ART SCHOLARSHIPS
The creative industries are now the second largest sector in London’s economy and Art is very popular at Sydenham & Dulwich Girls. We are keen to see the varied talent and passion from our prospective Art Scholars.
An Art Scholarship value is usually up to 20% of the annual school fee and is expected to be held continuously from Year 7 to Year 13. Pupils must have successfully passed the entrance assessment for Year 7 and the scholarships assessment for Year 12 respectively in order to be awarded an Art Scholarship. Details of Sixth Form scholarships can be found in the Sixth Form area of the website.
The application process
YEAR 7
The application form must be completed online by Friday 14 November 2025, and the submission of the digital portfolio and at least one reference to admissions@syd.gdst.net.
In line with the majority of Art and Design course applications in Further and Higher Education, we will be requesting a digital submission of Art work for the Sydenham High School Scholarship application.
These portfolio images must include at least five direct observational drawing and could also include animations, sketches, experiments with materials and processes, sculpture, printmaking, textiles or painting. Please avoid cartoon illustrations.
Marks will not be given for quantity. The work can have been made in any material; ideally it should contain a range of media and subject matter. We are looking for both skill and creativity. The portfolio components can have been made at home and/or at school but must provide evidence of direct observational drawing skills. No sketchbooks should be submitted.
The Assessment
All applicants will join us for an Art Scholarship day on Friday 21 November 2025 where they will complete various creative assessments. Shortlisted candidates will then sit a further practical assessment and be interviewed by the Head of Art on Monday 1 December 2025. Details will be confirmed by email.
Outcome
Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their entrance examination results in February.
The Head of Art’s decision is final. Brief written feedback for all shortlisted candidates will be included in the letter informing you of the outcome.
YEAR 12
Once the online application form has been completed, candidates will be invited to sit the Sixth Form Scholarship exam.
Prospective Art Scholars must submit a portfolio of a maximum of 10 x A2 or A3 pages which should showcase their work and include their current GCSE sketchbook. At least one reference should also be submitted.
All candidates will be invited to an interview with the Head of Art.
Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their offer letters on 1 December.
Art Scholar Opportunities
Years 7-9
- Scholar sketchbooks for working in and documenting exhibitions to form a record of their development as scholars
- Bespoke design opportunities for in house products such as cards and event programmes
- Scholar exhibition opportunities – individual display on a half termly basis
- Involvement in Art Society
- Involvement in whole school and GDST Art events (e.g. selected for the ‘Quick Draw’)
- KS4 Art mentor allocated
- Automatically considered for the GDST Biennale
- Curate pop-up exhibitions in school
Years 10 & 11
- Scholar portfolio for working in and documenting exhibitions to form a record of their development as scholars
- Access to Art workshops with professional artists
- Additional gallery trips
- Scholar exhibition
- Involvement in Art Society
- Priority access to Art department space and resources
- Meetings every half term – discuss opportunities and review sketchbooks
- Automatically considered for the GDST Biennale
- Mentor a KS3 art scholar and have a KS5 mentor
- Curate public exhibition in Bromley High Street
Years 12 & 12
- Priority use of dedicated KS5 Art Studio
- Opportunity to run the Art Society
- Curating the scholars exhibition and participation in the summer exhibition
- Automatically considered for the GDST Biennale
- Role as KS3 Art mentor
- Judge school Art competitions and take a lead in running Art events in school
- Bespoke guidance on future pathways and support with portfolios
- Access to life drawing classes at local gallery
