Those pupils who gain our academic scholarships are known as the Queen’s Scholars, as although the scholarships were originally established by Henry VIII they were more formally affirmed and developed by his daughter, Elizabeth I, in 1560. This historic link with the royal family continues today and our Queen’s Scholars are privileged to be able to attend a variety of special services in Westminster Abbey, as invited by the Dean. Such events have included the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Nelson Mandela Memorial Service and the 60th anniversary of the Coronation at which the Queen’s Scholars sang the Vivats.

There are a total of 48 Queen’s Scholars, with 12 chosen every year: eight boys at age 13 and four girls at age 16. The Scholars are chosen based on their performance in the entrance exams and interviews and the scholarship lasts for the duration of their time at the school. For 13+ entrants, the fee for a Queen’s Scholar is set at 20% less than the full boarding fee; from 2022 entry onwards, the fee will be set at the day fee for the academic year. For 16+ entrants, the fee is set at 40% less than the full boarding fee. The Governing Body usually reviews school fees annually by the end of the summer term, for publication by early July. If required, an additional bursary will be awarded on a means-tested basis. Queen’s Scholars are required to board at the school and all belong to College.

Our 13+ entry scholarship examination is known as The Challenge. Candidates sit the scholarship papers in late April or early May. For more information, please contact the Registrar.