe DD will get similar “A” level results in either school, so it boils down to what college B can offer that college A can’t. And yes, they could be offering a large group of girls the same scholarship. We didn’t ask about the exact number as we have no way of verifying it.

@MsOtisReflects that’s true, hence why DD isn’t particularly enticed by it.

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads I believe college “A” also has a robust enrichment programme. In general, college A is a more traditional/formal boarding school that is more academic and only offers A levels exam. College B is viewed as more liberal/relaxed though still academic, and offers both A levels and IB exams.