Music scholarships - London

[MissScotland]

Hi, I hope I'm under the right topic.

My daughter (8.5, Y4) is a highly gifted musician. Her first instrument is the piano and she will most likely complete an ABRSM grade 5 in the autumn term of next year. She also plays the violin (will take grade 2 this term) and sings in a choir. But her absolute forte is composition which she loves.

We are just starting to get some ideas about secondary schools (it seems a bit early but everyone we know has started already). We were recommended by the head of music at her current school to look for good schools that offer a music scholarship.

I was hoping that you can help me come up with a list of schools that do that. We live in London (NW) and she's an academic little person too. So looking for a good school academically (not a music school) with a fantastic music department that offers music based scholarships.

Any ideas would be much appreciated, including tips and insights. Thanks in advance! :-)

Hi my DD is in Year 6 and applying for some schools with music scholarship. We live in West and do not know schools well in NW but I suggest LEH as it has school coaches cover wide range of areas and it has a special music scholarship with additional 10% fee reduction although it is means tested. So it is worth to take a look.

I spoke to the head of music of some schools and there are plenty of candidates have Grade 5/6. Also, piano and violin are both popular instruments, so it might be more competitive than other instruments. Good luck!

State or private?
Camden School for Girls offers places based on musical ability.

If private, presumably Highgate is on your radar?

Sorry, forgot to mention - private schools only.

Don’t underestimate the competition - two young music scholars I know at London indies both had Grade 8 distinction on at least one instrument (in one case, two instruments) by the time of the auditions in Year 6.

I am not suggesting this is typical or necessary - and potential/musicality will be taken into account as well as attainment - but it may be worth your inquiring of possible schools what level of attainment they tend to see in children who receive awards.

Highgate indicates Grade 5+ on first instrument and Grade 3+ on second instrument, so it looks as though your DD will be in the right territory for their process.

Thank you, I'm not underestimating the competition at all :-)
Signed up to go to Highgate's open day. Thank you!