Hillcrest is committed to broadening student’s opportunities to access the education we offer.
Scholarship awards are offered by Hillcrest Secondary School for entry to Year 9 (13 years) for access to our IGCSE programme and Year 12 / Sixth Form (16 years) for access to our A-Level and BTEC courses.
In line with our Vision ‘for every child to achieve personal excellence as a valuable member of our global community’, these awards are intended to recognize the potential for excellence in a range of areas.
Candidates are also expected to demonstrate personal determination and show evidence of independent thinking, curiosity and respect in line with our values.
This page gives details of the various awards available under the Hillcrest Secondary School scholarships and the procedure for application. Scholarships normally equate to a reduction of between 10% and 25% of the tuition fees for the successful applicants.
Hillcrest also offers the Frank Thompson Scholarship under a separate programme.
The Hillcrest Secondary School scholarship process does not disadvantage any pupils. The assessments and examinations are specifically designed to not be based around curriculum and the prior knowledge therein.
Rather, the Hillcrest Secondary School scholarship assessments and examinations aim to allow any student with sufficient talent and academic potential to be able to demonstrate their skills in a particular area – academic, artistic, dramatic, musical, sporting and all-round talent.
Scholars are encouraged for the contribution they make to school life and for the role they play in raising the aspirations of other pupils. The number of awards made in any year is based on the quality and circumstances of candidates.
Hillcrest Secondary School Scholarships:
Hillcrest offers a range of seven different scholarships. Applicants may only apply for one category, unless under exceptional circumstances and with permission from the Head Teacher. Scholarships, and the assessments required for each, are as follows:
Academic Scholarship – 1 hour English examination & 1 hour Mathematics examination plus 1 hour examination of a third subject of the student’s choice – from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, DT, ICT/Computing, Business Studies, French, Spanish, Latin or German.
All-Rounder Scholarship – 1 hour English examination & 1 hour Mathematics examination plus 2 x 1 hour assessments in two disciplines (from Music, Drama, Art, Sport and Swimming);
- All Rounder Music assessment – solo recital and interview;
- All Rounder Drama assessment – monologue recital and interview;
- All Rounder Art assessment – portfolio discussion and individual task;
- All Rounder Sport assessment – sporting drills and interview.
- All Rounder Swimming assessment – drills and interview.
Music Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Solo performance with instrument of choice or vocal piece (pre-prepared); group improvisation activity; interview with Head of Music with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence.
The portfolio should include copies of any music exams taken eg ABRSM certificates and any awards won at Kenya level competitions, eg Young Musicians of the Year; details of concerts or festivals taken part in; references from Prep teachers including evidence of active participation in current school musical activities eg school orchestra, choirs, bands etc; proof of leadership roles within school musical activities and possible engagement in outside groups eg Safaricom Youth Orchestra, KNYO, choirs. Personal statement – ‘What music means to me in my life’.
Art Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Art based activity (usually a still-life drawing); interview with Head of Art with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence. The portfolio should include: a sketchbook and some larger pieces; work produced in student’s own time at home as well as school Art projects; some drawings from direct observation as well as pieces that show use of different media.
Drama Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Monologue performance of student’s choice (pre-prepared); group improvisation activity; interview with Head of Drama with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence.
Sport Scholarship – 2 ½ hour assessment to include: Warm-up and fitness drills; group sporting games/scenarios; interview with Director of Sport with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence. The portfolio should include: a CV outlining sporting achievements since Year 6 – teams represented, competitions participated in and achievements – 1st, 2nd, 3rd. If athletes or swimmers, also include pb times and distances.
Swimming Scholarship – 2 hour assessment to include a test session, need to provide a portfolio with evidence of pb times and interview with director. KSF National Standard level.
The Beacon Scholarship
Beacon are pleased to offer The Beacon Scholarship at Hillcrest Secondary School for students with strong leadership qualities.
The Beacon Scholarship is a change-maker programme that offers access for financially disadvantaged students to top tier secondary schools in their home country, and undergraduate programmes of study at world class universities in the UK. The programme includes leadership training and development, a strong Mentoring structure, and a goal-setting performance management system.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are ‘Change-makers’ i.e.
- They are already making a difference now; and
- A capacity to take people with them.
The Beacon Scholarship for Schools
For students to gain admission and attend at Hillcrest as a Beacon Scholar; Tuition fees are split three ways: 1/3 Hillcrest; 1/3 Beacon; 1/3 Scholar Parents/Sponsors/Guardians.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be normally resident in Kenya or Tanzania
- Age 13-18
- Must show evidence of strong leadership capabilities in four areas:
- Academic excellence;
- Achievement in sport, music, or drama;
- Social Influence & Communication;
- Citizenship.
- Annual Gross Household Income must not exceed US$80,000
The Beacon Scholarship for University
For undergraduate study, medicine excluded. Candidates must already hold an offer from a Beacon Partner university in order to qualify. Tuition and maintenance fees are split three ways: 1/3 University Partner; 1/3 Beacon; 1/3 Scholar Parents/Sponsors/Guardians.
Beacon Partner Universities currently include: University of Bristol; University of Cambridge; Cardiff University; London School of Economics; University of Surrey.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be normally resident in Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda
- Must show evidence of strong leadership capabilities in four areas:
- Academic excellence;
- Achievement in sport, music, or drama;
- Social Influence & Communication;
- Citizenship.
- Capacity to study independently overseas
- Commitment to return to home country within 1 month of degree completion
- Annual Gross Household Income must not exceed US$100,000
In order to apply for The Beacon Scholarship for Schools or University, click this link Beacon Scholarship.
