Scholarships

High March is proud to be able to offer four distinct awards, the Del Anderson, the Robert Anderson, the Anderson Family and the Rosemary Chapples scholarships, in memory of Mr and Mrs Anderson, the grandparents of the current Directors of the School, and their daughter, Mrs Rosemary Chapples, mother of the current Directors.

The Del Anderson scholarship is rigorously assessed and is awarded to a child who is able to demonstrate knowledge, appropriate to her age, of English poetry of different styles and periods. Of equal importance is a sensitive and imaginative response, as well as the ability to enjoy poetry in its spoken form. Pupils will be asked to create a short anthology at home containing five poems, each of which should be illustrated and accompanied by a short analysis and an explanation as to why it has been chosen. There will also be a set poem, which girls will need to learn off by heart and then recite in School; questions will also be asked to elicit the child’s understanding of and imaginative response to the poem. Finally, there will be a written comprehension and appreciation test.

The Robert Anderson Scholarship was established by Mrs Anderson in memory of her husband. It is held for three years in Years 4 to 6 and is the value of one third of the basic school fees. This is an academic scholarship and it is awarded on the basis of a girl’s performance in the Year 3 end of year internal examinations and CATS test results.

In the academic year 2010 to 2011 the Anderson Family endowed for the first time a Drama and Music Scholarship in recognition of the success of generations of High March pupils in the arena of the Performing Arts. High March has acquired a reputation for producing some fine actresses and musicians and this Scholarship reinforces the School’s commitment to a broad and rich curriculum and belief in educating the whole child. The Scholarship provides financial assistance to the successful pupil or pupils to pursue their love of and interest in Drama and / or Music.

The Scholarship is open to pupils in Year 4 (whether attending High March at the time of application or not) exhibiting particular talent in the realms of  Drama and / or Music. The first stage of the Drama Scholarship consists of an audition involving a ‘blind’ mime. At the second stage of interview, the short-listed candidates are asked to perform a set piece and to undergo an interview with the Selection Panel. Regarding the Music Scholarship, all applicants must have attained a minimum of around Grade 2 ABRSM or Trinity Board Standard in at least two instruments, one of which may be voice. All qualifying applicants are asked to participate in an assessment which will comprise an audition on two instruments, aural tests, sight reading, testimonials from the relevant peripatetic music teachers and an interview with the Selection Panel.

The Scholarship is tenable in Years 5 and 6 and covers 10% of the basic termly fee, together with free speech and drama tuition over this period (for the Drama Scholarship) and free tuition on one musical instrument or voice (in the case of the Music Scholarship.)

Selection for The Anderson Family Drama and Music Scholarships takes place during the second half of the academic year.

The Rosemary Chapples Scholarship was established in 2023 by the current Directors, Mr Michael Chapples and Mrs Belinda Avery, in memory of their mother, whose enduring love of art was reflected in her teaching of the subject for many years at High March. The Rosemary Chapples Art Scholarship is open to pupils in Year 5, is tenable for one year in Year 6 and covers 10% of the basic school fee for that year. The scholarship involves a significant input of time and effort on the part of the pupil and will be awarded to a pupil who is able to show talent and creativity in Fine Art. A pupil’s submission will be assessed against the criteria for the scholarship process and, in addition, her interest and results in Art lessons will also be taken into account. The theme of the scholarship will change from year to year.

Selection for The Rosemary Chapples Scholarship takes place during the Spring term.