It doesn’t matter whether you send your child to an independent school or a government-run educational institution. Secondary education can be a costly affair — and the costs only escalate the older your child gets. Even if you don’t have tuition fees to pay, there is the cost of uniforms, computers, sporting equipment, musical instruments, excursions … even private tutoring.
Not surprisingly, the competition for scholarships is fierce. Each year, many hundreds of students clamber to sit for exams that will, hopefully, lead to an offer of a scholarship at their preferred school. Usually this is an independent school, although a number of government secondary schools also offer scholarship programs.
The specific details of each scholarship differ and it can take quite a bit of research to work out what’s on offer. While one scholarship may provide a contribution towards schooling costs, another will offer a percentage discount on fees. Others will cover all school fees, while some will be for a year and others for the duration of your child’s secondary school life.
Some scholarships are only available to students already enrolled in the school. For others, a scholarship is an opportunity to attend a school that would otherwise not have been a possibility, or that provides specialised programs to suit your child’s talents.
Scholarships are based on merit, often academic, but sometimes on sporting, artistic or musical ability. Some schools offer a broad range, others a limited number. Caulfield Grammar School, for example, offers a wide variety of scholarships across most year levels, including academic, founder’s (for general excellence), rural boarding, theatre, music instrumental, music choral, visual arts and a scholarship for children of past students. Westbourne Grammar School offers academic scholarships for entry into Years 7 and 9 and music scholarships for all years. Other scholarships are aimed at only the most senior students, such as the university enhancement scholarships available for Year 12 students at Whittlesea Secondary College. These scholarships enable students to study a first-year university subject.
Selection criteria vary and may include an exam for an academic scholarship, a folio or a project for an art or science scholarship, or an audition for a music scholarship. Most schools offering scholarships will also include an interview with prospective students in their selection process.
Competition is intense
Applying for a scholarship should be a partnership between parents and child. The process can be daunting and overwhelming for some children so discuss the process with your child and explain what is involved. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. The scholarship examinations are difficult and the competition is always intense.
For those looking for a scholarship at Year 7 level, the first step in the process is to examine the type of education and school you want for your child. Consider issues like coeducation versus single-sex schooling, religion, compulsory co-curricular activities, school uniform and dress code, subjects offered, the socio-economic composition of the school, your child’s friends attending the school and the location of the school. Also discuss these issues with your child and hear their preferences and ideas about preferred schools.
Make a list of suitable schools based on what you think is important in the education of your child. It is important to choose the school you want your child to attend and pursue the scholarship criteria, rather than just applying for any scholarship.
Visit the school’s website or obtain a copy of each school’s prospectus describing the curriculum, co-curricular activities, facilities and ethos of the school. Visit the school, where possible, to consider the best match between your values and the school’s.
The application process
Once you have developed your shortlist of schools, find out what scholarships are offered and the scholarship process.
The website of the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria makes a good starting point. The downloadable report — A Guide to Independent School Scholarships — lists all scholarships, what they offer, when tests are held, other requirements and contact details. Visit
www.ais.vic.edu.au or call 03 9825 7200 for more information.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can check the school website for the scholarship application process. In many cases, scholarship applications are only accepted online. You will need to pay a non-refundable application fee to each school to cover administration costs.
Bear in mind the number of scholarship tests, auditions and interviews your child will have to undergo. The closing date for scholarship applications is often early in the year, so it is wise to be informed and prepared well in advance.
Scholarship exams
Some schools set and manage their own exams for academic scholarships. Your child will be required to attend an exam, usually on the school campus.
Many schools participate in a cooperative testing program, where students sit one exam organised by an independent group and the results are forwarded to all participating schools to which the student has applied. Students will often sit for the exam at their school of first preference.
The Cooperative Scholarship Testing Program is conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). To find out more, visit their website at www.acer.edu.au
The Independent Testing Service of Australia (ITSA) also runs a scholarship testing program. See www.ind-test.com.au for information about the exam process. Scholarship exams will test areas such as reading comprehension, written expression, spelling, mathematics and other ability and knowledge tests.
Making preparations
Organising additional tutoring prior to an exam for an academic scholarship can be well worthwhile. Tutors with knowledge of the scholarship exams can offer advice and assistance in the areas that will be tested. This gives academic assistance but also lets your child know what they can expect from the exam. Regular testing can also be advantageous as it will give both you and your child an indication of where they are and help to prepare them for the daunting aspect of an exam situation.
There are also providers of online practice tests that assist with various types of entrance examinations.
Scholarship interviews
A child who has performed well in the exams and is under consideration for a scholarship will usually be offered an interview with the school. Many people believe if a child is bright and a high achiever, they will receive a scholarship. However, schools are not always looking for the most intelligent child — enthusiasm, personality and initiative are also important.
Approach the interview in a relaxed manner and let your child’s enthusiasm and creativity shine through. Ensure they understand what the process is and what the interviewers will be looking for. Before the interview, talk with your child about favourite subjects at school and extracurricular interests, so that ideas are fresh and will spring to mind in the interview.
Receiving a scholarship
If your child is offered a scholarship, consider the impact it will have. First, do your homework before you accept or sign a scholarship agreement to ensure you understand the conditions of the scholarship. Consider the impact on your child.
There will be pressure to perform both academically and in the area of ‘talented’ selection. If the scholarship does not cover all fees and expenses, consider the financial strain the remaining costs may place on your family. Also consider your other children and the impact of possibly sending siblings to different schools.
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