Scholarships & Bursaries
proud to be part of the GDST
Blackheath High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK.
We proudly share the GDST ethos that a Blackheath High School education should be open to talented girls from all backgrounds. We offer a range of Senior School scholarships and bursaries to support that.
The GDST aims to seek out the brightest, most deserving girls for bursaries and scholarships. At any one time, 10% of students across its network of 24 fee-paying senior schools receive some level of financial support.
Please note that scholarships and bursaries are currently only available for Senior School and Sixth Form applicants, not for Nursery or Junior School places.
The difference between scholarships and bursaries
The key distinction is that bursaries are means-tested, and scholarships are not.
Bursaries are designed to ensure that a GDST education is accessible to the most talented students, regardless of financial circumstances. While academic ability is taken into account, the value of a bursary is determined by your family’s income and financial situation. These are evaluated and awarded by the GDST – find more about that on the GDST website.
Scholarships are awarded on merit – academic or subject-specific – and are based on performance in entrance exams and scholarship assessments. They do not take family income into consideration.
Senior School Scholarships
-
1 —The Programme
-
2 —Applying
-
3 —Academic
-
4 —Subject-specific
The Programme
Our prestigious Girl emPowered Scholarship Programme is designed to stretch and challenge Senior School students with exceptional talent. Girl emPowered Scholarships are available in Art, Music, Drama, Sport or based on Academic potential.
Learn more about our range of scholarships, the benefits and how to apply in our guidance booklet:
The Programme
Successful scholars join a bespoke programme offering 1:1 mentoring, exclusive trips, and a special subject-based project, plus up to 50% off fees. The programme equips students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to nurture their talent and turn their ambitions into reality.
Beyond the fee remission and the prestige a scholarship brings, Scholars have the chance to inspire others, share their expertise and act as role models within the school and the wider community.
Scholarships are open to both new joiners and girls progressing from our Junior School. Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 only, and successful scholars will retain their award for the duration of their time at Blackheath High School (subject to continued commitment and progress). Students do not need to reapply for existing scholarships at Sixth Form.
Applying
To apply for a Subject Scholarship, simply indicate your choice on the application form and complete the additional form on our portal. Please note, you may apply for one subject scholarship only.
Applying
Academic Scholarships are awarded based on performance in the entrance examination – no separate application required.
Scholarship offers are made based on outstanding ability in individual subjects and disciplines, or on academic potential. They may be offered in combination with a bursary.
Academic
Designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, the Girl emPowered Academic Scholarship offers a wealth of unique, door-opening opportunities.
Academic
Academic Scholarships are awarded based on merit and take into consideration a number of factors, including performance in the 11+ entrance examination and assessment, and any additional information provided by your daughter’s current school.
When they reach Sixth Form, Academic Scholars are automatically enrolled in our bespoke Competitive Admissions programme, which provides tailored support for top-tier university applications, including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry courses, and Oxbridge.
Please note, you do not need to apply for this.
Subject-specific
We offer scholarships in Art, Drama, Music and Sport. All Girl emPowered Scholars receive 1:1 mentoring, participate in an annual Girl Empowered Scholar Project, and attend the annual Scholars’ Celebration to recognise their achievements.
Subject-specific
Subject scholarships are awarded through an assessment process tailored to each subject. Please indicate your chosen subject on the application form.
Please note that each applicant may apply for only one subject scholarship.
Sixth Form Scholarships
-
1 —The Programme
-
2 —Applying
-
3 —Academic
-
4 —Drama
-
5 —Music
-
6 —Art
-
7 —Prizes and awards
The Programme
Blackheath High Sixth Form attracts exceptional applicants and empowers girls to achieve outstanding grades. We offer a wide range of scholarship and bursary options to support your journey through our Sixth Form – these include GDST Scholarships for Academic, Art, Drama, and Music, as well as range of named prizes, awarded for excellence in various subjects.
The Programme
Sixth Form students may hold multiple awards, provided they hold no more than one subject scholarship and the total fee remission does not exceed 50%.
All scholarships are open to both new applicants and students progressing from our Senior School. Senior School students who hold a Scholarship do not need to reapply at Sixth Form, they retain their existing scholarships, as long as the new total fee remission does not exceed 50%.
For more information, please read our Scholarships and Bursaries Guide.
Applying
To apply for a Subject Scholarship, simply indicate your choice on the application form and complete the additional form on our portal.
Please note: you may apply for one subject scholarship only.
Applying
Scholarship offers are made based on outstanding ability in individual subjects and disciplines. They may be offered in combination with a bursary.
Academic (GDST) Scholarships are awarded based on performance in our 16+ assessments and predicted GCSE Grades. No separate application is required.
While we accept Sixth Form applications all year round, scholarship applications are subject to a deadline in the Autumn Term. The Sixth Form scholarships and bursaries deadline for September 2026 entry has now passed.
Academic
Academic (GDST) Scholarships are based on academic merit and potential. They typically offer a fee remission of between 10% and 50% for both years of Sixth Form.
Academic
Being awarded an Academic Scholarship is a significant honour, recognised and respected by universities and higher education institutions. Holding one can provide a valuable distinction on a UCAS application.
Drama
Drama awards are open to students who have reached at least Grade 6 in LAMDA, are performing at a high level in GCSE Drama, or who have made a significant contribution to school productions, on stage or behind the scenes in a technical role.
Benefits include a fee remission, LAMDA tuition, and a range of tailor-made opportunities designed by our Head of Drama.
Drama
Drama auditions are held in November, with candidates required to perform two contrasting monologues.
Music
We welcome applications from students who have reached at least Grade 6 standard on their main instrument or voice. Benefits include a fee remission, free lessons on up to two instruments or voice, and a wide range of additional opportunities and performances.
Music
Music auditions take place in November. Candidates will perform two contrasting pieces and complete sight-reading and aural tests at Grade 6 level.
You do not need to study Music at A-level to apply, but all Music Scholars must demonstrate a strong academic record and the ability to balance Sixth Form study with a high level of commitment to Music activities.
Art
Sixth Form Art Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding creative ability, technical skill and a genuine passion for the subject. Candidates showcase their talents through a portfolio of work and an interview with our Head of Art.
Art
Art Scholars enjoy a vibrant programme of workshops, masterclasses and ongoing projects that nurture individuality and confidence across a wide range of media and techniques. They collaborate with visiting artists and designers, experiment with new materials, and have opportunities to showcase their work throughout the year.
Scholars are also valued members of our creative community, often helping to curate exhibitions and support events within the Art Department.
Please note, we have an additional prize, the Lucy Forrest Memorial Scholarship for Maths and Art, which comes with a smaller fee remission. Exceptional candidates are welcome to apply for both.
Prizes and awards
Alongside our Scholarships, we offer a number of prizes and awards to honour exceptional talent and passion across a range of subjects including Science, Maths, English, Art and Physics.
Prizes and awards
These awards recognise students who show real curiosity, creativity and commitment in their chosen field. You can apply for more than one prize, in addition to any Scholarships awarded.
Details about each prize can be found in our Scholarships and Bursaries Guide, and prizes are awarded based on your personal statement and interview. Simply indicate on your application form which prizes you’d like to be considered for.
Bursaries
We understand that not every family is in a position to pay full school fees, which is why we offer a number of bursaries to support bright, ambitious girls keen to join us in Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12.
Bursaries are means-tested and awarded by the GDST based on academic potential, and competition is high. The level of support offered depends on your family’s financial circumstances and, in some cases, includes 100% of school fee remission.
Partial bursaries can be awarded alongside subject scholarships, with the combined value not exceeding full fees.
Bursary eligibility is reassessed annually to reflect any changes in financial circumstances.
If you would like to be considered for a bursary, simply indicate this on your application form by the closing date in October. You will be informed of the outcome in your offer letter.
