What are Scholarships at Cranleigh Prep?
Prep School Scholarships at Cranleigh recognise, reward, and nurture exceptional talent at the 11+ (Year 7) entry point. Our 11+ scholarship programme personalises your child's education during these crucial prep school years, stretching them in their chosen disciplines and giving them access to our specialist facilities and dedicated mentoring.
Each award typically lasts for the duration of a pupil's time at Cranleigh. It provides a valuable foundation that prepares young learners to excel as they move through the Prep School and transition seamlessly into our Senior School.
What benefits do Scholars receive?
Every 11+ scholar receives a comprehensive framework of guidance designed to build confidence, curiosity, and academic strength:
- Dedicated Mentoring & Guidance: One-to-one support and regular review sessions with a dedicated staff member to set age-appropriate goals.
- Balance & Wellbeing: Careful monitoring to ensure young scholars maintain a healthy balance between academic work, co-curricular interests, and personal wellbeing.
- Enriched Learning Opportunities: Access to specialized facilities, tailored workshops, and opportunities to collaborate with and be mentored by older pupils.
- Financial Recognition: Scholarships can carry a financial award of up to 15% of school fees.
What Prep Scholarships are available at 11+?
Academic Scholarships
Academic awards identify bright, inquisitive young minds poised to engage deeply with their learning and thrive in a supportive environment.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
Art Scholarships
Designed for young artists who show exceptional fine art capability, observational skill, and visual creativity for their age.
- Creative Guidance: Mentorship to develop personal style, techniques, and visual thinking.
- Portfolio & Exhibition: Opportunities to build an early portfolio and showcase artwork in school displays and exhibitions.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
Design Engineering & Product Design Scholarships
Focused on pupils who demonstrate strong practical flair, problem-solving skills, and innovation in design and engineering.
- Specialist Workshops: Access to practical workshops and design masterclasses to build hands-on technical mastery.
- Project Work: Involvement in school-wide creative and design projects, learning to turn ideas into functional solutions.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
Drama and Performing Arts Scholarships
Celebrating versatile performers who excel across multiple performance disciplines, including dance, music theatre, and stagecraft.
- Performance Training: Access to specialist acting coaches and practical skill-building workshops.
- Development Plans: A bespoke development path covering movement, vocal coaching, and stage confidence.
- Stage Experience: Prominent acting roles in prep school theatrical productions and showcases throughout the year.
- Showcase Opportunities: Opportunities to perform in multi-disciplinary productions, concerts, and arts showcases.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
Music Scholarships
Supporting promising young musicians through personalised tuition and performance experience.
- Specialist Instruction: Tailored coaching, regular ensemble participation, and performance opportunities to build stage confidence.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
Sport Scholarships
Part of our Sports Scholars High Performance Pathway Programme, awarded to pupils showing outstanding athletic potential or multi-sport talent.
- Core Sports: Primary focus across Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, and Swimming.
- Athletic Development: Age-appropriate strength and conditioning coaching, fitness testing, and team-building exercises led by qualified sports professionals.
Deadline for Scholarship applications for 11+ 2027 is Monday 30th November 2026.
How are 11+ Prep School Scholarships assessed?
Scholarships are awarded to candidates who show outstanding potential and who embody our core School values:
- Aspire Boldly: Embracing challenges with curiosity and striving for excellence.
- Be Yourself: Showing authenticity, confidence, and resilience.
- Care for Others: Demonstrating kindness, respect, and good sportsmanship.
Assessments take place in January of Year 6 for entry into Year 7:
| Scholarship Discipline | 11+ Assessment Details (Sat in January of Year 6) |
| Academic | General paper (evaluating logic, reasoning, creativity, data handling, and critical thinking), a group discussion, and an interview. |
| Art, Design Engineering & Product Design | Review of a portfolio that reflects impressive capability for their age. |
| Drama & Performing Arts | Performance of a prepared piece, a video portfolio of work, and an interview. |
| Music | Performance of prepared piece(s) and an interview. |
| Sport | One-day assessment including physical fitness testing, sport-specific trials, teamwork and leadership tasks, and an interview. |
Can 11+ scholarships be combined with bursaries?
Yes. Cranleigh is committed to widening access so that financial circumstances do not prevent talented children from benefiting from our education.
Families requiring additional financial assistance alongside or beyond a scholarship award are welcome to apply for a Means-Tested Bursary or a Foundationer Place via the Cranleigh Foundation.