A Drama 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 (or from Year 12 to 13 if awarded for Sixth Form). Pupils must have successfully passed the entrance assessment for Year 7 and the scholarships assessment for Year 12 respectively in order to be awarded a Drama Scholarship.

YEAR 7

The application form must be completed online by  Friday 14 November 2025. The following should be emailed to admissions@syd.gdst.net:

• Details of any relevant certificates or awards
• At least one reference that comment on achievements, potential and commitment, alongside any other relevant information

The Audition

The format of the audition will be designed to allow each pupil an equal opportunity regardless of experience. Applicants will be invited to an audition and interview on Tuesday 2 December 2025. The auditions will be held in a small workshop group, offering each pupil the opportunity to perform individually and with others. The workshop will last approximately one hour.

Applicants will be required to prepare a poem or monologue of no more than one minute in length for the audition.

Outcome

Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their entrance examination results in February. The Director of Drama’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 Drama Scholars must submit details of any relevant certificates or awards, and at least one reference that comment on achievements, potential and commitment. With regards to the personal statement, Ms Eastaugh would like this to show a real passion for drama and theatre and its craft. In doing so, the statement can include how this has been demonstrated through previous experience alongside why drama is an ongoing passion. In terms of word length, no more than 500 words ideally.

All candidates will be invited to an interview with the Director of Drama. Every applicant will perform a monologue, and share a written theatre review. Regarding the monologue, Ms Eastaugh has requested that all students prepare this independently, to ensure parity of experience. For the theatre review, this should be in the format of an essay, focusing on the acting, costume, set, lighting and sound of the chosen production. The easiest format is writing a paragraph about each, with evaluation and analysis of the directorial and designer choices and how effective these were. There is no word limit, but a side of typed A4 would be sufficient in covering these aspects. It should be submitted by the application deadline of 17 October to admissions@syd.gdst.net as a PDF or word document, FAO of Ms Eastaugh, Drama Scholarship.

Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their offer letters on 1 December.