SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
Our ‘sport for all’ policy encourages everybody to join in, recreationally or competitively, fostering a long-term positive attitude towards health, fitness and physical recreation. We also encourage and aid the pursuit of excellence in those who choose to pursue a sport to a higher level.
A Sports 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 Sports Scholarship.
The application process
YEAR 7
The application form must be completed online by Friday 14 November 2025, including details of any certificates or awards won for sporting endeavours (if applicable, copies may be requested) and at least one reference that comment on achievements, potential and commitment, alongside any other relevant information. These should be from your daughter’s school PE Department and any coaches for activities outside of school. Reference should be emailed to admissions@syd.gdst.net by the application deadline.
Applicants will likely be involved in a sports club outside of their school, in at least one sporting discipline, and have qualities of leadership with the potential to develop and utilise these skills within school. Shortlisted candidates will be able to evidence their interest and relevant experience in their application.
The Assessment
The assessment will take place on Thursday 4 or Friday 5 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates are not required to prepare anything for the assessment but should wear their PE kit. Details of which session to attend will be confirmed by email.
Applicants will be expected to:
- Demonstrate a good level of fitness across a range of small fitness tests.
- Demonstrate their skills in a range of activities, games and/or performances.
- Undergo a short interview about their sporting life so far and display basic knowledge of the major sports, rules etc.
- Outcome
Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their entrance examination results in February.
The Director of Sport’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 Sports Scholars must submit details of any relevant certificates or awards, and at least one reference that comment on achievements, potential and commitment e.g Academy selection. Video footage representing current level is desirable.
All candidates will be invited to an interview with the Director of Sport.
Applicants will be informed of the decision when they receive their offer letters on 1 December.
Sports Scholar Opportunities
Years 7-9
- Attendance at the GDST scholars day where pupils take part in practical and seminar based workshops with elite athletes.
- Part of the departmental MAT Programme giving access to talks, workshops and weekly strength and conditioning training.
- Allocated a sports mentor who is an elite athlete in the upper years which will include Q+A clinics.
- Access to additional trips, training and competitions.
- The option of using curriculum PE time for their training where necessary and available and where permission is granted from HoY and/or SLT.
Years 10 & 11
- Attendance at the GDST scholars’ day where pupils take part in practical and seminar-based workshops with elite athletes.
- Enrolment into the part of the High-Performance Programme to help athletes to realise their potential by achieving a good sport/ study/life balance through talks and workshops including topics such as sports careers.
- A sports department mentor allocated.
- Nomination for external trials and opportunities where appropriate such as GDST select teams.
Opportunities to coach younger years. - The option of using curriculum PE time for their training where necessary and available and where permission is granted from HoY and/or SLT.
Years 12 & 13
- Attendance at the GDST scholars’ day where pupils take part in practical and seminar-based workshops with elite athletes.
- Enrolment into the part of the High-Performance Programme to help athletes to realise their potential by achieving a good sport/ study/life balance through talks and workshops including topics such as sports careers.
- A sports department mentor allocated.
- Nomination for external trials and opportunities where appropriate such as GDST select teams.
- Opportunities to coach younger years.
- The option of using curriculum PE time for their training where necessary and available and where permission is granted from HoY and/or SLT.
